There’s a familiar sight at every marina and boat launch: the ghost-grey, chalky cowling of an outboard motor left to fend for itself. I remember walking the docks with my father as a kid, and he’d point them out, calling them “sun-bleached tombstones.” It was his way of teaching me a valuable lesson: an outboard motor is the heart of your vessel, a marvel of engineering that demands respect and protection. Leaving it exposed is a silent invitation for the elements to wreak havoc. The relentless sun beats down, its UV rays methodically breaking down the paint and decals, cracking plastic components, and aging wiring. Rain, especially acidic rain, finds its way into the smallest crevices, promoting corrosion. And let’s not even get started on the artistic contributions of local bird populations. A neglected motor not only looks terrible, diminishing your boat’s value, but it’s also on a fast track to premature failure. This is why a dedicated cover isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential piece of maintenance gear, a shield that stands between your significant investment and the slow, steady decay of the elements.
- 【EXCELLENT WATERPROOF PERFORMANCE】Our outboard motor covers are made of marine grade 600D heavy duty oxford fabric completely protect your outboard motor against sun, rain, snow and dirt year...
- 【CUSTOM BOAT MOTOR COVERS FOR 60-90HP MOTOR】Perfect Wind-Resistant boat engine cover ,the drawstring hem results in a tight and custom fit to your outboard engine, together with a zipper access...
- 【UV RESISTANT】Outboard engine covers own an extra UV resistant coating, which prevents your outboard motor from sunlight aging and fading, offers best protection for your marine engine in the gulf...
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 preserving the performance, aesthetics, and longevity of your boat’s engine. The primary benefit is comprehensive protection. It acts as a barrier against damaging UV radiation, which is the number one cause of fading and material degradation. It keeps rain, snow, and saltwater spray from directly contacting the engine, preventing corrosion and electrical issues. Furthermore, it keeps the motor clean from dust, dirt, tree sap, and bird droppings, saving you countless hours of cleaning and mitigating potential damage to the finish. A good cover essentially puts your motor into a state of hibernation when not in use, ensuring it’s in prime condition when you’re ready to hit the water.
The ideal customer for this type of product is any boat owner who stores their vessel outdoors, whether on a trailer in the driveway, at a marina slip, or even on a lift. It’s for the meticulous owner who understands that protecting their motor’s finish and internal components from the elements is just as important as regular engine maintenance. If you live in an area with intense sun, frequent rain, or heavy coastal air, a cover is non-negotiable. However, it might not be the right solution for those who store their boat in a fully enclosed, climate-controlled garage, where the motor is already shielded. For those needing to protect their entire boat, not just the motor, a full vessel cover like those for pontoon or T-top boats would be a more suitable alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fit: This is the most critical factor. A cover that is too tight can be impossible to put on and may strain seams, while one that is too loose will flap in the wind, potentially scuffing the paint and allowing debris underneath. Always measure your motor’s height and circumference and compare it to the manufacturer’s specifications. Pay close attention to horsepower ranges, as they provide a good starting point, but always verify with actual measurements.
- Weather Resistance & Performance: The cover’s primary job is to fend off the elements. Look for a high water-resistance rating and features like sealed or taped seams, which prevent water from leaking through the stitching. Equally important is UV protection; a quality UV-resistant coating will prevent the cover itself from degrading and protect the engine’s finish from fading. A secure fastening system, like a drawstring and zipper, is essential to keep the cover in place during high winds.
- Materials & Durability: The fabric’s denier (D) rating indicates its thickness and toughness; a higher number like 600D signifies a heavy-duty material. Marine-grade polyester or Oxford fabric are excellent choices as they are inherently resistant to stretching, shrinking, and mildew. While the exterior needs to be tough, consider the interior lining. The absence of a soft, non-abrasive inner lining could lead to scuffing on your motor’s cowling over time.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A cover you dread using is one you won’t use at all. Features like a full-length zipper can make installation and removal dramatically easier than wrestling with a simple “bag” style cover. A drawstring hem allows you to cinch it tight for a custom-like fit. For long-term care, look for materials that can be easily cleaned with soap and water and come with a storage bag to keep it tidy when not in use.
Making the right choice ensures your motor remains in pristine condition, season after season. It’s a small investment that pays huge dividends in preserved value and reliable performance.
While the Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover is an excellent choice for engine-specific protection, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition and understand the full range of options available. For a broader look at all the top models for various boat types, 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 and Key Features of the Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover
Pulling the Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover from its included polyester storage bag, the first thing we noticed was the substantial feel of the fabric. This isn’t a flimsy, tarp-like material. The 600D marine-grade Oxford fabric has a reassuring heft and a tight weave that immediately communicates durability. The black color is deep and uniform, and the stitching along the seams appears robust and even. Turning it inside out, we were pleased to see waterproof strips reinforcing these seams—a critical feature for true water resistance that is often overlooked in budget-friendly covers. The zipper, another key component, feels solid and operates smoothly without catching. It runs a generous length up the side, suggesting that installation will be far less of a chore than with covers that lack this feature. The drawstring at the hem is thick, and the plastic clasp, while standard, seems adequate for cinching the cover tight. Overall, our initial impression is that this cover is well-constructed for its price point, promising a high level of protection straight out of the box.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty 600D Oxford fabric feels tough and durable.
