I removed the outboard cowling from a 50hp Yamaha outboard engine that had been sun-damaged and the paint had blistered and bubbled up, writes Rebecca Beck.

It was, therefore, cosmetically in poor condition.

Using a hot-air gun on a medium setting I softened the decals and then easily removed them.

The refurbished cowling looks as good as new. Credit: Rebecca Beck

This process took approximately one hour, so removing them and the glue this way saves a lot of time in the long run.

Next, I used a wet and dry 200-grit, firstly by adding a little washing-up liquid, which makes the finish smoother.

Then I moved on to a 400-grit and finally an 800-grit paper until it was smooth to the touch.

The outboard cowling smoothed off to remove all the blistered pain. Credit: Rebecca Beck

Following that I washed and rinsed the cowling down and allowed it to dry.

Once dry I used a tack cloth to remove any dust residue.

After that, I applied a spray paint undercoat, which was applied three times.

I allowed 30 minutes for the paint to dry between coats, then used 800 grit to smooth the surface before applying two coats of spray lacquer, allowing drying time in between.

With a new coat of spray paint the cowling is much improved. CreditL Rebecca Beck

I used Halfords spray paint as I found the perfect match and it was a lot cheaper than a marine spray paint.

Once the paint was thoroughly dry I replaced the decals (which I’d found were available online). Job done.

Continues below…

How to make an easy marina mooring pick-up device

Jon Sharp devises an easy marina mooring pick-up using a hoop on a pole

How to keep an easy-to-release anchor secure and prevent it from jiggling free

Trevor Martin shares his simple solution to keep his anchor secure when not in use

DIY crew headset for efficient anchoring

No need to shout for David Holmes and crew when anchoring

Installing a transducer on a boat

Brian Johnson replaces his old paddlewheel log with an electromagnetic transducer

Enjoyed reading How to refurb a scruffy outboard cowling?

A subscription to Practical Boat Owner magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price.

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.

PBO is packed with information to help you get the most from boat ownership – whether sail or power.

• • • • Take your DIY skills to the next level with trusted advice on boat maintenance and repairs
      • Impartial in-depth gear reviews
      • Practical cruising tips for making the most of your time afloat

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter