There’s a certain feeling of pride that comes with washing down the boat after a long day on the water, flushing the engine, and tucking it away, ready for the next adventure. But for many of us, “tucking it away” means leaving it exposed to the elements in a driveway, marina slip, or storage yard. I learned this lesson the hard way years ago with my first boat. After a particularly harsh season of relentless sun and surprise downpours, I noticed the once-vibrant decals on my outboard cowling were faded and peeling. The glossy finish was dull, and a fine layer of grime had worked its way into every crevice. An outboard motor is the heart of your vessel, a complex and expensive piece of machinery. Leaving it unprotected is an open invitation for UV damage, water intrusion, bird droppings, dust, and scratches. A dedicated cover isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential piece of maintenance equipment that preserves your motor’s value, appearance, and longevity.
- 【All Weather Protection】Our full outboard engine covers have been designed to protect your engine during storage and towing. Thicker 800D marine-grade canvas and double-stitched design ensure our...
- 【Important Note】Horsepower size is for reference only. Size may vary by brand. Please measure the circumference and height of your outboard motor before purchase. If your motor falls between cover...
- 【Strong Windproof Design】Are you bothered by the cover blowing off when trailering? GOTRUTH outboard motor cover solves this problem perfectly. Heavy-duty zippers and durable drawcords for...
Before You Cover Up: A Buyer’s Guide to Outboard Motor Covers
An outboard motor cover is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a key solution for safeguarding one of your most significant boating investments. It acts as the first line of defense against the trifecta of environmental damage: sun, moisture, and physical debris. UV rays are notoriously destructive, breaking down the clear coat, fading paint, and making plastic components brittle over time. Rain and humidity can promote corrosion and create a breeding ground for mildew. And whether your boat is being towed down the highway or simply sitting in storage, a cover protects it from kicked-up road grime, dust, and accidental scrapes. The primary benefit is peace of mind, knowing your engine is shielded from these constant threats, extending its life and maintaining its resale value.
The ideal customer for this type of product is any boat owner who stores their vessel outdoors or trailers it frequently. If your boat lives on a trailer in your yard, in an uncovered marina slip, or is regularly towed to different launch points, a full motor cover is indispensable. It’s also crucial for off-season storage, providing a robust barrier against winter weather. Conversely, a full outboard cover might be less critical for those who store their boat in a climate-controlled garage or an indoor dry-stack facility. For these owners, a simple cowling-only “splash cover” might suffice for basic dust protection, but they would miss out on the comprehensive protection a full cover provides for the entire motor leg and propeller.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fit: This is arguably the most important factor. A cover that is too loose will flap in the wind, potentially scuffing the paint and failing to provide adequate protection. A cover that is too tight will be a struggle to install and may put undue stress on zippers and seams. It’s essential to measure your outboard’s dimensions—not just rely on the horsepower rating—and compare them to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. As we’ll discuss, sometimes sizing up is the wisest choice.
- Trailerability & Performance: If you plan to tow your boat with the cover on, “trailerable” is a key feature to look for. These covers are designed with robust fastening systems, like heavy-duty zippers, drawcords, and straps, to ensure they remain securely in place at highway speeds. A non-trailerable cover can easily become a dangerous projectile on the road.
- Materials & Durability: The fabric’s denier (D) rating indicates its thickness and toughness; a higher number, like the 800D of the GOTRUTH, signifies a more heavy-duty material. Marine-grade polyester or Oxford canvas is ideal, as it’s inherently resistant to water, mildew, and UV degradation. Look for features like double-stitched seams and reinforced stress points, which signal a well-constructed, durable product.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A cover you dread using is a cover you won’t use. Look for designs that are simple to install and remove. Features like a full-length zipper on the motor leg can make the process significantly easier than trying to wrestle a one-piece bag over the entire unit. Most quality covers can be cleaned with mild soap and water and should be completely dry before storage to prevent mildew.
While the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover 60-100 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 for various applications, 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...
Unboxing the GOTRUTH: First Impressions and Core Features
Pulling the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover 60-100 HP out of its packaging, the first thing we noticed was the substantial feel of the material. This isn’t a flimsy, lightweight dust cover. The 800D Oxford fabric has a rugged, canvas-like texture that immediately inspires confidence. It feels thick and durable, clearly designed to withstand more than just a light shower. We gave the seams a firm tug, and the double-stitching held fast without any signs of strain. The heavy-duty zipper, which runs along the shaft portion of the cover, operates smoothly and feels robust enough to handle repeated use. The inclusion of a strong drawcord at the base and additional hook-and-loop fasteners for cinching things down suggests a design that prioritizes a secure, wind-resistant fit. There are no tools required for installation, and the layout is intuitive. Compared to some budget covers that feel like glorified tarps, the GOTRUTH presents itself as a thoughtfully engineered piece of protective gear, ready for serious duty.
What We Like
- Thick, heavy-duty 800D marine-grade canvas feels exceptionally durable.
