TOP Outboard Stands Comparison Table
| Name | Warranty | Material | Loading Capacity | ||
 | 1. Heavy Duty Boat Outboard Motor Carrier/Cart/Dolly | + | aluminum | 315 lb | |
 | 2. Multi Purposed Outboard Boat Motor/Engine Carrier (Dolly, Stand, Cart) | + | aluminum | 154 lb | |
 | 3. Portable Boat Carry and Launch Hand Dolly Set with Pneumatic Wheels | + | aluminum | 250 lb |
1. The Best Heavy Duty Boat Outboard Motor Carrier/Cart/Dolly
2. The Best Multi Purposed Outboard Boat Motor/Engine Carrier (Dolly, Stand, Cart)
3. The Best Portable Boat Carry and Launch Hand Dolly Set with Pneumatic Wheels
What is an outboard motor stand?
The outboard motor stand helps out by providing a stable, out-of-the-way place to store your outboard motor when it's not in use or needs to be repaired or transported. They're designed for easy mobility and can be folded so they take up very little space when stored.
This means that you can put the outboard on them at home, load them onto the car while traveling from one destination to another, or put an outboard motor trolley stand with the engine inside of the boat trailer for storage before winterizing process starts.
Tip: It’s better to have more than one outboard motor trolley because this will help save time if you need to move motors between two boats. Plus, using multiple models allows maintaining some engines without running back.
Outboard motor dolly or carrier standardly includes a thick engine mounting block, vertical loop handle, extruded aluminum plate, durable tubular steel frame, and large hard foam-filled or rubber pneumatic wheels that have semi-precision bearings to help reduce friction and support the load.
Ergonomic soft-grip anti slid rubber handles make it easy and safe to tilt the stand and transport to the garage or marina or over adverse terrain.
The step-on brake system ensures this boat stand won't move while you are working on it.
Assembly for these boat motor carts is usually required. Instructions and hardware for assembly are included, tools for assembly can be also included or sold separately.
For stable construction, it can be used carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. It's resistant to rust and corrosion materials repel oil and gas and is safe. These stands, also known as a two-wheeled boat motor dolly, are used to transport bulky items — not only outboard motors but also for a different commercial product.
How do boat motor stands work?
Outboard boat dolly or stand is a surface for placing the engene on it using rack.
They are designed with a manual crank that allows you to release the lock and move outrigger arms for any desired length needed. For example, shorter lengths allow easier maneuvering and storing of the engine inside your garage; longer ones – more stability when loading into a vehicle or trailer.
Some models feature 2 or 4 wheels which make it easy to transport around the yard but this can mean less stabilization during transport operations.
How to use outboard stand
Overall, the outboard engine stand should be placed on a flat, level surface. Then you need to release the lock and move outrigger arms for any desired length needed (shorter lengths allow easier maneuvering). The outboard engine needs to be attached with a rubber strap or tie-down system if necessary; never let it hang by its power cord!
There are two ways of securing the boat motor stand: brackets can be screwed into a vertical surface such as the wall in your garage or vehicle and hooks can be used when there is no suitable mounting place available. Please note that some models feature integrated locking devices which securely hold boats up against walls while not being too intrusive visually.
Types of outboard engine stands
Folding outboard motor stand
It's the most popular out of all types because they are easy to transport and store. If you have a large outboard, it's worth investing in one with a bigger footprint as this will provide better stability.
This folding outboard trolley is also available on 4 wheels instead of 2, which makes them easier to move around but less steady when holding the outboard.
If you often use this product in a variety of locations, it’s worth investing in one with an integrated locking device that will securely hold the outboard engine against any wall without being too intrusive visually.
Small outboard motor stand
It's a popular and the most flexible type. It's less expensive but not as stable as larger models.
Heavy duty outboard motor stand (up to 500 lbs)
Heavy duty outboard trolley is used for big motors to provide optimal stability but it can be heavy to transport by one person.
