Outboard Cowl and Cover Maintenance Tips
The cowl (or cowling) is one of the easiest parts to care for on an outboard engine. It should be protected not just for aesthetic purposes, but because it’s essentially a helmet for the motor.
Outboard cowls are designed to take a beating from the elements they’re exposed to out on the water. However, as durable as they are, they’ll still crack and fade over time if not properly cared for, and that could eventually render them ineffective.
Both cowlings and the covers that protect them shield the internal parts of the engine from grime and debris. Fortunately, keeping the outboard’s cowl and cover clean and well maintained is easy. Here are some simple outboard cowling and cover maintenance tips.
Outboard Engine Cowl Maintenance
For starters, you should rinse your outboard’s cowl with fresh water after every use to protect it against dirt, debris, rust and salt build-up.
Here are some other ways to protect your outboard engine’s cowl:
- Regularly wash your outboard’s cowling with soap and water.
- Make sure the surface is wet before cleaning it to prevent scratching the plastic.
- Gently wipe the surface with a clean wet cloth.
- Use a clean dry cloth to wipe the surface dry.
- Buff the surface in small circular motions with a high-quality finishing compound.
- Use a clean dry cloth to remove the set in compound from the surface.
When cleaning the cowl, don’t forget to give the seals and latches a little TLC to protect them from deteriorating. Cowling latches should be able to open and close easily and seal correctly. Dirty and/or corroded latches may make them difficult to open and close, and can even cause them to break off. A little waterproof marine grease on the latches and fittings helps keep them lubricated and protected from corrosion.
You also want to get inside or underneath the cowl to clean the rubber seal that fits the upper cowling to the lower pan, which can deteriorate from exposure to grease, dirt, and mold and mildew.
Outboard Engine Covers Maintenance
Not to be confused with the cowling itself, outboard covers protect the cowl from the elements to prevent it from scratching, fading, and damage from flying debris. A cover also protects an outboard on a boat moored in the water from scratches and rope chafing, as well as the elements.
Here are some ways to protect your outboard engine’s cover:
- Clean the cover regularly by hand with lukewarm water, a mild soap and a soft brush to remove dirt and grime.
- Never wash outboard covers with a pressure washer, or in a washing machine with detergents, as this could strip the fabric of UV chemicals that protect it.
- Avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals that can damage the cover’s material and protective UV coating.
- Allow the cover to completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and mildew.
Preventing the cover from pooling water and keeping it completely dry helps stop moisture buildup that can lead to mold on both the cover and the outboard it’s meant to protect. Applying water repellants to the cover can also help protect it.
Finally, you’ll want to regularly rinse the salt off the cover to prevent salt buildup from scratching up the paint and the decals on the cowling.