How to ship an outboard?

WEH

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Nov 29, 2002
Messages
76
What's the best way to ship an outboard across the country, state to state?<br /><br />I have heard UPS has a lot of damage.<br /><br />Also, what's the best way to pack an outboard for shipment?<br /><br />Thanks,
 

Forktail

Ensign
Joined
Feb 11, 2002
Messages
977
Re: How to ship an outboard?

IMO the best way to ship is through a trucking company in your area. It is generally cheaper and very predictable. They also have the equipment to unload it properly. (UPS is expensive, but they should cover any damage!)<br /><br />Packaging is important, and the strength of the packaging would depend on the size of outboard. Try to find used packaging at a local outboard dealer. You can retrofit this to your outboard, and at the same time take some would-be garbage off your dealer's hands.<br /><br />First, drain all engine oil, fuel, and water. Lower unit oil drain is not necessary. (Red tag the outboard as having no oil in it and possibly include fresh oil jugs in your packaging) On bigger outboards you may want to remove the prop.<br /><br />Smaller outboards, say up to 15 hp can be put in one of those spray foam to fit crates/boxes at a packaging company. They acutally spray a large box with foam and set the motor in the foam. The foam conforms to the shape and protects it very well. Otherwise, construct a large cardboard box (like from a refridgerator) and use chunks of Styrofoam to pack.<br /><br />You will need to build a wooden frame to crate the bigger outboards in. 2X4 construction is best for the big ones. You will need to construct a protecting frame for all sides, ends and top/bottom. From this frame you will need to make bracing to keep the outboard from moving. This can be done by using bolts/nuts through the transom mounting holes and utilizing the prop shaft as an anchor piont. Lock the steering arm with wire, etc if you can. If it's a tiller, you may want to remove the handle if it's prone. Using old clothes or foam is a good idea where the outboard could rub on any wood. You can cover the wooden frame/box with light sheets of cut plywood, or heavy cardboard. Strap the crate (rope doesn't work too good). Label "This Side Up" for the position you want the outboard to travel in (usually on its side with handle up or completely facing up). Insure it.<br /><br />Don't forget the stamp. :)
 

WEH

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Nov 29, 2002
Messages
76
Re: How to ship an outboard?

Thanks Forktail, that's exactly what I needed.
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: How to ship an outboard?

CC, <br /> Be very careful with crating a packing.<br />I had 2 motors damaged in shipping a 5 and a 25<br /> the 5 was basically a total loss with lots of good parts left. Ups paid full loss about about <br /> 120 dollars not including shipping.<br /> 25 was in tough shape anyway so I didnt make a claim with motor freight company.
 

NathanY

Commander
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
2,408
Re: How to ship an outboard?

DO NOT SHIP UPS!!!! I had an outboard shipped just before Christmas, that I had bought on Ebay, and UPS destroyed it. It was very well packed with pillows and and wrapped in a quilt and packing p-nuts. They did not want to pay me for the damage, They box when shipped was destroyed, pieces of the motor fell out of cowl when opened. Still fighting with them for insurance claim. I recommend that you go with Airborne Express. They ship right to your door just like UPS at about 1/3 less than UPS. They specialize in the bigger heavier packages.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,755
Re: How to ship an outboard?

I used FEDEX to send a new kicker to my dad for xmas gift. No damage to box or contents.
 

luisg

Cadet
Joined
Jan 10, 2003
Messages
20
Re: How to ship an outboard?

airborne is good.<br />i use spray foam from home depot .<br />i rap the motor in plastic rap and set the motor in a box with two big chunks of stire foam n the bottom then sprayed the foam underneath and the on top.so the motor was auctualy covered completly with foam..."cant go wroung" this was for a 15 horse.<br /><br />luis
 
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