Take a look at some “How-To” and other videos for additional product information.
Q: Can the Tuff Skinz motor cover be used on my motor while my motor is running?
A: YES! – Your Tuff Skinz vented motor cover can be used while your motor is running, and motor will not overheat. Tuff Skinz Vented Outboard Motor Covers have strategically placed vents for each motor type. Tests have shown that there is more than adequate airflow and covers can be left on at all times.
Q: Won’t it come off while traveling across the lake or during towing?
A: No, it will not. It has a 1″ strap sewn into the bottom of the cover and a snap buckle in the front. Once it is in place, and the buckle is secured, the end of the strap can be pulled to allow the bottom to be drawn together, making the cover impossible to come off, while towing, or on the lake.
Q: What makes Tuff Skinz different from other covers?
A: Our covers are the original covers MADE IN THE USA in Dallas, TX. Our covers are NOT “one-size-fits-all” — we make covers specifically for your motor make and year. We have the largest selectiob of vented motor covers starting in 1986-ish. We have a SUPERIOR warranty and customer service. Tuff Skinz is the ORIGINAL outboard vented covers company. It’s the only thing we have ever done.
Q: What graphics or logos can I put on my cover?
A. You can put just about anything on a Tuff Skinz cover: your logo, guide service logo, company logo, clever sayings, etc. And in any color as well. We can even match your boats color scheme. We have reproductions of all factory cowling graphics and can even recolor those! However, we can not add YAMAHA to any of our covers – they are the only manufacturer that will not allow it (well, that and Skeeter). All other logos like Mercury, Evinrude, Suzuki, Honda, etc. we can put on a cover. We also have metallic, neon and even “sparkly” colors to use for basic/simple graphics or words – just let us know what your looking for.
Q: What are Tuff Skinz covers made of?
A: Our covers are made from a tough marine-grade acrylic coated woven polyester fabric that is treated with UV and water repellent chemicals. They are NOT made with Neoprene as Neoprene fades fast, loses elasticity and drys out. The white underside is a soft, felt-like, non-woven, non-abrasive 100% polyester backing. Our covers are resistant to mildew, abrasions, water penetration, most petroleum products, UV rays, and a wide range of acidic and alkaline liquids — within reason.s
Q: Can I get a Tuff Skinz cover in a different color?
A: We currently offer our motor covers in Black, Charcoal Grey, Silver Grey and White. We can make them in custom or camo patterns (but they are pricey), and we can make them in many OTHER colors (large orders only) but not in ANY color — so just check with us first at 877-99-COVER (877-992-6837).
Q: Can I get any graphics in a custom color?
A: Yes. But custom graphics or color matching of factory graphics can be difficult without an actual color sample mailed to us. If you can not mail a sample, you can pick a Pantone color for us to use. It wil be close BUT NOT EXACT, monitors and pictures are hard to match – usually we get very close, but if you need it exact or color-critical, then you need to mail us a paint sample. There will be NO RETURNS on custom color orders if you do not like the color. We can fix/change the color it but it is not free. Download and chose the color you prefer:
Q: What is the warranty of the Tuff Skinz?
A: Tuff Skinz coated polyester fabric with non-woven backer, and graphics, when used properly, are guaranteed for a period of three (3) years from date of original installation against excessive loss of color or strength from normal exposure conditions, including sunlight, rot, or normal atmospheric chemicals which might render it unserviceable. Graphics that separate from the fabric will NOT be covered under this warranty if they have been subjected to high pressure. (i.e. pressure washing, etc.)
The craftsmanship of Tuff Skinz covers is guaranteed for a period of five (5) years from the date of original installation against the separation of stitching used to assemble the Tuff Skinz cover.
In the unlikely event of failure of the fabric, graphics, or craftsmanship during the three year period, Tuff Skinz will at its option, supply the original purchaser of the motor cover, a replacement cover and Tuff Skinz will ship to the purchaser at the original purchaser’s expense.
This warranty protects you against damage to covers used under normal conditions. It does not cover damage from Acts of God, vandalism, neglect or use or care not in accordance with Tuff Skinz use and care instructions.
This warranty is in lieu of all warranties expressed or implied and Tuff Skinz will not be liable for any consequential or incidental damage. Any implied warranties imposed by law are limited in time to the duration of the expressed warranty.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damage, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state-to-state.
Q: Do Tuff Skinz have a portal in the cover to allow access to the trim switch?
A: We have found that more places on the cover that limbs and branches can penetrate, the more they will hang up. However, due to popular demand and angler complaints, our most popular model covers do have cutouts for the trim switches. The old “darned if we do, darned if we don’t” saying applies here.
Q: How much coverage will I get from my Tuff Skinz?
A: The Tuff Skinz is designed for maximum protection. It is designed to cover the upper cowling and most of the lower cowling except for the upper and lower shaft, and part of the lower cowling that is closest to the water.
Q: How do I return my cover?
A: 1.) Box up your items with the original packaging if possible. Be sure to remove any existing labels from the packaging. 2.) Print out the attached shipping label and tape it to your package, ensuring that the bar code is clearly visible. 3.) Take the package to one of the shipping carrier’s drop-off locations, or schedule a pick-up.
