Many owners of water equipment perceive boat-engine But experienced boaters know that the outer perimeter of the unit, namely a plastic or metal casing, performs no less important functions than the inner filling, which is why the need for additional coating for this element often arises for beginners, but they ignore them until the first problems arise.
The outer shell of the engine, commonly referred to as the cap or hood, serves as the first barrier between complex technology and an aggressive external environment. Ultraviolet radiationAnd so, salt vapor, dust, sand and accidental shocks in transportation, all of these things attack the surface of the motor every day. critical To preserve the factory state of plastic and metal for many years to come.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why you should buy or sew a protective accessory, which materials are best for this, and how to properly care for it. You will learn about the hidden benefits that are rarely written about in the instructions, and understand that saving on such trifles can lead to expensive repairs or replacement of the body kit.
Protection from UV and paint burnout
The sun's rays are an imperceptible but ruthless enemy of any technique left outdoors: the plastic from which modern-day technology is made. motor-caseThe silhouette begins to degrade under the influence of hard ultraviolet light, and the molecular bonds in the polymer are broken, leading to loss of elasticity, microcracks, and, most notably to the wearer, fading.
Bright signature colors, such as red, blue or yellow, which are often painted Tohatsu, Yamaha or MercuryThey lose their saturation after one or two seasons of active use without protection. UV protectionIt completely blocks the sunlight from reaching the surface, and it keeps the factory color deep and saturated even after 5-7 years of use.
In addition, overheating of plastic in the sun can lead to its deformation, especially if the engine is dark and is under the scorching heat on the trailer. The fabric layer of the case creates an air cushion that significantly reduces the surface temperature of the casing, preventing thermal expansion and warping of parts.
⚠️ WARNING: Even if the motor is stored in the garage, but you often leave it in the sun while fishing or parking at the pier, the risk of burnout remains high. Use the case every time the engine is not running for more than 30 minutes.
Mechanical protection during transportation and storage
Transporting a outboard motor is always a risk of mechanical damage. Vibration on the trailer, accidental touching of tree branches, falling from under the wheels of gravel or sand - all this leaves traces on the hull. buffer-zoneTaking the blows on themselves and maintaining the integrity of the main plastic.
Protection against abrasive effects of sand and road dust is especially important. When moving at high speeds, microparticles of sand work like sandpaper, mating the glossy surface and creating a network of small scratches. The dense fabric of the cover, especially models with an inner soft layer (fleece or microfiber), prevents direct contact of abrasives with varnish.
- 🛡️ Prevents chipped paint from stones and branches when driving on forest roads.
- 🚗 Protects against accidental impacts with keys, belt buckles or a tool when loading into the trunk.
- 🐦 Rescues from bird droppings, which contain aggressive acids that corrode the paint coating in a matter of hours.
When stored in winter, the cover also has an important function: If the motor is in a room where drafts or other objects can be moved, the soft shell will protect against scuffling. When stored outside (which is not recommended without additional preparation), the cover becomes the only shield from hail and falling icicles.
Barrier to dust, dirt and moisture
Dust is not just dirt, it's a microscopic abrasive that goes everywhere, and when the motor is running, it sucks in huge amounts of air to cool and burn the fuel. chill It's broken, which causes overheating, and the tightly-fitting engine covers the dust from the hard-to-reach areas, radiator grilles and air channels.
Moisture is also a serious threat, especially when combined with dust: condensate formed by temperature changes mixes with dust and forms sticky dirt that is difficult to wash off; Moreover, the humid environment contributes to the corrosion of metal attachments and electrical contacts, which are often located under the hood or on its surface.
Modern protective covers are made of water-repellent materials that keep rainwater out of the water, allowing the structures to breathe, and this prevents the greenhouse effect under the cover from forming, which could cause increased rust.
Use membrane covers that let vapour out but keep water out, and this will prevent condensation under the fabric in hot weather.
Comparison of materials: which case to choose
The water accessories market offers many options for the safety caps, depending on the operating conditions, budget and personal preferences of the owner, the main materials are Oxford, TASLAN and specialized multilayer fabrics.
Oxford (Oxford) It's polyester or nylon fabric with polyurethane or PVC coating, and it's the most popular option because of its accessibility and good water-repellent properties, but cheap Oxford may not be ultra-resistant enough and it gets tough in the cold.
