Let’s Talk About C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly
The C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly promises a solution to a common problem for boat owners: the awkward and back-straining task of moving and storing outboard motors. Made by C.E. Smith, this dolly is designed to handle motors up to 250 lbs, offering a seemingly simple way to transport these heavy pieces of equipment around the garage, dock, or workshop. With its promise of easy storage and maneuverability, the C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly piqued my interest as someone who has wrestled with unwieldy outboards for far too long.
My back has been a constant source of complaint after years of lugging around outboard motors. I was searching for a durable and reliable way to move my 9.9 HP and smaller motors around without risking injury. This dolly appeared to be the perfect solution, promising to ease the burden of transportation and storage.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was mixed. The powder-coated steel frame looked sturdy enough, but the “weather-resistant synthetic wood” mounting block felt a bit cheap to the touch. The eight wheels and 4″ casters, however, looked promising for easy movement, and the overall design seemed relatively straightforward, even with the “some assembly required” caveat.
I considered a few other options, including a similar dolly from Harbor Freight and a heavier-duty model from a marine supply store. The Harbor Freight option was cheaper, but the build quality seemed questionable. The marine supply store model was sturdier but significantly more expensive. Ultimately, the C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly seemed like a reasonable compromise between price and quality.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of a pain-free way to move my outboard motor was enticing, but I was also wary of the “some assembly required” part and the slightly underwhelming feel of the mounting block. Only real-world testing would reveal if the C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved moving my 9.9 HP outboard from my truck to the storage rack in my garage. The garage floor is relatively smooth concrete, and the dolly handled the weight with ease. Steering was surprisingly manageable, even in the confined space of my garage.
The conditions were dry, which I suspect played a role in the positive initial experience. I imagine that wet or gravelly surfaces would pose a greater challenge. The dolly proved much easier to use than manually carrying the motor.
There was a small issue after the first use, specifically with one of the caster wheels. The wheel seemed to wobble slightly, indicating that the bearing wasn’t perfectly aligned. I tightened the nut, and the problem seemed to resolve, but it raised a question about the long-term durability of the wheels.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly has proven to be a valuable addition to my boating gear, but not without some reservations. It’s significantly reduced the strain on my back when moving my smaller outboards, though it’s definitely showing some signs of wear. The powder coating has chipped in a few spots where the motor’s lower unit made contact.
The “weather-resistant synthetic wood” mounting block is showing some minor cracking, despite being stored indoors. Regular maintenance involves wiping down the frame and occasionally lubricating the caster wheels. Compared to previously manually carrying the motor and suffering back pain, the dolly has outperformed my expectations in terms of ease of use, however, the durability has been slightly below par.
Breaking Down the Features of C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly
Specifications
The C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly is constructed from 14 gauge powder coated steel, giving it a relatively robust frame. It boasts a 250 lbs weight capacity, making it suitable for smaller to mid-sized outboard motors. The use of a weather-resistant synthetic wood mounting block is intended to provide a stable and non-marring surface for the motor to rest on.
The inclusion of eight wheels with 4″ casters aims to provide smooth maneuverability. With an overall height of 45″, it’s designed to accommodate long shaft outboard motors. These specifications are important because they dictate the size and type of motor the dolly can handle, the ease of movement, and the overall durability of the product.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly is to ease the transportation and storage of outboard motors. It performs this task reasonably well, significantly reducing the physical strain compared to manually carrying the motor. The dolly is relatively easy to maneuver on smooth surfaces, but its performance decreases on rougher terrain.
The biggest weakness is the quality of the caster wheels and the durability of the mounting block. While the frame itself seems sturdy, these components are potential points of failure. It meets the basic expectations of moving and storing an outboard motor, but it could definitely be improved with higher-quality components.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is fairly straightforward, with a simple frame and a basic mounting block. The weight is manageable for most users, making it easy to lift and store when not in use. While functional, the design isn’t particularly ergonomic, lacking features like padded handles or adjustable height settings.
The assembly process is relatively simple, although the instructions could be clearer. The learning curve is minimal; anyone can figure out how to use it within a few minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
The powder-coated steel frame seems durable, but the synthetic wood mounting block and caster wheels are potential weak points. I anticipate that the dolly will last for several years with proper care, but replacement of the wheels and/or mounting block may be necessary. Maintenance primarily involves cleaning and lubricating the moving parts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Customization options are limited, but you could potentially replace the mounting block with a sturdier piece of wood or add aftermarket caster wheels for improved performance. It’s unlikely to be compatible with accessories from other brands, as it’s a fairly simple and self-contained product.
Pros and Cons of C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly
Pros
- Significantly reduces strain on back and muscles when moving outboard motors.
- Relatively easy to assemble and use.
- The powder-coated steel frame provides a decent level of sturdiness.
- Eight wheels with 4″ casters make it relatively easy to maneuver on smooth surfaces.
- 45″ height accommodates long shaft outboard motors.
Cons
- The “weather-resistant synthetic wood” mounting block feels cheap and may not be very durable.
- Caster wheel quality is questionable, and they may require replacement over time.
- Powder coating can chip easily.
Who Should Buy C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly?
The C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly is perfect for boat owners who need a simple and affordable way to move their smaller to mid-sized outboard motors around the garage, dock, or workshop. It’s particularly beneficial for those who have back problems or difficulty lifting heavy objects. Pro anglers, weekend boaters, and anyone who frequently needs to transport their outboard motor will likely find it useful.
Those who should skip this product are boat owners with larger, heavier outboards that exceed the 250 lbs weight limit. Those needing to navigate very rough terrain would also be better served with a heavier-duty dolly with larger, more robust wheels.
A must-have modification would be to replace the synthetic wood mounting block with a sturdier piece of real wood or composite material. Upgrading the caster wheels to higher-quality versions would also significantly improve its performance and longevity.
Conclusion on C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly
The C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly offers a decent solution for moving and storing outboard motors, but it’s not without its flaws. While the steel frame provides a reasonable level of durability, the synthetic wood mounting block and caster wheels leave something to be desired.
The price of $314.99 is somewhat justified by the convenience it offers, but it feels a bit high considering the quality of some of the components. I would personally recommend it with reservations. It’s a worthwhile purchase for those who need a basic dolly and are willing to potentially upgrade some of the components down the line.
Ultimately, the C.E. Smith Outboard Motor Dolly is a useful tool that can save you from back strain, but be prepared to potentially invest in some upgrades to maximize its performance and longevity. If you’re tired of struggling with your outboard motor, give it a try, but keep your expectations realistic.