Motor cover

[RUDE TROOPER]

Looking for pics and opinions on what you guys are using to cover your motors for travelling. Tell me you likes and dislikes of what you have bought and used. I am thinking of a full cover for my 2010 175 Pro XS for the 20 mile drive into the Canadian lodge we frequent. Would also like to use it for winter storage.

[Walleye Hunter II]

Took the motor cover off the boat cover cause it wasn't tight. It was rubbing the paint off while traveling.

[BigPapa]

Go without. You'll be way ahead. Thought I would do the right thing and but a good cover from a custom cover mfg. Still the motor cover rubbed the finish dull in some areas. Took it off.

[dtmg]

Had one made at a custom canvas shop year and half ago they put a soft lining inside, wouldn't be without it, saves alot of dings on the motor cowling and no problem with paint dulling.

[T Mac]

A seperate engine cover that fits well works nice and is a good idea on gravel roads.
We sold a lot of Yamaha motor covers over the years.
A good canvas shop can make you one if Merc offers none.

Warning, however...most of the type made as part of a boat cover...are floppy and wear the finish off the engine. .

[fireboat]

I have a Yamaha F150. Bought the factory fleece lined cover, fits like a glove, very tight. I have a 3 to 4 hr drive to good fishing. I don't want any gravel chips on my motor. The cover cost about $70. I also bought a factory cover for my T8, about $30. After 3 yrs my motors look like new.

[mrwalleye5]

This might be a ways from you but dufort Industries in Winnipeg are top notch.
http://www.toughduckmarine.com/browse;cat,16;Mercury

[Pezman38]

Originally Posted by RUDE TROOPER

Looking for pics and opinions on what you guys are using to cover your motors for travelling. Tell me you likes and dislikes of what you have bought and used. I am thinking of a full cover for my 2010 175 Pro XS for the 20 mile drive into the Canadian lodge we frequent. Would also like to use it for winter storage.

I leave the covers off the motor while traveling to prevent rubbing. While being stored though I put covers on both.

Travel with your cover on, and ensure it is tight and the bow doesn't cave in while in tow. If the bow caves in due to the air pressure you need to support it with a pvc pipe over a seat pedestal, or an old carboard rod holder. Ensure it is a tight support to prevent rubbing and wear.

By doing so you will notice better gas milage and your boat won't feel so heavy while in tow. I do this now and noticed a 2mpg difference and the boat doesn't feel like it is back there anymore. 14mpg towing a 2050 reata isn't too bad.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC01111.jpg

I should mention that the engine covers above came from Ranger and were very competitive on price, compared to mercury logo covers.

[doubleheader]

I have the Attwood cover for my Pro-v. It fits nicely, but it did leech a white residue once when I drove home in a rainstorm. Thankfully the residue was easily removed from my cowling with just a damp terricloth, but it did remain along the seam of the Attwood cover. (I've never tried to remove it with a cleaner put it didn't wipe clean with a cloth and water). I leave mine on when trailering and I haven't seen any scratches but one does need to be cautious putting in on. It's much easier to take off.

I don't have a picture but there is a picture on the Cabelas website. The Verado cover runs pretty long like the picture and I know at one time some guys were upset that the Opti style did not. That was a couple years ago, not sure now.

[fishs]

Like many, I have trailered the boat for many miles for over 20 years. All with large black motors on the back. Not saying it doesn't happen but rock chips on the motor have never been an issue. Neither are squashed bugs and I know i drive through a lot of those.. I guess all the stuff in front of the motor (hull, tow vehicle) and the aerodynamics keep the bad stuff from making contact. If you are going to get a cover take a look at the Ranger covers. They are lined with a soft fuzzy felt. Get nothing less than what they have . You will likely need to have one custom made.