Mariner 2.5hp cowl latch falls off easily

[tony_lavelle]

I have owned two of these little 1990s motors, which are perfect for use with my tender when going out to the mooring. One niggling fault is the endency of the little clips (or latches) on each side of the top cowling to fall off. Now finally I've lost one in the sea.

Has anyone else had this problem? Apart from stumping up £££s for new ones has anyone got a better solution?

 

[sarabande]

I have the same motor. but no probs with the latches.

Worth looking at Protex and putting the rubber compression latches (as used on car bonnets) ?

http://www.protex.com/



or simpler cheaper ones on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-x-Rubbe...214721?hash=item211372d9c1:g:GEQAAOSwSv1Xj6VS

I think that four of the latter would be good, as the cowl is very flexible and does need careful positioning on the base frame. And doth ends are captive so cannot get lost.

 

[sailaboutvic]

I have a Yamaha that could easly have the same problem if it wasn't that I have them tied off

 

[VicS]

I have owned two of these little 1990s motors, which are perfect for use with my tender when going out to the mooring. One niggling fault is the endency of the little clips (or latches) on each side of the top cowling to fall off. Now finally I've lost one in the sea.

Has anyone else had this problem? Apart from stumping up £££s for new ones has anyone got a better solution?

I believe later versions have slightly different latches that are riveted on to the lower cowl, but dont know if they can be fitted to older cowls. May be worth investigating. Probably about £20 for the pair though.

 

[skyflyer]

I use small cable ties to hold the two halves together - there are adequate holes to thread them. I rarely need to take the cowl off so its no big deal to fit new ones when needed.

 

[tony_lavelle]

Probably about £20 for the pair though.

I should cocoa! I have been quoted £62 for one latch/clip! Needless to say I will be exploring the alternatives suggested. The Protex latches look good and are reasonably priced.