Engine in or out for towing.

[Killick Greenie]

Thanks to contracting the lurgy I'm sitting here looking at the fantastic weather and my boat...which is still on the drive. I've been through all the albums and blogs of your boats and have now got into the forum for education and inspiration.

My quick question is, is it better to tow with the engine in the boat or the boot of the car.
Thanks

[seasickwhale]

Hi,

I tend to strap the engine down on the cockpit floor or put in the boot if there is room.

I really don't trust the engine bracket on the road. I would think the loads from the engine weight (going through potholes) can get quite a bit higher than on the water; then again this is just my gut feeling without factual backup.

[Killick Greenie]

That sounds like a sensible plan to me. Thank you.

[erbster]

My outboard weighs upwards of 20kg, so it does make sense to remove it for towing. I know Honnor Marine recommend this. However, as I am usually rigging/towing on my own, I don't usually take the outboard off.

[Ru88ell]

I've got into the habit of removing my new engine, since I have to take it off to flush it out. I carry it in the back of the car.

[Killick Greenie]

Thanks everyone. Just as a matter of interest would you take the engine off when the boats on a mooring if you had to leave it a couple of days?

[erbster]

Not unless I was worried about theft. I left mine on when it was moored at a yacht club for a month, earlier this year.

[Killick Greenie]

Thanks Charles

[Nick Martin]

I've always left mine in the boat and had no trouble at all .. and it's a Yamaha 6HP 2 cylinder and VASTLY over the recommended weight (and incidentally WONDERFUL!) .. so the rest of you should have no trouble at all