How to remove a stern drive engine from a boat?

Question

I have a friend who has an old stern drive SeaRay that he just wants to give to me. The only problem is the engine needs work. Any tips on working on stern drive engines? And will a standard engine hoist be tall enough to pull the motor or will I need to find some way of getting a gantry hoist (really hard to do where the boat will be)?

Answer 1

Block up the sides of the boat (inside or out) and put a beam across then use a come-along to lift the motor on to the deck(floor) . You can work on it right there in the boat. Strip it down and carry the pieces out one by one. Because you have not specified which stern drive you have---they are all horribly different  Each one has easy and impossible things that have to be done. There are short cuts that can save you lots of time "like cutting bad control cables instead of removing in place" Some parts are common to the automotive industry so you can get $18.00 u-joints instead of $40. ones at the marina. Lastly get a book. And keep asking questions here, There are lots of us retired guys here to keep you cheap and honest to the work.

Answer 2

You need to remove the upper drive unit from the back of the boat before you can remove the engine because the drive shaft will be slid into the drive coupling attached to the engine.

After that, if you can't get it out of the boat, you can disassemble it and carry it out piece by piece.

Yes, most stern drive engines are the same as car engines with a couple minor differnces, mainly in camming, and possibly piston to wall clearance. Some high perf marine engines have a greater piston to wall clearance to allow for the excellent cooling provided by the lake water.

Any way, go out and buy a book or two, ask questions, surf the net, and remember, when you say "marine part" you say "expensive".

Answer 3

wikapedia will probably help good luck