How to Transport a Small Outboard Motor Over Any Road, Sealed or Corrugated
A motor that survives the drive is a motor that starts at the ramp. Here is how to carry one safely in a ute, a car boot or on the boat itself, even down a long dirt track.
How to transport a small outboard motor: carry it upright on a stand or bracket, or lying only on the side the manual approves, with the fuel turned off and the motor strapped so it cannot slide. On a trailer, support the leg with a transom saver.
Mei and 40 kilometres of corrugations
Mei’s favourite campsite sits at the end of a 40 km (25 mile) gravel road, beside a river mouth that is empty all week. The first time she towed her 3.7 m (12 ft) tinnie there, the 15 HP on the back bounced for an hour straight, with nothing supporting it but the transom and the tilt lock.
At camp she noticed a hairline crack in the transom paint and a clamp screw that had worked itself loose. Nothing had failed yet, but the message was clear: the whole weight of the motor was levering on the back of the boat every time a wheel hit a bump.
The fix cost less than a tank of petrol. A transom saver now braces the leg against the trailer, the clamp screws get a check at every fuel stop, and on the roughest trips she moves her small tender motor, a Suzuki DF4A, into the tray of the ute on a bolted-down stand.
Three seasons later the transom is fine and the motors start first time at the river mouth. Support the leg, secure the load, check it on the way.
What is the best way to transport a small outboard?
For motors up to about 6 HP, upright on a stand in a ute tray or wagon is best. For bigger motors that stay on the boat, use a transom saver on the trailer.
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Upright on a stand, ute tray | 2.5–9.9 HP | Strap stand to tie-down points; cover from sun |
| Lying down, car boot | 2.5–6 HP | Only on the approved side; drain carb and fuel first |
| On the boat, trailer with transom saver | 9.9–30 HP | Check clamp screws or bolts at each stop |
| Torqeedo, broken down in bags | Electric travel motors | Keep battery secured and terminals covered |
How do you transport a small outboard motor, step by step?
- Prepare the fuel. Close the fuel vent and tap, and disconnect any external tank. For car travel, run the carburettor dry or drain it.
- Let it drain. After use, leave the motor upright for a few minutes so water drains from the leg before you lay it down.
- Choose the position. Upright is safest. If lying down, use only the side your manual shows, so oil does not reach the cylinder or air intake.
- Brace it. Use a motor stand, a padded cradle or a transom saver. Never let the leg hang unsupported over rough roads.
- Strap it down. Two ratchet straps to solid anchor points; the motor should not move when pushed.
- Protect the prop. A prop cover or old towel stops damage and keeps sharp edges off your gear.
- Check en route. On long or gravel trips, stop after the first 20 minutes and recheck straps and clamps.
- Carry petrol only in approved containers, secured upright and ventilated.
- Check local rules on carrying fuel in vehicles with your local authority.
Easy-to-transport small outboards
Light enough to lift into a ute or boot. Starting prices in USD.
How to transport a small outboard motor: FAQ
Do I need a transom saver for a small outboard?
For motors that stay on the boat while trailering, especially over rough roads, a transom saver is cheap insurance. It takes load off the transom and the tilt mechanism.
Can I carry an outboard in my car boot?
Yes for small motors, if the fuel is drained, it lies on the approved side, it is padded and it cannot slide. Fumes in a closed car are a real hazard, so drain first.
Should the outboard be tilted up or down when trailering?
Tilt it up enough for ground clearance and support it with a transom saver, rather than relying only on the tilt lock.
How do I transport an electric outboard?
Separate the battery, cover the terminals and secure each part. Torqeedo travel models break down into manageable pieces for a car boot.
Pack it right and the trip starts at the ramp, not the workshop.
Need a lighter motor that is easier to move? We can help you choose.