Outboard motor stand with wheels
The wheeled outboard trolley provides great maneuverability and stability during transportation operations but gives limited storage space inside garage or car trunk because they take up much less room than other types of outboard carts.
What is the best type of outboard stand?
There are boat motor stands for every budget and need. The most popular models feature a ratchet bar with a locking device to securely hold the outboard engine in place while not being too intrusive visually, outrigger arms which can be folded or removed when needed; rubber straps and tie-downs included, brackets allowing attaching stand on vertical surfaces such as wall inside your garage or vehicle.
The one that is best suited for you depends on the type of boat motor you have (or plan to buy), size of space available at home/garage, transportation requirements: shorter ones allow easier maneuvering but stability will decrease during transport operations.
What is the best size of outboard motor stand?
It depends on the outboard engine's length and width, as the outrigger arms need to be of an appropriate length.
There are models for every budget and need: from inexpensive small models with rubber straps and tie-downs included up to more expensive ones featuring integrated locking devices that securely hold engines. There is also the matter of space available at home/garage or transportation requirements: shorter outboard engine trolleys will provide better stability during transport operations but make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces whereas longer models can cause trouble when loading engines into vehicles that are already full.
How do I benefit from a boat motor stand?
Boat motor stand will not only provide a convenient way to store the outboard engine but also save you from having to lift it manually every time you need access. The outboard motor can be loaded into your car or trailer while on the outboard dolly and this saves both time and energy. It is much more comfortable when working in tight spaces such as cramped garages or indoors, too!
This type of stand often features a ratchet locking device that securely holds outboard engines in place without being intrusive visually; brackets allow attaching them to vertical surfaces inside your garage/vehicle for easy storage; rubber straps and tie-downs included.
What are the drawbacks of an outboard motor stand?
- The boat motor stand should be placed on a flat, level surface.
- Some models have bulky designs and they are not easily transportable around your yard. This model can also become unstable during load.
Is the outboard stand worth it?
- It'll provide outrigger arms for the outboard engine and save you from having to lift it manually every time you need access.
- It can be loaded into your car or trailer for fast transport that saves both time and energy.
What materials do outboard trolley (stand) come in?
outboard engine trolley can be made out of metal, steel or aluminum.
Aluminum is less expensive but the steel model is the most durable. Aluminum also is more lightweight than steel.
Outboard motor stand assembling
It's not a long process and takes just a few minutes. You can also find instructions for installation in the kit.
How to choose an outboard motor cart (stand)?
Before purchasing a carrier or dolly for your outboard motor consider what types of engines you’ll be moving and what the dolly is made of, among other factors.
Material
The frame of your dolly will likely be made of hard plastic, wood, aluminum, or steel. Plastic frames are affordable, but they can’t hold a lot of weight. Aluminum is a lightweight material that can hold a medium amount of weight and resist corrosion. Wood and steel can hold the most amount of weight, but wood is prone to warping and rotting over time, and steel can rust or corrode if it doesn’t have a protective coating.
These are some of the most popular materials that can be used for stand frames. One of the most popular is the aluminum frame.
The more expensive models offer distortion-free stainless steel frame that is also very durable and weather resistant. On the other hand, it can be heavier than aluminum.
Nylon plastic frame provides lightweight and is suitable for outboard motor stands that are going to be used on the water. In total, nylon plastic frame is 30% lighter than steel.
Quality of construction
The boat motor stands with bad quality construction will have problems.
It's important that outrigger arms are strong enough to hold the weight of the outboard engine, brackets must be made out of durable material and mountings should not shear off quickly.
Stability is a concern when it comes to outboard engine stands, too: models which use rubber straps or tie-downs may become unstable during transport operations for example due to lack of safety precautions like integrated locking devices. The best stands feature a ratchet locking device that securely holds engines in place without being intrusive visually; bracket allows attaching them to vertical surfaces inside your garage/vehicle for easy storage.
Models of good quality offer distortion-free stainless steel frame that is also very durable and weather resistant. On the other hand, it can be heavier than aluminum.
