With the onset of the cold season or even just during the parking on the pier, each owner of water equipment faces the question of safety of the power unit. outboard motor 9.8 hp. It's one of the most popular low-power products in the class, but it's often designed to be open to important parts. Many newcomers mistakenly believe that plastic in itself is a reliable protection against all harm, but prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can destroy even high-quality polymers.
That is why specialized boat-case It is not just an accessory, but a necessity to extend the life of the equipment. Unlike powerful marine engines, compact models with a capacity of 9.8 horsepower often lack a full-fledged hood covering the carburetor or ignition system, making them vulnerable to rain and dust.
A well-chosen cape can save you from expensive repairs after wintering. The main task of a high-quality case is to create the effect of "thermos", preventing sharp temperature changes inside the case, which excludes the formation of condensation. In this article, we will discuss in detail what to pay attention to when buying, what materials really work and how not to overpay for marketing tricks.
Why you need protection: the risks of operation without a cover
Leaving the engine unprotected in the open air, you expose it to several factors of aggressive influence. Sunlight is the main enemy of plastic; under the influence of UV radiation, body parts become brittle, lose color and over time can crack from the slightest mechanical impact. Polymer materialsThe casings of modern engines are designed to work under conditions of heating from the engine, but not for constant sun.
Moisture is also a serious threat, especially in the off-season: Rainwater, getting inside through the vents, settles on electrical contacts, causing oxidation. Ignition system and electronic control (For current EFI models) they are highly sensitive to corrosion, and even a brief wetting of candle tips can make it impossible to start the engine at the wrong time.
⚠️ Warning: Never cover a hot engine with a tightly attached waterproof material immediately after stopping, which will cause abundant condensation inside the casing and accelerate the corrosion of metal parts.
Also, open motors are often the object of attention of birds, insects and rodents. Nests built in air channels or around a carburetor can cause overheating or fuel failure. A simple fabric cape creates a physical barrier that deters uninvited guests and keeps the power unit clean.
Criteria of choice: materials and construction
The water accessories market offers many options, and it can be difficult for an untrained person to understand them. The key is the fabrication material. oxford (Oxford) It's a dense fabric with polyurethane or PVC coating, it's perfectly shaped, it doesn't get wet, it's resistant to tears.
More budget options are often made of polyester with simple water-repellent spraying. Such covers are good for short-term protection from rain during fishing, but for long wintering their resource may not be enough - the coating quickly wears off and the fabric begins to let moisture. For harsh conditions, it is better to look for models with a marking of tissue density at least 210D or 420D.
- 🌧️ Waterproofness The material must have a water column of at least 1000 mm to withstand rainfall.
- ☀️ UV protection The presence of special additives in the tissues that block ultraviolet radiation is critical for longevity.
- 💨 Wind resistance - the presence of a curtain with a stopper or an elastic bow at the bottom will prevent the cover from blowing away by gusts of wind.
Designably, covers are divided into universal and model. Universal suited for a wide range of power (for example, 2-10 hp), but may not sit perfectly, leaving gaps. Model cases designed specifically for the use of the same. Tohatsu M9.8 or Yamaha 9.9repeat all the curves of the body, ensuring maximum tightness and aesthetics.
Features for engines 9.8 hp: two-stroke vs four-stroke
The 9.8 horsepower is a border area where both simple two-stroke sailboats and more complex four-stroke units meet. The design of the case depends on the type of engine. Two-stroke engines tend to be smaller, have less protruding elements and often lack the complex exhaust system that goes through the lower unit.
Four-stroke modifications of the same power (e.g., Honda BF10 or Suzuki DF9.9) have a more massive cylinder head, an oil crankcase and often have forced water cooling with additional pipes. Dimensions of the casing They have much more, so the case bought for a two-stroke, four-stroke simply will not stretch or break at the seams.
When choosing a handle, it is important to consider the location of the handle of the pump and the fuel pump. In some models, the 9.8 hp pump can fold in different directions, and if the case does not have special cutouts or elastic inserts in this area, it will be problematic to wear it.
| Characterization | two-stroke 9.8bhp. | four-stroke 9.8bhp. |
|---|---|---|
| Engine weight | 20-25 kg | 25-28 kg |
| Dimensions of the casing | Compact, streamlined | Massive, with a protruding crankcase |
| Cooling system | Flowing (simple) | Closed (thermostat, pump) |
| Recommended type of cover | Universal elastic | Model (exact cut) |
When buying a four-stroke motor case, be sure to check for the ventilation holes with a net at the bottom, which will ensure air circulation and prevent mold from appearing during storage.
