How to Ship an Outboard Motor
- 1). Contact the shipper for any specific requirements before crating the motor. Obtain a shipping crate that has a crossbar for mounting the engine inside the crate. If necessary, a crossbar can be installed using 2-inch-by-6-inch lumber or thick plywood and attaching it from the outside of the crate with lag screws.
- 2). Stabilize the motor on an outboard motor stand. Remove the fuel line from the motor, and drain any residual fuel into a container. Remove the propeller. Protect the motor case with an outboard cover or by wrapping it with a tarp. Secure a tarp around the case with duct tape.
- 3). Position the shipping crate in an area that allows access for pickup by the shipping service. Have assistants help lift the motor off the stand and lay it in the shipping crate. Tighten the motor clamps to secure the motor to the crossbar.
- 4). Pad the inside of the crate using Styrofoam blocks. Make sure the padding is tightly pressed in place around the motor case. Pad the propeller in Styrofoam, and use duct tape to secure the padding. Place the propeller in the crate. Attach the crate lid using the provided bolt or screws.
- 5). Label the crate using shipping instruction stencils and red spray paint. Typical shipping instructions are arrows on the sides and ends of the crate that point toward the lid. Mask areas for address fields on the top and sides of the crate if required by the shipping service. Most shippers provide shipping labels and any required markings. Contact the shipper and request a pickup.
Source...