Weight capacity of the motor stand
Boat motor stand will hold outboard engines and save you from having to lift it manually every time you need access. But the model with low weight capacity will not suit your needs.
For small outboard motors, the maximum load should be 200 pounds or no higher than 25 inches in length. The long-handle models are limited on capacity: they usually won't exceed 400 lbs of holding power unless their handles can fully extend up to 29”.
Outboard motor carriers can hold anywhere from a couple of hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds. If you know you’ll be moving a heavy outboard motor, choose a dolly with a higher weight capacity.
As for the outboard stand with high weight capacity, the maximum loading should be 400 pounds or no higher than 35 inches in length.
Nylon plastic frame provides lightweight models which are ideal for outboards going to be used on water; this material is 30% lighter than steel. The adapters might not suit your needs if you have small outboards because nylon will only work up to 25" long handle models but they make a perfect choice of stand frames when engine type exceeds over 20" in overall length.
So on average models hold weight up to 315 lbs, but heavy-duty models can hold weight up to 500 lbs.
Platform size
If you plan on moving large outboard engines, choose a dolly with a larger platform to prevent cargo from hanging off the edge of the cart.
Easy Installation
The boat motor stand with wheels is capable of being assembled by hand within a few minutes. Assembly instructions are included in the packaging for simple installation and convenience.
Multi Purposed
Outboard stands are multi-purposed equipment and are used for:
- transport,
- maintaining or service,
- repairing,
- storing (use also motor cover).
Wheels
Stand's wheels make the motor transport more convenient. They'll be made of solid plastic, solid rubber, or air inside of rubber, with each increasing in terms of durability. Larger wheels, regardless of their material, are easier to roll than smaller wheels.
Rubber wheels are usually big and durable (up to 8.8"). PVC wheels are tough too.
Ergonomic handle
The handle helps to push the stand at ease. A folding handle can be useful for convenient storing the stand.
Damping handles can be used for outboard engine stands with wheels, so it's easier to move them around.
The handle can be made out of aluminum or plastic; the latter is more durable and has a special coating that prevents corrosion.
Some outboard boat stands offer ergonomic handles too: they are usually designed in such a way that you don't have to put much effort into moving your outboard motor because all the weight will be lifted by this part of the stand.
Features
The motor stand is easy to install and uninstall, collapsible, lightweight and have some great features:
- Nylon plastic frame provides lightweight which is ideal for outboards going to be used on water.
- Rubber wheels make outboard transport more convenient. PVC wheels are tough too.
- Damping handle can be used with boat engine stand with wheels so they're easier to move around.
Fasteners
Usually, screws and pins on the stand are made of 304 stainless steel, which makes them corrosion-resistant.
Galvanized nuts are not easy to rust and an outboard boat stand with a steel frame will need them to assemble.
Wooden board
The wooden board is an optional accessory that can be purchased separately to protect your outboard motor during transporting or storage. It can be used as a motor rack and protects the outboard engine from being scratched by the surface it is placed on and also absorbs vibration, so there are fewer chances for outboard motor damage.
Locking
The motor can be fastened on a stand by rubber straps and tie-downs (for cheaper models), or by integrated locking devices (for pricy models).
Important tips to using for outboard motor stand
- Read instructions before assembling.
- If you are using outboard motor stands with tires, make sure to inflate them properly.
- Make sure that the outboard is attached securely to the outboard stand.
How to care about boat motor stands?
- Inspect any loose knots or straps before use.
- Check for damage on the outboard motor stand.
- Check wheels one in some months and oil them if needed.
Don’t buy cheap boat motor stand
If you buy cheap, you will end up buying twice. There are some very cheap outboard stands on the market, but these are the ones made from poor quality material and components, and they can break down after a few months. Buy more quality model as it will be worth price that you pay.FAQ
Let's go over some frequently asked questions about outboard stands.How do you store a small outboard motor?
Outboard engine stand is a great way to store your outboard motor. It allows you to store it in a vertical position which is the most convenient way for engine service and makes outboard motor out of reach from pets, children or any dirt.
