Shipping outboards

[1946zephyr]

So, I know this topic has been brought up before, but things could have improved since.

Who can tell me the best mode to ship a Big Twin?

[jw-in-dixie]

I use FedEx Ground as much as possible for motors. Good record. On motors too large/heavy for FedEx, I use Yellow Freight. Mercury factory boxes are excellent. Check with dealers – they have to pay to get rid of them usually. With truck freight, you have to have a shipping and receiving dock. Maybe you have a friendly business that will let you use theirs. Good luck. JW in Dixie

[johnny-infl]

Is this shipping by common carrier over a long distance ??
Or, being carried by someone that you know and trust.

In my world, Having have had years and years of shipping experience, I would prepare it for the worst.
This may be a little overkill, but, if I was going to ship a motor, this is how I would do it.
Some scrap 1x4s nailed to some 4×4 runners. Leave 4" on each end for a fork lift to handle.
A few layers of cardboard and strap the motor to the base with nylon straps, rope, or whatever
you feel comfortable with. A few wood blocks nailed in place to restrict movement.
don’t have any parts protruding below the 1×4 base that a forklift may damage. (prop, etc).
use 2×2 strips to attach the sides and top to make a box cover out of inexpensive plywood, paneling, etc.
in big red letters, mark it DO NOT TOP STACK write the dimensions with a marker: 48x36x24" 200lbs.
try to guess the Center of Balance and mark it so some yahoo with a forklift doesn’t drop it by being off center.
attach the box cover with screws and off it goes ……………….
I did this in the Lockheed-Martin Aerospace wood shop for 7 years. If it worked for rocket parts, it will work for your motor.
With basic wood working experience and basic tools, this box can be made in about 30-45 minutes for less than $30.00.
I would shop around on line for the common carriers with the best rates in my area.

.

[outboard315]

In 2 boxes the powerhead in one and the tower and leg in the other. Wrap in a trash bag and use spray foam to hold in place.

[1946zephyr]

Excellent diagram Johny_inFL. That is right along the lines of what I was thinking about. Where I work, we have lots of pallets about that size. I think i will close off the center, underneath, so forklift operators will have to put forks outward. I use chip board for the enclosure because its cheapest and will work good for a one way ride.

[jw-in-dixie]

Here’s a typical Merc factory box/pallet. I was able to get all I wanted in three different sizes free from a dealer.
They are perfect. Assemble in five minutes. Three straps; no nails or screws required. Cardboard folds flat for easy storage. And they can be stacked safely. Best thing since sliced bread. I wouldn’t use anything else.

I mean, Mercury fills trucks with them. I trusted a Mark 55H to one for a thousand mile truck freight trip.

[1946zephyr]

I’ll go ahead and check around for some of those, then. That’s a nice set up. as well. While I’m at it, I’ll ask the dealer, who shipped the motor there?

Luckily, I managed to sell a motor to someone local, instead of needing to ship it. However, there will be more ready to ship in the future.

[jerry-ahrens]

Yes, those Mercury shipping pallets are the way to go. At the dealer where I used to work, we had tons of those laying around, and were glad to get rid of them. If you add a sheet of plywood along with some 4×4 legs, they also make a great work bench.

[49hiawatha]

All my motors shipped to me over 1000 miles were under 35# and I found FedEx Ground the best. UPS was slower and harder to track. For motors of my size , boxes can be bought at U-Haul , which were designated for golf clubs. Other vendors might have golf bag boxes for sale which did not require motor dismantling.

[dougs-outboards]

You might check out ForwardAir.com. You have to crate of course, and take it to a designated airport nearest to you to ship, and send it nearest to them for pickup.

It’s been a few years, but I shipped a 1955 Johnson 25hp greenie from WA St to Minnesota for I think it was about $178, WAY cheaper than any ground service I checked on.

I have shipped 5-6 motors like this over the years, excellent results every time.

Your results may vary.

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