How to Make an Outboard Motor Cover

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This video tutorial gives step-by-step instructions for making an outboard motor cover from marine grade or outdoor cover fabric. This outboard motor cover is moderately fitted with a leech line drawstring at the bottom to tighten the cover around the motor. This video also shows how to make a cover for the motor throttle handle. Watch the video to get started, then order your supplies from the materials and tools lists below the video. Let's get started!
Materials List:
  • Marine Grade or Outdoor Cover Fabric
  • Leech Line Dacron® 1/8" White – #21209 
  • Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas – #129
  • Tex 90 UV Bonded Polyester or Lifetime Thread
Tools List:
  • Sailrite® Edge Cordless Hotknife Package – #122177
  • Soapstone Fabric Marking Pencil White – #102766
  • Suisei Magnetic Sewing Guide – #102983
  • Spring Clamp – #50211
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine – #311602

When choosing a durable and protective fabric for your motor cover, you have a variety of options. At Sailrite, we only stock the best fabric brands in the industry. Two brands we recommend for marine and outdoor cover and canvaswork projects are Sattler® Marine Grade and SureRite®. Both fabrics are water-resistant and breathable, protecting your motor from the elements while allowing moisture to escape and air to circulate. They also offer excellent UV, stain, and mildew resistance.

Getting Started With This DIY Project

This is a fairly simple project that even a beginner sewer can tackle. Besides the fabric and leech line, you’ll only need some basic sewing tools and supplies. Gather the following essentials:

  • Measuring tool
  • Cutting tool
  • Marking tool
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine

If you're in the market for a portable, powerful sewing machine that handles heavy canvaswork with ease, we recommend the Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine. Featuring all-metal internal components, a robust cast iron machine head, and the most powerful motor on a portable machine, the Ultrafeed breezes through canvas, denim, leather, upholstery fabric, and more. Click here to learn more about the Ultrafeed and whether it's the right machine for your sewing journey.

Are you looking for more marine DIYs? We have hundreds of free how-to resources on our DIY Projects page. Explore a wide variety of projects for your boat, including how to:

  • Sew new cockpit cushions
  • Redo your bimini or dodger
  • Replace cracked window vinyl on your enclosure
  • And much more!

At Sailrite, we're more than just a store. We provide the best free how-to content on the internet. Let's make something great together!