- Comprehensive fastening system with zipper, drawcord, and velcro for a secure fit.
- Provides full coverage from the cowling down to the propeller.
- Excellent value for the level of protection and material quality offered.
What We Didn’t Like
- Sizing can be tricky; relying solely on HP ratings may lead to an improper fit.
- Trailerability is highly dependent on achieving a perfectly snug fit.
In the Field: A Deep Dive into the GOTRUTH Cover’s Performance
A cover’s true worth is proven not in the box, but through seasons of sun, rain, and road grime. We put the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover 60-100 HP through a series of real-world tests to see if its performance matched its promising first impression. Our evaluation focused on three critical areas: its material resilience against the elements, the all-important challenge of getting the fit right, and its performance under the stress of trailering.
Material Toughness and All-Weather Resistance
The foundation of any great cover is its fabric, and the 800D marine-grade canvas used here is truly impressive for this price point. We started with a simple but effective water-resistance test, hitting the covered motor with a steady spray from a garden hose for several minutes to simulate a heavy downpour. The water beaded up and rolled right off, with no signs of saturation or seepage. After removing the cover, the engine beneath was perfectly dry. This confirmed the material’s waterproof claims and speaks to its ability to handle torrential rain during outdoor storage.
Next, we evaluated its UV resistance, which is critical for preventing the fading and cracking that plagues unprotected engines. While a long-term test takes a full season, the thickness and opacity of the black fabric provide a formidable barrier against sunlight. It’s a feature that really sets it apart from thinner, less protective covers. One user in Southeast Georgia noted that they expected it to fade in the harsh elements, which is realistic for any fabric over time, but the key is that the cover takes the abuse *instead* of the motor’s expensive paint and decals. The heavy-duty, double-stitched construction further enhances this durability, ensuring the cover itself doesn’t fall apart after a season of exposure. This robust build gives us confidence that the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover 60-100 HP is built for the long haul.
The Achilles’ Heel: Getting the Sizing and Fit Just Right
This is where our testing and the collective experience of other users converge on a single, crucial point: you must be diligent about sizing. While the product is listed for 60-100 HP motors, the reality is that outboards within the same horsepower range can have vastly different physical dimensions due to brand, model year, and shaft length. During our test fitting on a 90 HP Mercury, we found the feedback from one user to be spot on: the top cowling section was quite snug, while the lower shaft portion was a bit loose. It was workable, but not perfect.
This experience is echoed across numerous user reports, which provide an invaluable guide for potential buyers. One owner of a Suzuki 90 HP reported a nice, snug fit. However, another user with a 2021 Yamaha F150, who was at the top of the range for a smaller size, wisely chose to size up and was rewarded with a “perfect” fit. This seems to be the golden rule for the GOTRUTH cover. Another owner of a Mercury 115 ProXS followed the recommendation to size up and was pleased with the result. Conversely, a user with a Suzuki 175 HP purchased the recommended size and found it “super baggy” and too long. The clear takeaway is to treat the horsepower range as a reference only. The best practice is to physically measure your engine’s height, depth, and width and carefully compare it to the dimensions provided in the product listing. When in doubt, or if your motor is near the upper limit of a size range, sizing up appears to be the safest bet for achieving the secure fit this cover is designed for. You can always check the latest sizing chart and user photos to help make your decision.
On the Road: A Real-World Trailering Test
GOTRUTH markets this as a “Trailerable Boat Engine Cover,” a claim that hinges entirely on the snugness of the fit. A loose cover can billow and flap violently at highway speeds, which can damage the cover, scuff your engine’s paint, or even cause it to tear off completely. Our testing confirmed that the design elements for trailering are all there. The combination of the bottom drawcord, the heavy-duty zipper along the shaft, and the clever hook-and-loop fasteners that wrap around the transom mount are essential for this task.
During a 30-mile highway test, we made sure to cinch every strap and tighten the drawcord as much as possible. With our slightly loose fit on the 90 HP Mercury, we noticed some minor flapping on the lower unit, but the cover remained securely in place. This aligns with a user who noted they “would not trailer with it on,” likely because they couldn’t achieve a drum-tight fit. Our expert conclusion is that the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover 60-100 HP is indeed trailerable, but with a major condition: you *must* achieve a proper, tight fit first. If the cover is baggy anywhere, especially on the lower unit, it is not advisable for trailering. For static storage, a slightly loose fit is perfectly fine. But for the road, a snug, secure fit is non-negotiable for both safety and the longevity of the cover and your engine’s finish.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of boat owners, a clear picture of the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover 60-100 HP emerges. The overwhelming positive sentiment revolves around the product’s quality and value. Owners consistently praise the “tough” and “heavy-duty” feel of the 800D fabric, with many expressing pleasant surprise at the construction quality given the competitive price. The ease of installation is another common highlight, as is the effectiveness of the zipper and velcro system for tightening the fit. As one user aptly put it, “I like the zipper and velcro on the cover for tight adjustment for windy weather etc.”
