Outboard Motor Bracket

[rmargoss Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rmargoss]

I've done a search for outboard motor brackets and found nothing.

I have an outboard weighing 35kg. I'd like to know where I could have it fitted for travelling. Nothing offroad. Roofrack is full and inside of the car is full. Was thinking of a bracket for the spare wheel. Am a little worried about the weight though on the door hinges . Thule makes a bike rack for the rear wheel on the Prados and that holds about 35kg. Anything similar for a motor. Any other options?

[fishnut Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishnut]

Re: Outboard Motor Bracket

That's a great question - I have thought about this too. I don't claim to be an expert at all, but thes are my thoughts.

Firstly, I would not hang it off the door. There's hardly a Prado that's been off the showroom floor for a while that doesn't have some door sag, and I reckon the outboard would be too much, unless you leave the spare at home :wink: The bike rack could hold 35kg, but it doesn't mean the door could. Even if the door hinges could, I wouldn't trust the bolts that hold the wheel on.

The best, albeit expensive, option I reckon would be a rear bar and modify the swinging bit to mount the motor - but that's a pretty serious mod to the car.

edit: Actually, how about a bike carrier for the tow-hitch reciever. There are fold down ones that would get the motor out of the way of the door. Not sure how strong they are but I know they make some for 4 bikes - that might get you to 50kg limit??? not that this is the best one, but to get you thinking http://www.discountramps.com/trailer...-bike-rack.htm

and there's always the cargo carriers - here's an aussie company - built up your way http://www.hitchmate.com.au/index.htm

[IRON-PAWW Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close IRON-PAWW]

Re: Outboard Motor Bracket

That is a very good question. I really don't see any option other than some sort of tow hitch connecting bike carrier. There are some pretty chunky ones I remember some people showed in a bike rack thread here on the forum. You'd need to do some modding though I'd say. I can't think of another way to do it, unless Yamaha etc actually do sell outboard racks for that very purpose. Maybe join a boating / fishing forum and ask the lads there. That's what I did when I needed some low down on some replacement outboards.......... Only other option might be some sort of small trailer......

[rmargoss Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rmargoss]

Re: Outboard Motor Bracket

Based on all the research I've done it seems the best solution is to modify a bike carrier for the tow bar. I was thinking about something like the Thule Revolver which can carry 4 bikes and would still allow the rear door to be opened. Unless anyone has a better suggestion,this is what I will buy and modify