Mercruiser alpha lifting point

[H20Rat]

Quick question for the experts... I have my outdrive already off for winter, and am looking for an over-winter storage option that ISN'T on my wood stand.

On the top cap on the upper unit, there is a useless little loop through the cap. Is that intended to be used as a lifting point? (and if not, i'm really curious, what is it for?)

(on the back of this...)

 

[Bt Doctur]

tie a strong cord thru it or bend a large landscape nail into an "S"

 

[Scott06]

You can hang it from there, I usually lay mine on the floor under the trailer can’t get damaged if it’s already on the ground

 

[Scott Danforth]

The drive weighs the same as 2 cases of beer. I used to just pick it up and put on the work bench

 

[Candy Gramformongo]

"(and if not, i'm really curious, what is it for?)"
Here's what mine is used for on a 1976 MC-1. I've been assuming this was a common feature back then, but don't know for sure.

 

[H20Rat]

The drive weighs the same as 2 cases of beer. I used to just pick it up and put on the work bench

I'm a big guy, I can probably single arm curl a drive...

It's in a storage shop that is jam packed for winter storage, and doesn't have a work bench. Hanging the drive is the best option, assuming that hole was meant for it.

 

[alldodge]

Picked Alpha's and Bravo's up using the little slot without issue.