Q: How easy is the Tuff Skinz to clean?
General Care
All Tuff Skinz products are finished to resist the growth of mildew. However, it should not be folded and stored while wet. Dirt and animal droppings which can support growth of mildew and result in fabric staining, should be removed periodically by recommended cleaning methods.
Periodic reapplication of Tuff Stuff Water Repellant & UV Protectant, should be done. Frequency should be at least once a year and/or after every cleaning. Doing this will help the fabric’s longevity.
The pigmentation in Tuff Skinz fabrics should not migrate onto upholstery vinyls. If some surface rub-off should occur, it can be removed with vinyl cleaner of mineral spirits. In areas where vigorous movement of the fabric against a hard surface will occur during use, use of a buffer strip is recommended.
General Cleaning Procedure
The described cleaning procedure can remove the majority of stains generally encountered on our covers. Typical stains can occur from oils, dirt, bird and animal droppings, dust smears, food, or grease.
We recommend using a soap and not a detergent. Anything that says “soap” and not “detergent” can be used. If you are dealing with a stubborn stain or dirt and you need to use a detergent we have had success using a 10% solution of Mean Green via a spray bottle. Just remember to take extra care when applying the post treatment water repellent and test on your printed decals first.
Hand Soaking & Deep Cleaning:
- Use a container large enough to avoid crushing or creasing the fabric. If you cannot find a container large enough for your cover, follow the below steps performing them on a section of the cover that can comfortably fit and repeat until all sections are clean.
- Fill a large container with warm water between 100-120˚F. Dissolve 1 cup of mild soap and 2 cups baking soda.
- Soak the stained material in the cleaning solution for 3-5 hours. Avoid crushing or creasing of the fabric.
- Gently swirl or agitate the material every half hour.
- At the end of the soaking period, visually inspect for remaining stains. The mild scouring action of baking soda and a mild soap should loosen most stains. If necessary, use a soft bristled brush to scrub in a light circular motion around any remaining stains
- If necessary, repeat above steps to remove any remaining stains.
- After removal of all stains, use a multiple rinse cycle to thoroughly clean all soap from the fabric. Rinse once with warm water and three times with cold water. Visually inspect to ensure all soap has been removed, if not, continue with a cold rinse cycle until only water remains.
- Hang material to dry. A post treatment water repellent, such as Tuff Stuff, must be applied after cleaning. Allow fabric to fully dry before storing or applying this treatment.
Cleaning Procedure For Mold & Mildew Growth
Procedure describes a hand cleaning method for removing mold and mildew growth. Please note that most mold and mildew has to be removed by some kind of soak (above). Scrubbing will likely not remove it all.
- Use a container with a lid and large enough to avoid crushing or creasing the fabric. If you cannot find a container large enough for your cover, follow the below steps performing them on a section of the cover that can comfortably fit and repeat until all sections are clean. Fill the container with a with warm water between 100-120˚F. For every 25 gallons of water, dissolve ½ cup of mild soap, ½ cup baking soda, and ½ gallon of bleach (safety note: wear gloves and eye protection while handling bleach). For best results, weight the piece down with jugs of water or the like (something that won’t bleed on the fabric or degrade in bleach) to completely submerge the piece. NOTE: If your cover has any vinyl windows, DO NOT SUBMERGE THEM! Bleach will mar or cloud them permanently. You can, however, soak the areas around the window a little at a time. Seal over all grommets, snaps, or metal fasteners as bleach will cause these to dull and tarnish. Reusable rope caulk weather-strip or clear fingernail polish works best.
- Soak the fabric for 24 hours under a closed lid. Avoid crushing or creasing of the fabric.
- Gently swirl or agitate the material every half hour for the first 2 hours and the last 2 hours of the total 24 hour soak.
- At the end of the soaking period, visually inspect for remaining stains. The mild scouring action of baking soda and a mild soap should remove most stains. If necessary, use a soft bristled brush to scrub in a light circular motion around any remaining stains.
- If necessary, the cycle can be repeated once more to remove residual mold and mildew growth.
- After removal of all mold and mildew growth, use a multiple rinse cycle to thoroughly clean all soap from the fabric. Rinse three times with warm water and three times with cold water. Visually inspect to ensure all soap has been removed, if not, continue with a cold rinse cycle until only water remains.
Hang material to dry. A post treatment water repellent, such as Tuff Stuff, must be applied after cleaning. Allow fabric to fully dry before storing or applying this treatment.
Q: Can I return my Tuff Skinz order?
Tuff Skinz will gladly accept a return for product that is directly purchased through Tuff Skinz or an Authorized Reseller in new and unused condition within 30 days from the original order date for a full refund. Products returned after 30 days of the original order date, damaged or worn will be subject to inspection by an internal team before determining if the return is eligible for a refund. Shipping charges may apply. Ship your package via UPS, FedEx, or USPS Insured Mail. Please retain your return tracking number! Email sales@tuffskinz.com for return label help and general information.
