Boat Motor Covers: Types and Benefits

Why do people put covers on their outboard motors? Should I cover my motor?

The answer is an absolute YES for most people.

Imagine your outboard is kept in a wet slip where the sun hits it hard all day. Over time, the sun faded the paint, ruined the decals, and destroyed plastic and fabric. The cowling looks terrible with the paint turning to dust and peeling off in some areas.

If you put a boat motor cover on, all worries are gone. The outboard covers can protect your engine against UV, rainwater, and debris while storage. They also keep bugs and birds out of the motor if there are any.

In some areas, covering an outboard is more than saving your decals and the paint job. Salt air can enter your engine corroding it from within, and an outboard cover slows down the process or stops it.

That way, the boat motor covers prolongs the lifespan of your outboard motor.

Some people also like putting on covers to keep the outboard looking new. While others may put camo or camouflageboat motor covers on to disguise their newer motors. Also, it’s easier than painting the engine if you want to change the look of your outboard.

That’s pretty much why people keep their boats and motors covered while towing and storage. Some even run the outboard with the cover on when it’s scratched, dented, and faded.

Although with the outboard cover, there’s one more thing to remove while cleaning or oil checking, it’s well worth the trouble considering the protection and benefits it provides.

Can I run the outboard with the cover?

The short answer is YES, but the standard outboard covers will not work, since it can cause ventilation issues which can wreck your outboard.

So make sure you choose ventilated boat motor covers that are designed to stay on the outboard while running.That way, your engine can breathe properly.

But why do people keep boat motor covers on when the boat is running?

It’s easy to understand why boaters use the outboard motor when storing and towing, but why do people still keep them while the boat is moving?

That’s because the ventilated outboard covers can help prevent UV damage and scratches on the cowlings (due to limbs, lures, fishing against trees, etc) the whole time. After all, it’s more expensive to have them repainted, and new decals cost a fortune.

What is the boat motor cover called? Went back and forth trying to decide on the best cover for your outboard? Boat motor covers come in different names, shapes and sizes for different applications. If you are new to the marine world, you can easily get confused.

Don’t worry. Here we list the most popular boat motor cover types below to help you find the best fit for your motor:

Vented Boat Motor Covers

As the name implies, the vented outboard covers have vent holes on them, so that the explosive gasses, dirt, and salt won’t build up under the cowl. Also, it allows a good amount of air flow.

This kind of boat motor cover is specially made for staying on the motor while it’s running (mainly to prevent getting scratched or damaged). That’s what fishers put on their outboards that don’t come off while in use.

Note: The vented boat motor covers are brand specific. So make sure you get the outboard covers with vent holes aligned with your specific motor brand and model.

Half-Cowl Storage Covers

The half-cowl storage covers (or cowling covers) are specially designed to cover and protect the powerhead (to keep dirt dobbers out of the cowling). This type of outboard cover is convenient to put on and off.

Compared with the vented motor covers, there are no vent holes on the cover, so it’s used for non-operating use only. Imagine how hard it is to breathe when you have a mask covering your nose and mouth. So remember to wait for the engine to cool before putting the cover on after use.

Full Storage Covers

Compared with the half-cowl cover, a full boat motor cover goes down to the prop. This type of outboard motor cover is better suited for towing and winter storage.

If you tow with the full covers in place, it’s best to have some protection on the prop to keep them from wearing a hole in the cover due to the fabric motion in the wind.

Custom Boat Motor Covers

Having trouble finding a boat motor cover to accommodate your small outboard (or trolling motor)? Some brands simply don’t make boat motor covers for their small outboard ranges.

Or maybe your engine cover has got brittle or broken after years of use, and the replacement engine cover is not available from the manufacturer.

That way, you may consider a custom or DIY boat motor cover.

The boat motor cover options are endless on the market. Here are the top 3 things to consider that help you narrow down your options easily, whether you are looking for a Yamaha boat motor cover or other brands.

Material

Remember to check the material and make sure your covers are not plastic or vinyl to ensure the engine is not sealed. Most good boat motor covers are made of breathable, durable, and waterproof fabric such as marine-grade polyester.

Also, it’s better to choose outboard covers that are lined with soft materials to avoid the possible swirling and scratching of your paint while trailering.

Extra Tip: Be careful about the white outboard covers as the exhaust stains pretty badly over time.

Size

It’s important to make sure you get the size right so that the cover fits well and is snugly secured on the motor without any wiggle room when you leave it. Your best solution is to buy the outboard cover specially made for the motor from the manufacturer.

If that’s not possible, get a custom outboard cover made locally. A local canvas maker will always be the best bet for a nice tight-fitting cover. You can choose the size and the weight of the fabric to make it cinch down tight.

UV Protection Level

Sun damage is one of the most tricky problems for outboard owners. It can ruin the decals and destroy the plastic and fabric within months.

A reliable and durable boat motor cover should be UV-resistant. It protects your outboard from the harmful ultraviolet rays and damaging effects of the sun like fading. So make sure the outboard cover is UV-proof with a high UV-resistant rating for the best protection of your outboard.

Tip: If you don’t want to pay the “brand tax” for the boat motor cover, you can get a nice outboard cover from third parties such as Amazon or Walmart. Just search the “brand” plus “boat motor cover”, and you will get a list of options.

A boat motor cover is a simple yet essential piece of equipment for your outboard that helps keep your boat motor in prime condition for years to come.