What Is a Boat Cowling?

When just entering the boating world, the number of terms and jargon for equipment can become overwhelming, such as the boat cowling. Coming in a variety of colors, shapes and styles, a boat cowling's main purpose is to cover the boat's engine. The prices can range from just a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000.

  1. Definition

    • Cowling is defined as a streamlined housing or removable covering for an engine, most often made of metal. The root of the word is from the early 1900s word "cowl," which most often was used to refer to a monk's hooded garment. Boat cowling styles vary depending on the engine type and the preferences of its owner. Many boat cowlings measure about 30 inches long, 9 inches wide and 1 foot tall.

    Other Engine Types

    • Boats are not the only types of vehicle with a cowling covering the engine. Most commonly, cowling is known for being fitted around aircraft engines. The hood of your car or truck can also be considered a cowl, since it is a metal covering over the engine block.

    Purpose

    • The cowling is placed on boat engines to act as a protective covering from too much water, bait or nearby brush if you are fishing near a body of water's edge. For all engine types, cowling can also reduce the amount of drag that air can put on the engine. The type of cowling that provides the best drag reduction depends on the engine type and shape.

    Maintenance

    • There are fabric cowling covers available for those who do not want to ruin the cowling's painted finish, some of which can be kept on when the engine is running. Since many cowlings are made of fiberglass or metal, you will likely have to take it to an auto body shop to repair serious damage. You should also remove your cowling after every trip to ensure the engine has no fluid leaks, and then put the cowling back on and cover it while not in use.