Cowling assembly for outboard motor

Abstract

Six embodiments of a cowling assembly for a powerhead of an outboard motor are provided which include a top cover divided into a center cowling emmber, and removable front and rear cowling members, or alternatively, two removable side cowling members. Each of these embodiments provides a cowling assembly which can be easily removed or opened to permit convenient servicing of the engine, and which prevents water from entering into the interior of the cowling. In the first two embodiments, the front and rear cowling members, or alternatively the two side cowling members, are connected to the center cowling member by elastic bands. Instead of using elastic bands, however, third and sixth embodiments of this invention provided a pair of hinges to be used to pivotally connect the front and rear cowling members to the center cowling member at the tops thereof so that the front and rear cowling members or side cowling members can be opened up. Latch hooks and catch members releasably retain the front and rear or side cowling members in a closed position. Fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention use a pair of spring mechanisms for pivotally connecting and biasing the two side cowling members, or alternatively the front and rear cowling members, against the center cowling member at the tops thereof. Latch hooks and catch members are provided for releasably retaining the side or front and rear cowling members in a closed position. All of the embodiments include seal members held between adjoining edges of the cowling members to provide a water tight enclosure for the outboard motor engine.