Waterproof Outboard bag?

[NickC]

Our problem is the outboard has been sitting in the water permanently, not a good way to look after an outboard. Having recently given the bottom half a good strip-down, clean and paint, I found removing the accumulation of dead weed and barnacles was a job I don't ever want to do again.

That outboard sits in a well and will not tilt quite tilt far enough to get the Shallow drive arm clipped in, we could probably find some way to tie it up though. However even tied up the bottom few inches are still under water.

So this got me thinking, what about a waterproof bag tied up around the outboard leg. Obviously this would get full of water as it was put on but that could be pumped out using an extension from the bilge pump. Has anyone tried anything like this, does anywhere make a strong waterproof bag for this purpose?

Nick

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

You could anti-foul the bottom part of the leg using a compatible A/F.

 

[alahol2]

I recently saw a posting on here (or another board) that someone used a fender, with the top cut off, as a sort of bucket to flush the engine with fresh water. I guess the same idea could be used for your purpose.

 

[NickC]

You could anti-foul the bottom part of the leg using a compatible A/F.

But it would still corrode a bit even if antifouled wouldn't it? The deep pitting on the gearbox casing makes me feel that it would be much better kept dry if possible.

 

[NickC]

I recently saw a posting on here (or another board) that someone used a fender, with the top cut off, as a sort of bucket to flush the engine with fresh water. I guess the same idea could be used for your purpose.

Hmm. interesting idea. Would have to be a fair size to get over the prop and captivation plate but a fender would certainly be strong enough.

 

[Fantasie 19]

Hmm. interesting idea. Would have to be a fair size to get over the prop and captivation plate but a fender would certainly be strong enough.

...any way you can raise the height of the fixing point so that the engine sits higher on the mount (where the threaded handles are) and then clears the water?? Block of wood?

If not.. a swing bin?? chuck the top bit and just use the bucket bit...

How big is the engine? Is it not removable completely (to store in a cockpit locker, or cabin?)

Edit: Rob2's post gave me an idea - how about a (heavy duty) dry bag like one of these?

 

[rob2]

I rather like the idea of putting a bag round it and pumping it out. I have no doubt that nothing like that is commercially available so it's down to lateral thinking to find something suitable. I wonder whether RIB manufacturers have weird shaped offcuts when they make new tubes (or end-of-roll pieces) you could glue up a suitable tough bag. Although it should almost eliminate fouling, the damp and saltiness inside the bag will still allow corrosion, though.

It amused me to remember that I one packed all my clothes for a trip in ziplock plastic bags, sucking all the air from them. I had more clothes in the bag than I'd ever managed before and each pair of sock or pants where dry and comfortable ( a treat after the first couple of days). The down side was that I slid all over the cabin on the empty bags and couldn't get all my gear back in the bag!

Rob.

 

[NickC]

...any way you can raise the height of the fixing point so that the engine sits higher on the mount (where the threaded handles are) and then clears the water?? Block of wood?

Not easily because the engine would then probably be too high in the water for normal running.

If not.. a swing bin?? chuck the top bit and just use the bucket bit...

Now funnily enough I had thought about that but drawback is that it will probably not fit down through the well when the engine is there, not enough room, so only way would be to throw it over the transom and pull it back under the engine. Problem with that is that when on the mooring the tide will be flowing backwards so difficult to get any ropes over the transom and back up through the outboard well.

How big is the engine? Is it not removable completely (to store in a cockpit locker, or cabin?)

Well only a 6hp so could go in one of the cockpit lockers. Just that I am looking for an easier solution than that, my fellow owner/partners will be less likely to take it off if too much work involved.

Edit: Rob2's post gave me an idea - how about a (heavy duty) dry bag like one of these?

Yep that might work but suspect they might not be strong enough, probably worth a try though.

 

[onesea]

Now to play devils advocate...

>Not easily because the engine would then probably be too high in the water for normal running.
Check this basically if engine is in water and not cavitating you have it right... Its also less drag when sailing... A couple of inches may or may not make a difference...


>Well only a 6hp so could go in one of the cockpit lockers.
I had the main sheet secured on quick release shackle to make lifting outboard easier if that help. 6hp is managable it is not the easiest...

>Yep that might work but suspect they might not be strong enough, probably worth a try though.
Or the fender.. I would also drop a touch of something in there so that when the rain sea does get in it stops any growth. Squeezy?

 

[NickC]

Think I might have found the answer or at least our prototype. A bag of fertilizer seems to come in a nice strong and just tested waterproof bag.

Now if that works what about the first modification:
A small pipe from the bottom of the bag, out the top and back into the water with a funnel glued onto the end. Then the passing tide will create a small vacuum and suck out any residual/rain water.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

An intriguing idea but, to play devils advocate, I wonder how easy it will be to get the bag on and off, particularly if there is any tide running?

 

[KenMcCulloch]

Think I might have found the answer or at least our prototype. A bag of fertilizer seems to come in a nice strong and just tested waterproof bag.

Now if that works what about the first modification:
A small pipe from the bottom of the bag, out the top and back into the water with a funnel glued onto the end. Then the passing tide will create a small vacuum and suck out any residual/rain water.

You're having a laugh, aren't you? Really?

 

[Fantasie 19]

Not easily because the engine would then probably be too high in the water for normal running.

Yep - but I mean't just while it was on the mooring - you put it back on to it's normal mount when you need to use it... just a thought...... (but as only a 6HP I'd be lifting it into a cockpit locker if it was me - far less faff??)

 

[NickC]

You're having a laugh, aren't you? Really?

What about the fertilizer bag or the vacuum system?

Fertilizer bag can be turned inside out so it is just plain black, and it feels pretty tough. Also, and I have just tested this, it is completely waterproof.