Production technologies: seams and fittings
The durability of the case depends not only on the fabric, but also on the quality of the execution. The weak point of cheap models is the seams. If the thread that the cover is sewn with is not moisture-protected, then the water will penetrate into the line, working as a wick. double-line And they must glue the seams with a special tape or treat them with a sealant.
Lightning, if designed to access the fuel crane or starter handle, must be made of materials such as brass or plastic. Metal lightning from conventional steel will rust after the first season. Plastic zippers (tractor) are more reliable in this regard, because they are not corrosive and do not catch in the cold.
At the bottom of the case, there's a corded canal, which is a common canal, and it allows you to tightly pull the case around the lower unit, preventing it from being blown away by the wind. elbow The perimeter of the hole also helps to fix the cape, but over time the rubber can lose its properties, so the presence of tiers is a more reliable option.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid metal luver covers (mounting rings) unless they are coated with corrosion-resistant compounds. In salt water or humid air, they will quickly oxidize and leave rusty streams on the fabric and body of the motor.
☑️ Checking the quality of the case before buying
Rules of operation and care of the cover
To make the accessory last the manufacturer's stated term, it also needs to be taken care of. Dirt, dust and especially bird droppings left on the fabric for a long time can damage the protective layer. Regular cleaning will prolong the life of the material. For washing, the best use is warm water and a soft brush or sponge.
It is strongly recommended not to use aggressive chemical solvents, chlorine-containing agents or hard brushes. polyurethaneIf the case has mold (which is possible when stored in a wet state), it should be carefully removed with a weak solution of vinegar or a specialized textile product.
Keep the case dry, rolled up. Do not leave it crumpled wet in the bag or at the bottom of the boat, this is guaranteed to cause unpleasant odor and destruction of the fabric fibers. Before packaging for long-term storage, make sure that the case is completely dry.
Can I wash my car in a car?
In theory, a delicate 30 degree wash without pressing is possible for some types of fabrics (e.g. polyester). However, manufacturers do not usually recommend machine washing, as aggressive mechanical action and powders can wash away the water-repellent impregnation and damage the seams.
Winter storage: preparation of the motor under the cover
Winter is the most critical period for an outboard motor. Just putting a case on an engine full of water and fuel is not enough. Before you cover the unit, you need to do a conservation. This includes draining the fuel from the carburetor (or adding a stabilizer), changing oil (for 4-strokes), and most importantly, removing water from the cooling system.
To remove water, the motor is usually blown out, running it briefly in a tank of water, or pushed through special holes with compressed air. The remaining water will expand when frozen and can break. chiller The cover here is a secondary protection that keeps the heat and prevents the external mechanisms from icing.
If you keep the motor outdoors, you can put a bag of silica gel or other moisture absorber under the cover, which will help keep the humidity level low inside the casing, and it's also good practice to put the motor upright to prevent rain from leaking through the exhaust hole.
The main rule of wintering: the cover does not warm, it only slows down cooling and protects against direct precipitation. Without prior preservation of the engine (water and fuel draining), the cover is useless and even harmful, creating a greenhouse effect for corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a 9.8 hp case while driving a boat?
No, absolutely not. The covers are not designed to be operated under load, and at speed, the airflow will rip the case off, which can lead to it hitting the screw or lower unit, and also disrupt the cooling of the engine, causing it to overheat and jam.
How often should I change my cover to a outboard motor?
The life of the product depends on the quality of the material and the storage conditions. Cheap models of thin polyester last 1-2 seasons, after which they lose their water repellent properties. Quality cases from Oxford 420D with proper care can last 5 years or more. Change the accessory when the fabric begins to leak or tear at the seams.
Will the case from the engine 10 hp fit the engine 9.8 hp?
Most of the time, yes, the difference of 0.2 hp doesn't affect the size of the casing structurally, but it's important to consider the type of engine (2T or 4T) and the manufacturer. Yamaha It may not be 9.8-strong. Tohatsu Because of the different shape of the casing, although the power they have is comparable.
Do I need to remove the cover in hot sunny weather?
You don't have to remove it if it's light in color (reflects sunlight) and it's equipped with vents. Dark covers in the direct sun can create a steamy effect inside, which is not desirable for rubber seals and plastic parts. In extreme heat, it's better to keep the boat in the shade or under the awning.