Motor Cover or no Motor Cover?

[Pbakk]

I have owned Yamaha 115 motors for +25 years in Minnesota and always used a cloth type motor storage cover thinking that it helped protect from sun damage, bird droppings, and dirt (or pollen / acid rain etc - take your pick).

My last motor cover looked new while the lower part of the motor not covered seemed to take a beating from the sun. I don’t have a canopy and use Ultra Legs.

I just upgraded to 150 Vmax / SHO and was wondering if I should just use the ceramic type spray on protection or look for a cover?

Thanks.

 

[mtudb24]

I used a motor cover from tuff skinz and used Meguair's ultimate spray wax / protectant on my Mercury 150 pro XS. Pretty much looked like new after 12 plus seasons. Motor was 2011 and sold in March 2024. The Meguari's was also used on the mid section and lower unit which wasn't protected by the motor cover. Looked like new.

Home - Tuff Skinz Vented Outboard Motor Covers

Supreme Protection Tuff Skinz Vented Outboard Motor Covers are the original vented outboard motor cover. For over 25 years, we’ve been protecting your boat motor from weather, UV rays, salt water, lures, limbs, rocks, birds, and flying debris … while running, trailering, and in storage! 5-YEAR...

tuffskinz.com

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-M9424-Flagship-Premium-Detailer/dp/B001F0M51G/ref=asc_df_B001F0M51G?mcid=3a9d591c3cc336f7b8181f9973bced9f&hvocijid=9425833081967204536-B001F0M51G-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9425833081967204536&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016806&hvtargid=pla-2281435180738&th=1

The white spots in the first picture are just reflections off the water.

Hope this helps
Todd

 

[Jack M]

I use a cover . We dont have much of a bird problem because Eagles nest at our marina . But it does help protect from the sun .
I use Hot Sause for water spots https://www.amazon.com/Boat-Bling-HS-Premium-Remover/dp/B006GWVBQ8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=32RJBXSCD1B7H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QoCpOHaEhNTDUFbPMS0O1s5VHsa3cc6a8V4qLdybuKFOHdeDf-_OjmHg0-T_6A5YYwL32ghOcHGYZ-gvDKs-5O8t28Pm1aGNRZvnrCcqfXW2xJSvqFfluKCEOzyD5FJFOA9_aM8jypNvv4cA_0LEokdp97y65ed-ydKbuRQV7YlsYw-nM5hpeq6-wLuPJ8Cuk7KHGF5DxD1qgCP782mmdASC61Qq6k6VAnymBavrZkOv6jb6deSskfbQ_fqJDEc8f91h6jNiZKjZHiq3WcPHOvjqnEp7ZIpwdwV9uZDc8bU.mWhPmfdF_e3dimc8aNjqBq7GDhn1cJz-9CHGzIctSOw&dib_tag=se&keywords=hot+sauce+for+boats&qid=1743846509&sprefix=hot+sauce+for+boat,aps,147&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

303 Nano Coating after

Amazon.com

 

[fitz73222]

This is the cover I use on my 2021115SHO down here in Florida. Motor still looks like new. I can completely cover the engine, zips up from the bottom to cover the lower unit.

https://eliteshield.com/products/el...m=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=

 

[Vikingstaff]

I use a cover like you did on your last boat, and ours sits up on its Sea Legs. So really, the lower unit does hang down outside of it. I guess I just haven’t given it much thought.

 

[AuthorizedUser]

I had a VMAX and I absolutely covered the cowling while in the slip. It was too beautiful to leave out in the sun and rain.

 

[lakeliving]

I’m in Florida and keep mine under a covered lift and I use the factory Yamaha cover on my outboard. Looks good after 11 years still!

 

[SquareB]

I use the factory Yamaha covers, however our slip is covered and haven't had the boat that long.
This will be our first pollen season so I expect them to help out with that.