Outboard stowage

[gtmoore]

Can I ask what peoples opinions are regarding the stowage of a small 4 stroke outboard motor.

Not keen at leaving it on the pushpit for all and sundry to see I have a large cockpit locker that I could easily keep it in but am concerned about the build up of petrol fumes. This locker has no drainage but would it be safe if I could vent it somehow such as rigging up a small bilge blower or is there some other method I could use? Or am I worrying unduly?

Thanks

<hr width=100% size=1>Gavin

 

[bigmart]

I wouldn't worry about the build up of fumesas I would expext the amount of fuel available for leaking in the compartment to be minimal. My main concern would be to ensure that the motor can be stowed correctly, because all the 4 stroke outboards that I have seen, need to be laid down one way only to prevent crankcase oil leaking.

Martin

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[VicS]

Empty the carb by turning off the fuel and running the engine 'til it stops, close the tank vent and the volume of petrol to vaporise is minimised.
Bearing in mind the need to store a 4 stoke in the approved orientation to avoid loss of oil can you fit a mounting bracket in the locker and clamp the engine to it keeping it vertical?

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[BrendanS]

I'm thinking of buying a small inflatable tender and outboard, and stowing the outboard is the trickiest bit. What orientation do they have to be laid down?

PS don't tell the MoBo's I'm asking a raggie for advice on engine thingies /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

Solent meet is looking good,about 18 cheques in so far, see you there

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[the_wanderer]

Personally I would worry about the build up of fumes.
As a lad......many years ago I learned by experiment, yes I was one of those little blighters who liked to make big bangs! It only takes an eggcup of petrol or less to make a very big bang as the vapour is what does the trick. Be safe, put your engine into a proper British Standard designed locker, vented overboard. What you are proposing would not stand up to inspection if you wished to obtain a safety certificate for your boat. I recall one night when a couple of friends went back to their boat, lighted the cooker for a bedtime drink and ended up in hospital with serious burns and the boat was destroyed, all through carelessness with fumes.
Be warned. Be safe, this stuff kills.

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[bigmart]

Each model is different but they normally have to be laid down on one side only because the crankcase contains oil, like the sump on any 4 stroke petrol or diesel engine. The crankcase has to be vented to allow for the pressure build up caused by normal use. If you lay the engine vent side down the oil will leak out. If you can store it vertical there is no problem.

I have a Honda BF2 4 stroke that I think is great although many do criticise them for the quality of some of the parts used.

Great to hear about the Solent Meet I look forward to seeing you there. If you can wait until then, before you buy your motor, I will show you the points mentioned.

Martin

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[extravert]

I would second that. I consider that there is enough petrol in a small outboard's internal tank to cause a big bang if it all leaked out. The statistic I have read is that 1 cup of petrol, vapourised, has the same explosive power as a stick of dynamite. I am sure this is a highly unscientific comparison, but it gives the idea.

I had a RNLI seacheck a couple of years ago, and the checker would not give me my certificate until I promised to move my outboard out of the non-drained locker that it was living in. It now lives in my garage, which is not too convenient.

New boats all now have drained gas lockers (probably required by RCD) but they haven't caught on to a safe place to stow a small outboard yet.

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[Little_Russel]

I would keep it on the pushpit with an uninteresting (ie not something that says 'very nice 4 stroke on it) cover over it. Obviously you would lock it to the rail.This is what I do with my 2 hp 4 stroke and I have had no problems. It really does seem to be the best place to keep it out of the way. I could also put mine in a cockpit locker but it would gradually get covered with bits and bobs and it would then be a fiddle to remove.

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[alpha]

I agree with those expressing reservations above.

Why not stow it on your rail, on one of those plastic or wooden mount thingies, lock the two levers together with a good quality padlock or use one of the proprietary outboard locks. Then, get a canvas cover for it, and make the cover look 'tatty' with a bit of oil, some stains, perhaps the odd rip, and put this in place.

Either way, if you're like me, and you keep it in a locker, it'll give you the odd moment of doubt - never conducive to a good night's sleep!

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[gtmoore]

Thanks for everyone's advice.

<hr width=100% size=1>Gavin

 

[bigmart]

I feel I should explain myself as most seem to disagree with me as regards safety.

I am assuming that the only leakage from the engine is likely to be from the float chamber. In older boats, like mine, it is extremely unlikely that you could install a self draining locker that could accommodate the Main Gas Cylinder, the Spare Gas Cylinder, the Outboard Motor, the Fuel Cans for the Outboard Motor, the Inboard Motor & if you were really going to be paranoid the Main Fuel Tank for the Inboard Motor, which could all run on Petrol & by definition therefore leak potentially dangerous amounts of fuel into the bilges.

Like most I store my outboard on the pushpit rail when sailing but I may well store it on the main cabin floor when I leave the boat in her berth, for security.

By taking reasonable care when I board the boat & prepare for sea I feel safe enough. You can make your own choice but we do live in a world where we are bound by the practical constraints of what can reasonably be achieved.

Martin

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[byron]

<font color=blue>Spotted, you wait until I tell everyone. You gonna be drummed out of the Brownies now.

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[bigmart]

Ah but he'll be welcomed into a much higher, more elite group. We may install him as an honourary raggie. Now theres an honour.

Martin

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[MUS]

I had hoped to store our Mariner 4hp on the cabin floor while racing, but I'm not so sure now!

Can anyone tell me which way round I should lay the engine down to stop the oil leaking out? Should I at least prop up the o/b to keep the propellor as the lowest point?

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[bigmart]

This problem only relates to 4Stroke engines so the first question is: Is your Mariner a 4Stroke engine? If not don't worry about the oil leaking out although you may be concerned about any 2 stroke mixture that could leak.

If it is a 4 stroke I am afraid I don't know the answer, all engines are different. The first place to check would be the owners manual failing that I would contact E.P. Barrus of Bicester who are the importers of Mariner.

Hope that helps.

Martin

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[MUS]

Many thanks, it's an old 2 stroke, so I guess I can lay it down after all! There's no internal petrol tank so I'll just unplug the fuel pipe and run it until it stops before I move it.

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[BrendanS]

Good idea - I'm in no hurry so I'll wait to have a look at your setup

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[BrendanS]

Oh heck, that's torn it! I'm going to have to post such questions under a new user alias in future

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[bigmart]

Its OK Brendan. Don't worry about your fellow stinkies. Remember the Lord gets more joy from a sinner that repent his sins. So now your an honourary Raggie you will be above such mere mortals.

Just keep your nose in the air & walk with an air of aloof condecension & those motley stinkies will cower in the awe of your presence.

Trust me. you know it makes sense.

Martin

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[Guest]

An answer from the real world !

I fully agree .... having stowed main outboard in cabin for years .... and the old seagull in the locker.

Practical answers to a practical problem.

As a lad - I knew a boat in Fareham Creek that blew apart from Calor gas escaping to bilges ..... made a real mess so I appreciate the safety apsects etc. Unfortunately not so many older AND newer boats can cater for all .....

As regards bilge blowers etc. The standard diaphragm hand pump actually displaces air ..... so suitably rigged would do the job .... just a thought ! Never liked the idea of electric things clearing petrol / fuel vapours !!! Even EX labeled !!


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !