There’s a sight that makes every boat owner cringe: a once-gleaming outboard motor, now chalky, faded, and peeling under the relentless assault of the elements. I remember walking the docks at my local marina and seeing a beautiful center console, meticulously maintained, with one glaring exception—its powerful 200 HP outboard. The cowling looked like it had aged a decade in just a few seasons. The vibrant factory decals were cracked and bleached, the gelcoat was dull, and you could almost feel the UV radiation slowly breaking down the plastic. It’s a slow, silent process, but the sun, saltwater spray, acid rain, and even bird droppings are constantly working to devalue and degrade the single most expensive piece of equipment on most boats. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s about preserving the heart of your vessel and maintaining its resale value. An effective cover is not a luxury; it’s an essential piece of preventative maintenance.
- Product Dimensions - Good choice for most outboard motors 115-225 HP, cover size: 31"L x 23"W x 29"H. Fits most boat motor brands like Honda, Tohatsu, Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury, Evinrude, Hangkai etc....
- Upgraded Material - Made of 600D marine grade polyester with waterproof laminated undercoating. Excellent for boat off-season outdoor storage, mooring. Double stitching, all seams sealing taped can...
- Heavy Duty & Waterproof - With high level double stitching sewn, all seams sealing taped can improve cover's durability. Full coverage to protect your boat engine from rain, wind, snow, fog, dust and...
What to Consider Before Buying an Outboard Motor Cover
An outboard motor cover is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a key solution for protecting a significant investment from costly damage. It acts as a primary shield against UV radiation, which fades paint and degrades plastic components. It prevents water intrusion into sensitive areas during heavy rain and keeps corrosive salt spray from settling on the engine’s exterior. Furthermore, it protects against scratches, dings from stray gear on the boat, and the general grime that accumulates during storage, whether on a trailer, in a slip, or on a lift.
The ideal customer for this type of product is any boat owner who stores their vessel outdoors for any length of time. This includes weekend anglers, family pontoon cruisers, and serious offshore fishermen. If your boat is exposed to sun, rain, or salty air, you are the target user. Conversely, it might not be as critical for those who store their boat in a fully enclosed, climate-controlled garage year-round. For them, a simple dust cover might suffice. However, for the vast majority of us, a heavy-duty, weather-resistant cover is a non-negotiable part of boat care. You can check the latest price and availability to see how affordable this essential protection can be.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fit: This is the most critical factor. A cover that is too tight will be impossible to install and may rip at the seams. A cover that is too loose will flap in the wind, potentially scuffing the finish and acting like a sail, which could cause it to tear or fly off completely. Do not rely solely on the manufacturer’s HP rating; you must measure your motor’s length, width, and height and compare it to the cover’s dimensions.
- Protection & Performance: Look for key performance indicators. Is the material rated as waterproof or merely water-resistant? Does it offer specific UV protection to prevent fading and material breakdown? Consider features like taped seams, which offer an extra layer of waterproofing, and air vents, which prevent moisture and mildew from building up underneath during long-term storage.
- Materials & Durability: The fabric’s denier (D) rating indicates its thickness and toughness; 600D is a robust standard for marine covers, offering a great balance of strength and flexibility. Marine-grade polyester is a popular choice due to its inherent resistance to UV rays and mildew. Cheaper materials like nylon may not hold up as long under constant sun exposure.
- Ease of Use & Securing System: How easy is the cover to put on and take off? A strong elastic hem is essential for a snug fit at the base. More importantly, look for a robust securing system. Simple drawstrings are often inadequate in high winds. A system with multiple quick-release buckles and adjustable straps is far superior for ensuring the cover stays put, even while trailering.
Getting these details right ensures you choose a cover that provides maximum protection and lasts for many seasons, making it a truly worthwhile investment.
While the Explore Land Outboard Motor Cover 115-225 HP is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Heavy Duty Ripstop Materia: Made of Thickened 10.2 oz 1200D Marine Grade Polyester(more durable than 900D/600D/420D/300D/210D fabric). Mixed with Upgraded Anti-UV Composite prevents the cover from...
- Universal Boat Cover: Trailerable and designed to fit a range of boat types, including V-hull fishing boats, V-hull Tri-hull runabouts, bass boats, Fish and Ski boats, and Pro-style bass boats....
- 【Fade & Tear Resistant Fabric】We use extremely durable marine grade 600D solution dyed polyester fabric. Thicker material and double stitching ensure our T-top boat covers are durable Compared...
First Impressions: Heavy-Duty Feel and Purposeful Design
Upon unboxing the Explore Land Outboard Motor Cover 115-225 HP, the first thing we noticed was the substantial feel of the 600D marine-grade polyester. It doesn’t feel thin or flimsy like some budget covers we’ve handled in the past. The grey fabric has a reassuring heft, and a quick inspection of the interior reveals the laminated waterproof undercoating, which adds to its durable impression. The double-stitched seams are clean and appear robust, with the addition of sealing tape on the inside—a premium feature we were pleased to see at this price point. The layout is intuitive, with a clear front and back. The securing system immediately stands out, featuring two click-close straps at the rear corners, a single quick-release buckle at the front, and a heavy-duty elastic cord sewn into the entire bottom hem. It’s a comprehensive system designed to clamp down securely. Compared to covers that rely on a simple drawstring, this multi-point system feels far more engineered for real-world conditions like high winds and trailering. This thoughtful design is a feature that really sets it apart.
What We Like
- Robust 600D marine-grade polyester feels durable and protective
- Excellent multi-point securing system with straps and buckles
- Waterproof undercoating and sealed seams prevent water intrusion
- Rear air vent helps reduce moisture and mildew buildup
- Exceptional value for the level of features and material quality
Drawbacks
- Sizing can run large; relying on HP rating alone is not recommended
- The fabric dye may fade to a different color after prolonged sun exposure
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Explore Land Cover to the Test
A motor cover’s true worth is revealed over time, through scorching sun, driving rain, and whipping winds. We put the Explore Land Outboard Motor Cover 115-225 HP through its paces on a Yamaha F150, evaluating not just its fit and finish, but how its core features perform in the demanding marine environment. Our findings, backed by a chorus of user experiences, paint a picture of a cover that punches well above its weight class, provided you pay close attention to one critical detail: sizing.
Material Quality and Weather Resistance in the Real World
The foundation of any good cover is its material, and Explore Land’s choice of 600D marine-grade polyester is a solid one. During our testing, the cover faced several downpours. Water beaded up and rolled right off the surface, a testament to the effective waterproof laminated undercoating. We checked the motor cowling after each storm and found it perfectly dry, confirming that the sealed seams were doing their job and preventing leaks at these common failure points. This aligns with feedback from users in high-precipitation areas, like one boater in South Florida who expressed confidence in its ability to stand up to “sun, rain, and salt air.”
The UV protection is another key claim. The thick fabric certainly provides a physical barrier against sunlight, which is crucial for preventing the fading and cracking of the motor’s cowling. However, durability under UV light has two aspects: the integrity of the fabric and the colorfastness of the dye. While the material itself holds up well, we found evidence that the dye is less resilient. One user noted that after just two weeks in the sun, their grey cover had faded to a “pale purple.” While this is a cosmetic issue and doesn’t compromise the cover’s protective function, it’s something to be aware of if aesthetics are a top priority. For the price, however, the level of physical protection offered by the fabric is excellent, and many users agree that if they get a few good seasons out of it before it needs replacing, it remains a fantastic investment. You can explore the full material specifications on its product page.
The Art of the Secure Fit: Straps, Cords, and Sizing Nuances
This is where the Explore Land Outboard Motor Cover 115-225 HP truly shines and sets itself apart from lesser competitors. Its “multiple locking system” is not just marketing jargon; it’s a highly effective design. The heavy-duty elastic cord sewn into the hem creates a strong, foundational grip around the lower unit of the motor. This alone is a significant step up from flimsy drawstrings. But the real security comes from the straps. The two click-close straps at the back corners allow you to pull the cover taut against the rear of the engine, while the single quick-release buckle at the front cinches everything down. We found this system to be rock-solid. Even in gusty 20+ mph winds at the marina, the cover stayed put with absolutely no flapping or billowing.
However, this brilliant securing system is only effective if the cover is sized correctly, and this is the product’s most significant variable. The HP range (115-225 HP) is a very broad guideline. Our test motor, a Yamaha F150, sits squarely in the middle of this range, and the cover fit well—offering full coverage with just enough room to make installation easy. But user feedback is filled with cautionary tales. Numerous boaters report the covers run large. One owner of a new Yamaha F300 bought the larger 225-300 HP model and found it fit, while another with a 200 HP Yamaha noted they needed to size up to the XL model for a perfect fit. Conversely, someone with a 20 HP Suzuki found the cover rated for up to 25 HP to be “terribly baggy.” The clear takeaway, echoed by savvy users, is this: ignore the HP rating and measure your motor. Compare your motor’s length, width, and height to the cover’s stated dimensions (31″L x 23″W x 29″H for this model) to ensure a proper fit. Taking five minutes to do this will be the difference between a perfect, secure fit and a frustrating, sloppy one.
Thoughtful Design Features: Ventilation and Usability
Beyond the core materials and fit, there are smaller details that reveal a well-thought-out product. The inclusion of a back air vent is a prime example. This small but crucial feature allows air to circulate, preventing condensation from building up under the cover during long-term storage. This ventilation is key to inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew, which can thrive in the damp, dark environment a non-vented cover creates. While one user wished for a second vent for crossflow, the presence of even one is a significant advantage over many basic covers.
In terms of day-to-day use, the cover is refreshingly simple to handle. As one owner of twin outboards noted, they “slip on and off easily, which makes it convenient for regular use.” The slightly generous cut (when sized correctly) means you aren’t fighting to stretch it over the motor every time. The quick-release buckles are intuitive and can be operated with one hand, making the process of securing or removing the cover take less than a minute. This ease of use is critical because if a cover is a hassle to use, it’s more likely to be left off, defeating its purpose entirely. The Explore Land Outboard Motor Cover 115-225 HP strikes an excellent balance between a secure, protective fit and effortless daily operation.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Explore Land Outboard Motor Cover 115-225 HP is largely positive, especially concerning its value proposition. Many users, like one who needed a cover for a 2014 Mercury 90hp, were “pleasantly surprised” by the perfect fit and durable-feeling material, considering the affordable price. The robust strapping system is a frequently praised feature, with one boater stating it’s “much better than the other covers I have used” specifically because the buckles prevent it from blowing off in the wind.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and centers on two main issues: sizing and long-term durability. The most common complaint by far is inconsistent sizing. One user lamented that the cover for their 20 hp motor was so baggy “a black garbage bag would fit almost as well.” Another with a 75hp Mercury had to return the recommended size and buy a much larger one to get a good fit. This reinforces our finding that measuring is mandatory. The other point of contention is longevity. While many are happy, a few have experienced issues like seams failing after a few hours of trailering or the color fading dramatically in the sun. One user reported the item “came apart after 1 year” and had difficulty contacting the seller for warranty service, which is a valid concern.
How Does the Explore Land Cover Compare to Alternatives?
While the Explore Land Outboard Motor Cover 115-225 HP is designed for a specific purpose, boaters often need to protect more than just their engine. Depending on your vessel and storage situation, you might be considering different types of covers altogether. Here’s a look at how it compares to other common marine protection solutions.
1. Solim 25-28ft Pontoon Boat Cover Waterproof Heavy Duty
- 『Reliable Protection & Longer Use』Thickened 4 layers protection, 1200D marine grade oxford fabric + 100% waterproof coating + Anti-UV coating + PU coating, which is durable, wear-resistant,...
- 『Excellent Weatherproof Performance』With double reinforced stitching can improve durability. Elastic hem give a custom fit, can better resist strong winds. We have thickened the PU coating, which...
- 『Trailerable & Secure Use』20 pcs tie down straps and integrated sewn-on buckles provide easy installation and a quick release system to secure the pontoon boat cover for storage, moorage and...
This is an apples-and-oranges comparison, as the Solim cover is a full-boat solution for a pontoon. If you store your entire pontoon boat outdoors, a full cover like this is essential for protecting not just the motor, but the upholstery, decking, and console from sun and rain. The Solim boasts an even heavier 1200D material, offering maximum durability. You would choose this over the Explore Land cover if your goal is total vessel protection. However, for quick trips or for those who store their boat under a roof but still want to protect the motor from dust, insects, and ambient moisture, the Explore Land motor-only cover is a far more convenient and affordable option.
2. Budge T-Top Boat Cover 24-26ft Gray
- ALL-WEATHER PROTECTION: Built from heavy-duty 600 denier polyester, this waterproof boat cover shields your vessel from rain, sun, snow, dust, tree sap, and more, while UV resistance helps prevent...
- SECURE, TRAILERABLE FIT: Integrated straps, buckles, and a full elastic hem create a snug fit that stays in place in storage or on the road, giving you peace of mind while trailering
- BREATHABLE FABRIC: Promotes airflow to reduce heat buildup under the cover, helping to protect your boat’s surfaces and keep it in ready-to-use condition
The Budge T-Top cover is another full-boat solution, but it’s specifically designed for center console boats with T-Tops. Made from 600D polyester, it’s materially similar to the Explore Land cover but scaled up to protect the entire boat from the elements. A boater with a 25-foot offshore fishing boat would choose the Budge cover for complete protection during storage. The Explore Land motor cover, in this case, would be a complementary product. Many owners use a full boat cover for long-term storage and a simple motor cover like the Explore Land for short-term docking or to add an extra layer of protection to the engine.
3. JETPRO 126-135″ 3 Seater Jet Ski Cover Waterproof
- Heavy Duty Jet Ski Covers: Made of extremely tough and waterproof marine grade solution-dyed 600 denier polyester, tear-resistance and fade resistant material with semi-custom fit design; 6 size...
- All Weather Protection: Provides maximum protection against sun damage, rain, dirt, bird droppings, tree sap and other pollutants, which will help extend the life of the jet skis
- Storage/Mooring/Trailering: Strong, adjustable elastic cord around bottom ensures a tight fit; Trailer hitch opening in the front, built-in loops with quick release buckles to keep cover secure while...
This JETPRO cover is designed for a completely different type of watercraft: a Personal Watercraft (PWC) or jet ski. Like the Explore Land cover, it’s made from heavy-duty 600D polyester and is designed to be trailerable and waterproof. The choice here is simple and depends entirely on what you own. If you have a jet ski, the JETPRO is the appropriate choice. If you have a boat with an outboard motor, the Explore Land cover is what you need. They serve the same protective function but are tailored for the unique shapes and sizes of their respective machines.
Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the Diligent Boater
After extensive evaluation and consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the Explore Land Outboard Motor Cover 115-225 HP offers an outstanding combination of material quality, protective features, and security for its price. The 600D fabric, sealed seams, and truly effective multi-buckle strapping system are features often found on covers costing twice as much. It provides robust protection against the primary enemies of your outboard: rain, sun, and dirt.
Its primary weakness lies in its inconsistent sizing chart and the potential for the dye to fade over time. However, both of these issues can be managed. The fading is cosmetic, and the sizing problem can be completely avoided by taking a few moments to measure your motor before ordering. For the boater who is willing to do this small bit of homework, the reward is a high-performance cover that fits securely and offers peace of mind without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for an affordable, heavy-duty shield for your outboard and prioritize a secure fit above all else, we can confidently recommend this cover. See if it’s the right fit for your motor and check the current price today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API