Buy an engine cover.

[Nasher]

The two images below show why we should buy a cover to protect our outboard hoods from the effects of the sun and other weather.

The engine is my 1998 Suzuki DT200EFI.

The first image is as I brought it @6yrs ago.
As you can see the original paint is still vibrant, the Black is Black, the text and Vignette stripe are a good rich gold, and the Red highlight is nice and bright.

The second image was taken today.
The paint is now very flat and dull, the Black is now Grey, the text and stripe are bleached back to White, and the Red highlight doesn’t even exist.
Plus what can’t be seen is the top of the hood completely missing a large patch of paint. Mrs Nasher says it’s come out in sympathy with the top of my head.

It’s happened slowly, so I’ve not noticed quite how bad it’s been getting until recently.
I’m going to be refurbishing the hood very soon, and will be putting a cover on it ASAP afterwards.

Nasher

[tumbleweed41]

'It’s happened slowly, so I’ve not noticed quite how bad it’s been getting until recently.'

Is that your hair or the engine cover lol

[boristhebold]

I presume you just put the cover on when its not being used ashore, or can you can get covers that are used when engine in use that lets sufficient air in ?

[Leaderscharter]

Very interesting post,
Only yesterday I was on the OCA site and had gone through the whole process of ordering a cover for a 2002 yam 150. I could not bring myself to pull the trigger on a 175 sterling purchase.
It seems like an inordinate sum of money to spend on a fabric cover given the vintage/value of the engine...

[JABS]

If you decide to paint it, there is a company in the US called Replicals, I believe. They make Replica Decals.

About USD 90 a set.

You can apply a clear lacquer over the decals which should prevent the UV degradation in future.

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by Leaderscharter

It seems like an inordinate sum of money to spend on a fabric cover given the vintage/value of the engine...

Yes I agree.
However I’ve priced up a full set of graphics from Suzuki for the engine, and If I buy a FULL set they are @$400, and that’s before painting.
So if you are thinking of keeping the engine it would appear worth while. Although I’d only be looking at a £50 cover.

Nasher

[Nasher]

Does anyone have any experience of any of the following:

Outboard Motor boat Cover for up to 250-300 hp engines on eBay (end time 09-May-11 22:32:38 BST)
The same people who supply the ‘Ebay Blue Covers’.

Outboard Motor Boat Engine Cover 150-300 HP Size7 Royal on eBay (end time 19-May-11 02:41:27 BST)
Currently my choice.

Outboard Motor Boat Cover Powerboat Engine Covers Large: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors

Particularly interested in method of securing, material quality etc.

Thanks

Nasher

[Nos4r2]

The 1st one is the same material as the ebay cover. I've got one. It's not quite breathable enough. Drawstring round the entrance.

[Nick Hearne]

How about using UV protecting wax as in car wax? I go over mine a few times a year with one wax or anther normally 303 when doing the tubes! Not going to be as effective as a cover but it must help!

[Nasher]

I think you are right Nick, it must help.

I'm feeling a bit daft that I didn't look after the paintwork better over the last few years, but you can be sure I'll be doing it from now on.

Need to make my mind up which cover to go for this evening, so will have a better look at those on ebay etc.

Nasher.

[Chris]

How about getting it vinyl wrapped ?

[Nasher]

I did think about a vinyl wrap, but ruled it out because I thought it would be far too expensive.

Nasher.

[Nasher]

I ended up with this one off ebay:-

Outboard Motor Boat Engine Cover 150-300 HP Size7 Royal on eBay (end time 09-May-11 21:43:45 BST)

Those who know me, may well may be surprised I went for the expensive one

It's made of a nice thick, waterproof material, and has a webbing strap around the bottom.

Unfortunately despite measuring my engine carefully the cover is WAY too big for it and I could do with the next size down.

It's obviously as new at the moment, except for a very slight grease mark on the inside from the steering, so if anyone wants to make me an offer for it that would be good and I'll get a smaller one.

Nasher

[Damien.]

Should have gone for one like;



Can be used whilst on the water too.

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by Damien.

Should have gone for one like;

If they still made them for Suzi 2-strokes, and sold them for £30 I'd have loved to.

Nasher.

[Damien.]

Originally Posted by Nasher

If they still made them for Suzi 2-strokes, and sold them for £30 I'd have loved to.

Nasher.

Give them a call, last time I checked they are willing to accommodate, not for £30 mind.

That said, you go through 2 or 3 eBay bargains and your soon wishing you just parted with the money for a premium one in the first place.

Have sold loads and every customer loves them.

Best of luck !

EDIT:

PS, just checked and they do one for your engine.