Sew Your Own Custom Outboard Motor Cover

Protecting your investment is priority number one for any boat owner. Your outboard motor is the heart of your vessel, and leaving it exposed to the elements can lead to fading, cracking, and unnecessary mechanical wear. While universal covers are an option, nothing beats the security and professional look of a custom-sewn cover made specifically for your engine's unique contours.

In this video, we take you through the entire DIY process—from patterning directly on the motor to the final stitch. One of the standout features of this design is the clever use of a shock cord in a sleeve combined with an adjustable webbing strap and buckle. This combination ensures the cover won't fly off while you're trailering or during a heavy storm, while also making it incredibly easy to slip on and off whenever you're ready to hit the water.

We’ve selected Top Notch® 7 Fabric for this project. It’s an industry favorite for a reason: it’s incredibly abrasion, water, and sun-resistant, yet light enough to handle easily during the sewing process. To get those professional-looking seams, we recommend using the Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine and Tex 70 Polyester Thread. These tools are built to handle marine-grade materials with ease, ensuring your project lasts for many seasons to come.

Key Techniques You'll Learn:

• Precision Patterning: See how to use Dura-Skrim® patterning material and SewReady® Seamstick Basting Tape to create a perfect template without leaving residue on your motor cowl.
• Seam Allowance Secrets: Eric explains why adding a bit of extra room (3/4 inch!) is the key to a cover that is easy to install and remove without struggling.
• The Semi-Flat Fell Seam: A great technique for joining panels that adds strength and a clean, professional finish to your marine canvas.
• The Sailrite® Edge Hot Knife: Watch how this tool makes a difference by sealing the edges of your fabric to prevent any future unraveling.
• Shock Cord Integration: Learn how to sew a sleeve that provides a snug, elastic fit around the base of the motor, bypassing cables and mounting hardware.

If you’ve been looking for a project to spruce up your boat or even protect an engine on a towed RV, this is the perfect place to start. Don't let the complex shape of an outboard motor engine intimidate you—with the right steps and Sailrite supplies, you can achieve a factory-quality result right in your own workshop.

Ready to see how it’s done? Click "play" on the video above to watch the full tutorial and get started on your own custom engine cover today!