Scratch's on top of new motor

[Coldwater Crappie Guy]

I have a brand new motor on my boat and I have got some scratches on top of it already from the tube rope from rubbing on it. I have a ski pole for the rope, but it does once in a while rub on it. What do you recommend I put on it to cover that area up?

Thanks!

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Use a different tow rope. They make tow ropes that split into two ends with carabiners - like a big Y. Hook the two ends to the eyelets on the transom used when trailering the boat. We used one on my dad's fishing boat back in the day and it works very well. Try a place that sells water skiing equipment.

[Pat K]

I'm all for taking any reasonable precautions to keep things looking new and preventing wear and tear on equipment. But a boat that gets used is going to get scratched, the carpet is going to get stained and there are going to be nicks and dings here and there. The best way to deal with them is to get over it, and you and your family have FUN with the boat.

The only way to keep a boat from looking used is to keep it in the garage 24/7.

Hooking the ski rope to the eyes on the transom doesn't work well on all boats. The eyes on our Stratos are so low that a lot of the rope drags on the water. Skiing or tubing are easier and more fun with the pylon.

[Retro Active]

I wonder if you could put something on the rope instead. Maybe tie a soft chamois-type cloth around the area that would come in contact with the top of the motor. Maybe the rope could be threaded through a sleeve of some sort, perhaps one of those things that quarterbacks use to keep their hands warm in the winter or an old sleeve from a worn sweatshirt, and then secured at each end. I bet if you got some long zip ties or something you could secure it far enough before and after the area that would contact the motor and still keep it from falling off. Would a couple of coats of wax on the top of the motor make it slippery enough where the rope wouldn't scratch?

I think covering up that part of the motor would be difficult. I'm no expert, but I would worry that it would take quite a piece of material cover that area of the motor and secure it that you might mess with the natural aspiration of the motor where performance might be affected.

[Dave]

A piece of pipe insulation may work well.

[h8go4s]

Swim noodle?

[LightningBG]

How about one of those clear auto bra type things? It's like a film that sticks on. Then if it gets messed up you can just replace it, or take it off if you ever sell. I know they install them at SuncontrolMN. Not sure if there are and do it yourself kits. 3M makes a version of this stuff.