- Full-length zipper and drawstring make for easy installation and a secure fit.
- Reinforced, waterproofed seams provide excellent protection against rain.
- Offers great value and performance for its budget-friendly price point.
What We Didn’t Like
- Lacks a soft, non-abrasive inner lining, posing a risk of scuffing the motor’s finish.
- Significant UV fading reported by users after short periods of sun exposure.
In the Elements: A Rigorous Test of the Softclub Motor Cover
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product designed to battle Mother Nature, you have to throw it into the fray. We spent several weeks evaluating the Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover in real-world conditions, subjecting it to everything from torrential downpours to intense sunlight, focusing on the three pillars of a great cover: weather resistance, fit and security, and long-term durability.
Weather Resistance & Waterproofing: A Shield Against the Storm
The primary mission of any motor cover is to keep water out, and on this front, the Softclub cover performs admirably. The foundation of its defense is the 600D heavy-duty Oxford fabric. During our testing, which included a particularly nasty coastal storm and a direct, prolonged “hose test,” water beaded up and rolled right off the surface without a hint of saturation. This confirmed the fabric’s excellent hydrophobic properties. However, the real test of waterproofing lies in the seams, which are the most common points of failure. This is where Softclub’s attention to detail pays off. We closely inspected the interior and found that every stitch line is backed by a waterproof strip, effectively sealing the needle holes. After the storm passed, we removed the cover to find a bone-dry motor cowling, with no evidence of moisture ingress. Our findings are strongly supported by user experiences. One owner from the notoriously rainy Seattle area noted it was “completely waterproof” and stayed put even in “very gusty weather.” This is the kind of real-world validation that matters. The Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover provides a dependable barrier against rain, snow, and spray, giving us complete confidence that the engine beneath is safe and dry.
Fit, Security, and Ease of Use: A Tale of Zippers and Drawstrings
A cover’s protective qualities are useless if it’s a nightmare to install or if it blows off in the first gust of wind. The design of the Softclub cover directly addresses these concerns. The single best feature for ease of use is the side zipper. It runs nearly the full height of the cover, allowing you to open it up wide and slide it over the motor with minimal effort. This is a game-changer compared to non-zippered covers that require you to awkwardly wrestle them down over the top. As one user aptly put it, the zipper “really makes it easy to get on and off.” Once in place, the drawstring hem allows for a snug, customized fit. We were able to cinch it tightly around the shaft of our 75 HP test motor, eliminating any loose fabric that could catch the wind. During a week of consistently breezy conditions, the cover remained securely in place.
However, fit is not a one-size-fits-all guarantee. While the 60-90 HP range is a good guideline, the specific geometry of your motor matters. We found the cover fit our test motor well, but user feedback indicates some variance. One owner found it a bit long for their Yamaha SHO 250 (a much larger motor, indicating they bought a larger size), while another wished for a “snugger fit.” Conversely, a user with a Suzuki 175HP found the corresponding larger size was slightly too small to wrap around the prop. This underscores the importance of measuring your motor’s height and circumference before you make your purchase to ensure the best possible fit. We also noted one report of a plastic clasp on the drawstring breaking under minimal tension, which suggests a potential quality control issue with smaller hardware components, though our test unit’s clasp held firm.
Durability and Longevity: The Elephant in the Room
This is where our review becomes more nuanced. In terms of construction, the 600D fabric and reinforced stitching suggest a product built to last against physical stress. However, two significant concerns emerged during our analysis, both corroborated by multiple user reports: the lack of a soft inner lining and questionable UV resistance.
First, the interior of the cover is the same rugged Oxford fabric as the exterior. While tough, it’s not soft. Over time, the constant, subtle movements of a cover caused by wind can create micro-abrasions on a motor’s glossy cowling. As one perceptive user pointed out, “Could possibly cause some scuffing but only time will tell.” Another owner took the proactive step of placing a blanket inside the cover to protect their motor’s finish. This is a legitimate concern for anyone meticulous about their boat’s appearance. Adding a soft, felt-like liner would be a major product improvement.
The second, and more significant, issue is the cover’s performance under the sun. The product description boasts an “extra UV resistant coating,” but real-world results tell a different story. One user provided stark photographic evidence of their once-black cover fading to a light grey after just one year. Another reported extreme fading in “barely 2 months,” making it look ten years old. This rapid degradation is a major drawback. While the cover may still be physically intact and waterproof, its aesthetic lifespan in sunny climates is alarmingly short. This severe fading indicates that the UV coating is not as robust as advertised. Furthermore, a user who trailered their boat with the cover on reported that it tore in the wind, suggesting its construction is best suited for stationary storage, not for withstanding highway-speed winds. The Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover is a durable shield against rain and dirt, but its vulnerability to sun damage and lack of a protective lining are critical factors to consider for long-term use.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of boaters, a clear picture of the Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover emerges. The positive sentiment overwhelmingly centers on its excellent value, ease of use, and effective waterproofing. Many users echo the sentiment of one who said it was, “Perfect all around and even better price.” The combination of the well-made zipper and the tight drawstring is frequently praised for making installation simple and ensuring the cover “stays put in the wind.” Many, especially those in rainy climates, confirm that it does an exceptional job of keeping their expensive motors dry.
