MERCURY Marine Tow N Stow Outboard Cover for 40-600hp, Black

The Verdict

If you’re trailering a boat with an outboard over 40hp, you already know the drill: uncovered motors catch road grime, rock chips, and enough bugs to form a small ecosystem. The MERCURY Marine Tow N Stow cover aims to fix that with a simple promise — protect your outboard while towing, and stow it in the included bag when you’re on the water. After digging through 235 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, here’s the real story.

What You Actually Get

The cover is made from 600-denier marine polyester with a water-repellent finish. That’s the same material class used in quality boat covers, not the flimsy tarp stuff you see at box stores. As shown in the product image, it’s cut to wrap the cowling and extend down over the lower unit — a key detail for 4-stroke owners who worry about salt spray and road debris hitting the gearcase.

In the box: the cover itself, a compression strap system with four buckles, and a mesh storage bag. No tools, no mounting hardware. If you can buckle a seatbelt, you can fit this.

Real-World Performance

The headline feature is the integrated towing strap. Unlike generic covers that require bungee cords or rope, this one has a built-in strap that runs under the motor bracket. Owners consistently report it stays put at highway speeds. One verified buyer put it plainly: “Towed 600 miles at 75 mph in rain — cover never moved, motor stayed bone dry.” That’s the experience most reviewers share.

The universal sizing is genuinely universal. The strap system tightens around the cowling with enough adjustment range that a 40hp tiller and a 600hp Verado both fit. The elastic hem around the bottom edge grips the lower unit, and the four buckles distribute tension evenly. It’s not a custom-tailored fit — there will be some slack on smaller motors — but the straps handle it.

What Buyers Praise

The durability-to-price ratio is the most common theme. Multiple reviewers mention surviving multi-state towing trips without fraying or seam failure. The water repellency gets consistent shout-outs — rain beads up and rolls off rather than soaking through. And the storage bag matters more than you’d think: when you pull the cover off at the ramp, you can stuff it in the bag instead of leaving a wet pile in your truck bed.

Where It Falls Short

Here’s the honest part. The cover has no ventilation. If you leave it on for weeks in a humid environment — say, a boat stored on a lift in Florida — you’re inviting mildew. That’s not speculation; it’s in multiple 3-star reviews. This is a tow cover, not a long-term storage solution.

The elastic hem is a minor annoyance. If you don’t cinch all four buckles snug, the cover can catch wind at the bottom edge and flap. It won’t blow off — the towing strap prevents that — but it will wear prematurely. One reviewer noted: “Great cover, but you must tighten all straps or the bottom flaps like a flag.”

Also, this is purely for the outboard. It does not extend to cover the transom or the boat’s splash well. If you want full cockpit coverage, you need a separate boat cover.

Who Should Buy This

• Trailer boaters — If you tow weekly or monthly, this is the best $50-ish you’ll spend on motor protection.
• Saltwater anglers — The 600-denier fabric and water repellency handle salt spray and road grime between trips.
• First-time boat owners — Simple install, no modifications, and it’s forgiving of imperfect fitting.

Skip it if you moor your boat for weeks at a time — you need a vented, breathable cover. Also skip it if you have a 2-stroke with a very tall, narrow cowling; the universal fit may leave excess fabric that catches wind.

FAQ

Will this fit my 150hp Yamaha? Yes. The strap system adjusts to fit cowlings from 40hp to 600hp across brands. The elastic hem wraps the lower unit. If your motor has a standard outboard shape, it fits.

Can I leave it on while towing? That’s the primary use case. The integrated towing strap secures the cover under tension, and the buckles keep it tight. Owners report safe towing at highway speeds.

Is it waterproof or water-resistant? Water-resistant. It repels rain and spray during towing, but it’s not a sealed cover. Prolonged rain will eventually soak through, and the lack of vents means moisture can trap inside. For short-term storage — days, not weeks — it’s fine.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

Buy it if you tow your boat regularly and want cheap insurance against road damage, UV fading, and bug splatter. It’s durable, easy to install, and the towing strap feature genuinely works.

Skip it if you need a long-term storage cover or you’re unwilling to tighten all four straps every time — this cover demands a minute of attention before every tow.

For the price, it outperforms generic universal covers and holds its own against brand-specific options costing three times as much. The 4.7-star average is earned, with the only recurring complaint being the lack of ventilation — a known tradeoff for a tow cover that needs to be airtight at speed.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.