Stand can be made out of steel, nylon or aluminum frame; the latter two are more lightweight but they might not offer enough protection against corrosion if left outside without cover.
How do you transport an outboard?
Outboard stand can be used to transport outboards because it's easy-to out of the way and you don't have to carry outboard by hand.
For transporting, just put your outboard on a boat stand with wheels: if your outboard is too long for this part, then use tie-downs or straps that will secure outboard in place securely while moving around.
Do not forget about rubber feet which prevent damaging of any surfaces due to sliding or rolling of an outstand with wheeled outboards as well as make transportation more convenient.
Use foam pads under each foot so there are less chances for scratches on floor.
Do you store outboard motors up or down?
Don't store the motor tilted up. When you park the boat for the winter, trim or tilt down the motor. This will prevent water from seeping in and damaging your equipment.
Can you transport a 4 stroke outboard on its side?
Transporting outboard motors on their side is not recommended. This might cause outboard motor stand to break, tilt or move when you are moving it around and can also lead to scratches of the outboard engine if outboard boat stands with tires will be used.
Can I leave my outboard outside in winter?
Outboard motor must be removed from water and stored in a dry place so it won't suffer corrosion.
If you are storing your outboard for winter, put it on outboard engine stands with rubber feet to protect any surfaces that might get scratched when sliding or rolling.
Do outboard motors need to be stored upright?
Only outboard stands with rubber feet that are designed to hold outboards in a vertical position should be used for winter storage.
Outboard motors must not be stored on their side or upside down: this will cause it break, tilt and lead to scratches due to vibrations while transporting it around.
Also make sure outboard is securely fastened to boat motor stand: this will prevent it from sliding or rolling.
Comments to Review
I am so glad that they make specialized stands like this for the motors. My grandpa used to just carry it himself or throw it on any old dolly he had. I witnessed some really bad dents and scratches being put into some nice motors but he never seemed to care. As long as it ran that’s all that mattered!
So far everywhere posted just basic hand trucks with an additional board attachment for hanging an outboard motor. Well, they are just a basic stands but I’m wandering why that just a little or even not existed at all a hand trucks with the wheels on both sides for easily loading /unloading motors.
In addition, very limited motor carriers that helped boaters to easily attach/remove motor to/from transom.
In my opinion, I would recommend the Garelick outboard motor carrier for your endeavors. It seems to be really durable on my end and I haven’t had any complaints about its hardware or wheels yet. Very good product for a very good price.
Please help to find a motor stand/hand truck/trolley with the additional wheels located on the handle sides which will help to load/unload motor during its transportation. As I mentioned earlier, all “10 best motor stands” mentioned in this article are just stands and no more. How motor could be loaded/unloaded to/from truck using mentioned best stands/trolleys? Unfortunately I seen them only on European websites.
The Magliner hand truck – the best dolly ever, I also bought the extended handle and the stair gliders. Made my move very easy. Best money ever spent. For ease when storing or moving my motor. Really strong aluminum tube frame and semi-pneumatic rubber-tired wheels. Strong, durable and portable model. You won’t regret it.
I purchased the stand by Magliner. My initial impression was that it was flimsy and the stand was priced way over what it was worth. It does support my 60lb motor when stationary. One thought – I would have preferred hinged braces.
Outboard carrier by LeadAllWay has two 8″ wheels, which makes the outboard boat motor stand transport more convenient. It also has good quality and long-lasting heavy-duty steel tube frame, as well as durable rubber tire, tubes are distortion-free. Designed with ergonomic handles to push the outboard boat motor stand at ease.
Thanks for model description!
Outboard Motor Dolly Stand with Large Tires by Sternmaster Marine Tools is durable and dependable, making your job easier while looking professional. It has a step-on brake system that ensures this stand won’t move while you are working on it. This dolly accomodates small clamp-on outboards up to approx 30-45hp, fits through a standard-sized doorway and large foam-filled tires roll over any debris in your way.