How to Choose the Right Outboard Motor Cover
Short answer: most outboards need a Full Cover, sized by measuring the motor's height and circumference rather than horsepower alone. If your motor has a hydrofoil or a long anti-cavitation plate, use a Half Cover instead. For fabric, a Standard cover (600D polyester) typically lasts 18–24 months in Australian conditions, while a DuraPoly cover (600D solution-dyed Oxford polyester) is built for up to 4 years.
Full Cover or Half Cover?
Full Cover
A full outboard motor cover encloses the whole motor, cowling down to the leg, with a zip-up leg section and drawstring for a snug fit. It's the right choice for most outboards, since it protects the entire motor — not just the top — from dust, salt spray, grime and UV.
Half Cover
A half cover protects only the top of the motor (the cowling), leaving the leg exposed. Use a half cover if your outboard has a hydrofoil or a long anti-cavitation/ventilation plate — full covers aren't designed to fit around these, and forcing one on stresses the seams and zip.
How to measure your outboard motor
The horsepower figures on sizing charts are a guide only. Different brands, model years, and 2-stroke vs 4-stroke motors all vary in actual dimensions, so measure your motor directly before choosing a size.
Measuring for a Full Cover
- Measure the height of the motor in a straight line, top to bottom.
- Measure the circumference at three points down the motor — the cowling, the mid-section, and the lower leg (these correspond to C1, C2 and C3 on our size chart).
Measuring for a Half Cover
- Measure the length, width and height of the motor's cowling and compare against the size chart.
Standard or DuraPoly?
| Feature | Standard | DuraPoly |
| Fabric | 600D 100% polyester, PU coating | 600D 100% solution-dyed Oxford polyester, PU coating |
| Water protection | Waterproof coating | 1500mm water column rating |
| UV performance | Standard UV resistance | Extra UV inhibitor for better fade resistance (UPF 50+) |
| Ventilation | Breathable fabric | Breathable fabric plus air vents |
| Typical life in Australian conditions | 18–24 months | Up to 4 years |
Solution-dyed fabric (used in the DuraPoly range) has colour running through the fibre rather than coated on top, so it resists fading from harsh Australian sun better over time.
Storage covers, not travel covers
Both Full and Half outboard motor covers are designed for storage — they're not rated for use while towing or running the boat. Damage caused by using a storage cover during transport isn't covered under warranty. See our Warranty Information page for full details.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an outboard motor cover?
Yes, if you store your boat outdoors or the motor is exposed to weather between trips. A cover protects the cowling and internals from dust, salt spray, UV fading and moisture that can corrode components over time.
What's the difference between a Full and Half cover?
A Full cover encloses the entire motor down to the leg with a zip-up section for a snug fit. A Half cover protects only the cowling. Motors with a hydrofoil or long anti-cavitation plate need a Half cover, since a Full cover won't fit around these fittings.
How long do outboard motor covers last?
A Standard cover typically lasts 18–24 months in Australian conditions. A DuraPoly cover, with its solution-dyed fabric and extra UV inhibitor, is built to last up to 4 years.
Can I use my outboard cover while towing or running the boat?
No. Both Full and Half covers are designed for storage only. Using a storage cover during transport or while the motor is running can damage the cover and isn't covered under warranty.
The horsepower size doesn't match my motor exactly — what do I do?
Horsepower is a guide only, since motor dimensions vary by brand, model year and stroke type. Measure your motor's height and circumference (Full cover) or length, width and height (Half cover) and match those measurements to the size chart rather than relying on horsepower alone.
Browse our Outboard Motor Covers, including the Standard Full Cover, Standard Half Cover, and DuraPoly Full Cover.