building new engine cover for 16' I/O....need advise!!

[idahodrifter2002]

i have a 16' bowrider with a 3.0 mercruiser. i have to rebuild the engine cover(dogbox) and was looking for some advise on the design. i do not have the original, but the boat is a 1990 glassport 165. i have read on here that all i need is about 2 inches of clearance between the engine and the cover. my question is this...should i put an air vent in the front of this cover, or would that be defeating the purpose of the side vents on the boat? i am building my cover with aluminum angle to frame it and the cover it with plywood, foam padding, and marine vinyl. also placing closed cell foam on the inside to deaden the sound of the engine.

 

[Bondo]

Re: building new engine cover for 16' I/O....need advise!!

i have a 16' bowrider with a 3.0 mercruiser. i have to rebuild the engine cover(dogbox) and was looking for some advise on the design. i do not have the original, but the boat is a 1990 glassport 165. i have read on here that all i need is about 2 inches of clearance between the engine and the cover. my question is this...should i put an air vent in the front of this cover, or would that be defeating the purpose of the side vents on the boat? i am building my cover with aluminum angle to frame it and the cover it with plywood, foam padding, and marine vinyl. also placing closed cell foam on the inside to deaden the sound of the engine.

Ayuh,.... When I built mine, it's less than 2" clearance, 'n No vents...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: building new engine cover for 16' I/O....need advise!!

Keep this in mind.......... that clearance is 2" from the sound insulation .......... normally the covers are built to be level or just below the transom.

Look at other boats and covers for the finished height and remember to include your padding too if you decide to make it padded.

 

[idahodrifter2002]

Re: building new engine cover for 16' I/O....need advise!!

thank you for the help guys!

no vents and 2 inches of clearance. will have pics on here when we start the build!