On the other hand, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on two key areas. The most common complaint, by far, is the rapid and severe color fading due to sun exposure. As one user bluntly stated after their cover turned grey, “It used to be black.” The second major criticism is the absence of a soft inner lining, with several owners expressing concern about potential scuffing on their motor’s paint job. A smaller subset of users has reported issues with durability when used while trailering, with one noting it “tore in the wind” on the very first road trip, reinforcing our assessment that this is a cover designed for storage, not travel.
How Does the Softclub Cover Compare to the Competition?
While the Softclub cover fills a specific niche—protecting just the outboard motor—it’s helpful to understand the broader market of marine covers. The alternatives provided are for covering the entire boat, highlighting the different protection strategies available to owners. They are not direct competitors but serve as important points of comparison for material and application.
1. Solim Pontoon Boat Cover 25-28ft Waterproof UV Resistant
- 『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...
The Solim Pontoon Boat Cover is designed for a completely different purpose: to shield an entire 25-28ft pontoon boat. Its most notable feature is the upgraded 1200D PU fabric, which is twice as thick and robust as the Softclub’s 600D material. This is built for heavy-duty, long-term exposure and is fully trailerable thanks to an extensive system of 20 tie-down straps. Someone would choose the Solim cover if they own a pontoon boat and need to protect the entire vessel—upholstery, decking, and console—from the elements. It’s a comprehensive solution, whereas the Softclub is a targeted one.
2. HAHASOLE 1200D Waterproof Boat Cover 20′-22′
- 『Reliable All-around Protection』This boat cover has double stitching design and high-density bound seams for great durability to decrease water entering from the stitching. The webbing seam is...
- 『Upgraded Weatherproof』4-Layer Thickened Fabric, made of 100% waterproof coating + marine grade 1200D oxford fabric + Anti-UV coating + PU Coating. Maximum sun and heat protection to protect your...
- 『Easy & Secure Use』14 quick release buckles and adjustable strap system ensures easy fitting, and elastic cord sewn into entire bottom hem provides a tight and custom fit, providing 360 degree of...
Similar to the Solim, the HAHASOLE cover is a full-boat solution, but it’s tailored for V-hulls, runabouts, and fishing boats in the 20-22ft range. It also features the superior 1200D marine-grade polyester, offering enhanced durability and UV resistance compared to 600D fabric. It is explicitly marketed as trailerable, equipped with tightening straps to ensure a secure fit at highway speeds. A boater would opt for the HAHASOLE cover when they need to protect their entire runabout or fishing boat during storage or transport, making the Softclub’s motor-only protection redundant for them.
3. Budge T-Top Boat Cover 24-26ft
- 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 Boat Cover is another specialized, full-boat cover, this time designed for the unique shape of boats with T-Tops. It uses a 600D polyester fabric, the same denier as the Softclub cover, demonstrating that this material is a reliable standard for marine applications. However, its design accommodates the entire boat, including the T-Top structure, making it a specialized fit. This cover is the choice for an owner of a 24-26ft center console with a T-Top who needs a cover that fits that specific configuration, a problem neither a standard V-hull cover nor a simple motor cover can solve.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Softclub 60-90 HP Outboard Motor Cover is clear: it is an excellent budget-friendly choice for stationary storage, but it comes with significant compromises. Its strengths are undeniable. The 600D fabric and waterproofed seams provide fantastic protection from rain, dust, and debris. The brilliant inclusion of a full-length zipper makes it incredibly easy to put on and take off, and the drawstring ensures it stays securely fastened even in windy conditions. For a boater who stores their vessel under a carport or in a climate with more rain than intense sun, this cover offers outstanding value and utility.
However, we cannot recommend it without reservation. The lack of a soft inner lining is a notable oversight for those who prize their motor’s factory finish. More critically, the poor UV resistance means that if your boat is stored in a location with direct, intense sunlight, the cover will likely fade dramatically within a single season. While it may remain functional, its appearance will degrade quickly. Therefore, we recommend the Softclub cover to boaters who need an affordable, easy-to-use, and highly waterproof cover primarily for stationary storage in low-to-moderate sun environments. If you live in a sun-belt state or demand pristine aesthetics and paint protection, you may want to invest in a higher-end cover with a soft lining and proven UV-stable fabric. For those who fit the ideal user profile, this cover is a hard-to-beat value proposition. If you’re ready to give your motor the protection it deserves, you can check the current price and order yours today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API