Taslan It's a more modern material, often used in clothing and equipment, with high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and a nice texture, and Taslan covers are better at breathing and less condensate, but more expensive.
For harsh operating conditions, there are materials that combine external strength and internal softness.
| Characterization | Oxford (Oxford) | Taslan (Taslan) | Canvas (Cotton/PVC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | High. | Medium/High | High. |
| Resistance to UV | Medium | High. | Very high. |
| Weight. | Light. | Medium. | Heavy. |
| Softness inside | Depends on the lining. | Often unlined | Hard. |
When choosing, you should also pay attention to the presence of a soft lining. fleece or a waxy material is ideal for engines with a glossy coating, as completely eliminate the risk of micro scratches when putting on and removing.
Design features and usability
A quality case is not just a bag of fabric, it's a complex piece designed with the ergonomics of an outboard motor in mind. A good model must have a precise pattern that repeats the contours. hoodSo you can sit tightly in place and not rattle in the wind.
An important element of the design is the fixation system, in windy weather in an open parking lot or when driving on a trailer, the cover can be blown off by the wind. supple on the lower perimeter, curtains or additional belts with fastexes is a mandatory requirement.
☑️ What to pay attention to when buying
Also worth mentioning are the air vents, which are necessary for air circulation, so that the humid air does not stagnate under the cover, especially if the engine is not completely dry, and the presence of lightning or valves to access the starter handle or fuel pump adds convenience to daily operation.
Impact on resale value (residual value)
Many owners forget that the outboard motor is an asset that will be valued by a potential buyer when sold. Appearance is often the first and most weighty argument in a bargain. A motor with a burnt out, scratched and worn hood raises questions about how it was cared for inside.
The buyer subconsciously transfers the state of external plastic to the state internalIf you see traces of negligent treatment on the outside, it's hard to convince the buyer of the perfect technical condition, because the case allows you to keep the presentation, which, when sold in a few years, can increase the cost of the engine by 10-15%, which completely covers the cost of the accessory.
⚠️ Warning: When selling the engine, be sure to mention that it was in a protective case all the time, which is a strong marketing argument that increases confidence in the history of ownership of the equipment.
Rules for the care of the protective cover
For a cover to be able to function for years to come, it also needs to be taken care of, and a dirty cover filled with sand and salt will work like sandpaper when you put it on the motor, so regular cleaning is mandatory.
Most synthetic fabrics (Oxford, Taslan) can be washed in a washing machine under a delicate 30°C regime without pressing. The use of harsh chemicals or bleach is prohibited, as they destroy the water-repellent impregnation and the use of bleach. UV filters tissue.
Dry the cover should be spread out in the shade. Direct sunlight in the wet state can adversely affect the structure of the tissue. After drying, it is recommended to periodically treat the material with special sprays to restore water-repellent properties (DWR-impregnation).
Can I dry the battery?
It is strongly recommended not to dry synthetic covers on hot batteries or heaters. High temperature can damage the polymer coating of the fabric, making it brittle and depriving of water repellent properties.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use a car from one brand of motor on another?
You can only use a cover from another brand if it is versatile and suitable for power (horsepower) and dimensions. However, it is better to choose a model designed specifically for your engine, since the shape of the hoods from different manufacturers (the shape of the hoods is different from the one that is used for the car).Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki) may differ substantially and the loose fit will result in wind blowing.
Do you need a cover if the boat is in a closed box?
Yes, even in a closed box, a case is useful, it protects the engine from building or household dust that inevitably settles indoors, as well as from accidental mechanical damage if other tools or equipment are stored in the box.
How often do I need to change my cover?
The life of a quality case is 3-5 years of active use, and replacement is required if the fabric begins to tear, the seams disperse, or the water repellent impregnation stops working, and the fabric begins to leak water, keeping it inside.
Will the case protect you from theft?
No, a conventional fabric case is not an anti-theft device, it only hides the model and condition of the motor from prying eyes, which may reduce the interest of random thieves, but will not stop targeted theft.
Investment in a quality case is the minimum cost that preserves the appearance, technical condition and high residual value of your outboard motor for many years.