On sailing boats, particularly ketches and yawls, you can use the mizzen boom to hoist the outboard motor or other heavy cargo aboard. If the layout of your boat doesn’t lend itself to this you can fit a dedicated cargo boom or outboard motor hoist. These are incredibly useful pieces of equipment – you’ll wonder how you managed without one.There are various types available, some quite reasonable in price others eye-wateringly expensive. Or you can make your own from 1½” (38mm) stainless tube bent to shape, or cut and welded. The vertical section can rotate inside a slightly larger diameter tube secured to a pushpit upright with bolted clamps or hose clamps. A rubber tip or softwood plug will protect the deck from the cut end of the tube.
A three part purchase using a double block on the davit arm will give you a three to one mechanical advantage. The hoisting line can be secured to a cleat on the davit upright. A more sophisticated version might use a trailer winch and crank handle to do the hoisting.
Whether you use the mizzen boom, a dedicated cargo hoist or simply a halyard to hoist your outboard motor you’ll need a Salty John Motor Lift™ to provide the top lifting point.
