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Hole in my motor cowl

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ggiedd

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Well I screwed up last night. I went to raise my motor out of the water since it was supposed to be around freezing last night. I raised it and it topped out and I heard a loud bang. The navigation light was pointed down right into the top of the motor. It busted a hole about the size of my hand in the top.

So my question is, can it be fixed? Can I still use it until its fixed? Glue another piece of black plastic on top to cover it?

Thanks
Edit: 2011 Mercury 115 efi
 
Myself, I would replace it. You may be able to find one on ebay or fb
 
And conventional wisdom is to leave the lower unit in the water in freezing weather instead of tilting it up. When it hangs vertically, it is designed to drain.
 
sunedog said:
And conventional wisdom is to leave the lower unit in the water in freezing weather instead of tilting it up. When it hangs vertically, it is designed to drain
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Good to know. I think it only got down to around 32 last night. I will keep it in the water next time. Thanks for the info.
 
I would replace it myself. That said, until you can get a replacement, I’d look for a cheap and easy way to patch it in a waterproof manner for use (as it sounds like you are still in the water and able to use it in the winter…). If you were one of us Michiganders, you’d be good until May as is…lol.

A DYI alternative could be a fiberglass/bondo type repair and repaint. Would like look off as that never comes out perfectly unless its done by a very skilled autobody repair type person. However, perhaps then you buy motor cowl all weather Brand/HP sticker or splice of color matched vinyl to do a fitted top cover to cover up that type of repair…?
 
Possibly repair it till I can get a replacement. I just took it out for a test drive and I must have messed something else up too. It only goes to 5k rpms now and usually 6200 at WOT. 17mph and usually 28. So something is def wrong unless too much air. lol
 
Sorry bout your troubles. Figure close to 900 for new cowl. Let dealer figure out rpm drop is best bet. Best of luck⚓️
 
ggiedd said:
Well I screwed up last night. I went to raise my motor out of the water since it was supposed to be around freezing last night. I raised it and it topped out and I heard a loud bang. The navigation light was pointed down right into the top of the motor. It busted a hole about the size of my hand in the top.

So my question is, can it be fixed? Can I still use it until its fixed? Glue another piece of black plastic on top to cover it?

Thanks
Edit: 2011 Mercury 115 efi
Click to expand...
Not sure where you are located, but a custom motorcycle shop or body/ collision shop can fix it like new, with a repaint of the area. My SHO 115 had cowling damage from deep scratches on the rear, This was a three color fade paint repair and new clear coat and the cowling came back looking like it was showroom new, I was amazed. $700. Also, most new cowling prices do not include decals or installation. My $.02
 
ggiedd said:
Possibly repair it till I can get a replacement. I just took it out for a test drive and I must have messed something else up too. It only goes to 5k rpms now and usually 6200 at WOT. 17mph and usually 28. So something is def wrong unless too much air. lol
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Sounds like damage inside too. Look for pieces of the motor hood in the air intake and/or damage to the air intake manifold. Our cowl controls and directs air to the intake manifold (as well as muffles sound).

A clean, high quality, fix should be very possible and is an opportune time to custom match your motor. ...assume the nav light is not so lucky...
 
PartyBarge said:
Sounds like damage inside too. Look for pieces of the motor hood in the air intake and/or damage to the air intake manifold. Our cowl controls and directs air to the intake manifold (as well as muffles sound).

A clean, high quality, fix should be very possible and is an opportune time to custom match your motor. ...assume the nav light is not so lucky...
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lol the nav light is just hanging on. I think that was the original problem. It had come loose and was hanging down from the bimini. I am checking today again for some pieces that may have fallen in. As others suggested, I am going to gorilla tape the hole shut until I can get a replacement.
 
Well the gorilla tape didnt change anything. Guess it's time for the boat dr to come take a look at it. Thanks all.
 
Cheapest fix that would look nice; is use the tape and then cover cowling with a motor cover that you can run with. Tuff Skinz Vented Outboard Motor Covers
 
fitz73222 said:
Not sure where you are located, but a custom motorcycle shop or body/ collision shop can fix it like new, with a repaint of the area. My SHO 115 had cowling damage from deep scratches on the rear, This was a three color fade paint repair and new clear coat and the cowling came back looking like it was showroom new, I was amazed. $700. Also, most new cowling prices do not include decals or installation. My $.02
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Yes, just about any auto/motorcycle shop can repair this, is what they do
 
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