On the other side of the coin, nearly all criticism is centered on sizing and fit. This is the product’s most significant variable. Reports range from “fits nicely” to “super baggy,” underscoring our finding that engine brand and dimensions matter more than horsepower alone. The most helpful feedback comes from users who detail their specific engine and the size they ordered, with the trend of “sizing up” being a frequent key to success. One amusing but telling review came from a user who was initially frustrated that it was too small for their Suzuki 200 HP, “then after realizing I had it on upside down and laughed at myself about that I got it on. It just fits.” This highlights both the cover’s form-fitting nature and the occasional user error that can happen during a first fitting.
How Does the GOTRUTH Compare? Three Other Protective Covers
While the GOTRUTH cover excels at protecting the outboard motor itself, boat ownership often requires different types of protective solutions. It’s important to understand that this product is a specialized tool for the engine, whereas other covers are designed to shield the entire vessel. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives that serve different purposes.
1. Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover 12-14 ft
- TRAILERABLE BOAT COVER: Fits boats 12' - 14' L, beam width to 68" W without windshield (including V-hull fishing boats and others)
- MARINE GRADE BOATING ACCESSORIES: Won't shrink or stretch, designed for extra durability, fabric coating technology for max water repellency, UV protection, mildew resistance and all-weather...
- INCLUDES SUPPORT POLE: Prevents water from pooling and helps preserve the cover while dual rear air vents with build in stiffeners reduce wind pressure and allows inside moisture to escape
The Classic Accessories StormPro is a full boat cover, designed to protect the entire vessel from bow to stern. Unlike the GOTRUTH, which focuses solely on the motor, the StormPro shields your boat’s hull, interior, console, and seats from the elements. It’s made from heavy-duty 600D polyester, making it a direct competitor in terms of material toughness. Someone would choose the StormPro over the GOTRUTH if their primary need is to cover the entire boat during storage or trailering. It’s the ideal choice for an open-hull fishing boat or runabout that needs complete protection, but you would still need a separate cover, like the GOTRUTH, if you wanted dedicated, form-fitting protection specifically for your outboard motor.
2. NEVERLAND V-Hull Boat Cover 20-22ft
- Universal Boat Cover - NEVERLAND Boat cover fits V shape, V-Hull, Tri-hull, Runabouts, Pro-Style bass boat and so on. This trailerable boat cover suitable for boat up to 20ft-22ft long and beam width...
- Waterproof Design - Boat cover made of durable 'RIPSTOP' marine grade oxford fabric with water resistant PVC coating and anti-UV finish. Bass boat cover will protect your boat perfectly from the sun,...
- All-round protection - Bass tracker boat cover equipped with 13 adjustable straps and quick-release windproof buckles, elastic cords around the bottom edge ensure a tight fit, which allow you to...
Similar to the StormPro, the NEVERLAND cover is another full-boat solution, but scaled up for larger V-hull, tri-hull, and bass boats in the 20-22 foot range. It’s also a trailerable cover made from marine-grade polyester, designed for robust, all-weather protection. The key difference is application. The NEVERLAND is for the owner of a larger vessel who needs to protect their entire investment, from the upholstery to the electronics. The GOTRUTH is a complementary product, not a direct competitor. Many owners of larger boats will use a full cover like the NEVERLAND for overall protection and add the GOTRUTH for an extra layer of defense on their expensive outboard.
3. JETPRO 126″-135″ 3 Seater PWC Cover
- 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...
The JETPRO cover highlights another important distinction in the world of marine covers. This product is specifically designed for Personal Watercraft (PWCs), like a Jet Ski or WaveRunner. While a PWC has an engine, its integrated design is completely different from an outboard motor on a boat. The JETPRO cover is tailored to fit the unique shape of a PWC, covering the handlebars, seat, and hull. A boat owner would never consider this product, and vice versa. This comparison reinforces the specialized nature of the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover 60-100 HP. It is expertly designed for one job and one job only: protecting the specific form factor of an outboard engine.
Our Final Verdict: Is the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover a Smart Buy?
After rigorous hands-on testing and a thorough analysis of user feedback, we can confidently say that the GOTRUTH Full Outboard Motor Cover 60-100 HP offers exceptional value and robust protection. Its primary strength lies in its heavy-duty 800D marine-grade canvas, which provides a formidable barrier against rain, UV rays, and physical damage. The thoughtful design, incorporating a strong zipper, drawcord, and velcro straps, demonstrates a clear understanding of what’s needed for a secure fit, both in storage and on the road.
The single most important consideration, however, is sizing. This is not a one-size-fits-all product, and prospective buyers must do their homework. We strongly recommend measuring your engine’s physical dimensions and following the widely-supported advice to size up if you are near the upper end of a horsepower range. If you get the fit right, you will be rewarded with a durable, high-performing cover that punches well above its price point. For the boater willing to take that extra measurement step, this cover is an excellent investment in protecting the heart of your vessel. If you’re ready to give your engine the defense it deserves, we highly recommend you check the latest price and see its full feature set today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API