New to me 15' Alumacraft Jon Boat 15hp outboard with console steering/throttle. I have a really nice cover from prior boat that fits new boat perfectly except at the console. It only needs an inch or 2 to fit which I can get If I drop the throttle handle down.

Is it ok to have the throttle open (handle forward or back instead of straight up in neutral position) when boat is parked and stored?

The other place to gain a couple inches is the steering wheel. It has a big wheel now - how hard is it to swap out for a smaller steering wheel like is on newer bass boats?

I know I could buy a different cover, but no one sells an "off the shelf" version that fits a console and outboard so would have to spend custom $$. Just trying to make it work for a year or 2.

Take it to the upholstery shop and have them add a patch/panel?

Looking at your previous post/pics, it doesn't look like it would be a big deal to drop the throttle down.

Why not just leave it in gear with the throttle pushed down while covered? You have to put it back in neutral anyway to start it. Won't hurt a thing, I don't believe.

Edit: I reread your post, and that was part of the question you were asking…. That's what I would do, just leave the throttle pushed down while stored.

Yea that's the plan I guess - just didn't know if the throttle sitting open would cause any problems. Would it let air in and cause the fuel to gum up worse or any other problems when I go to start it up after?

AgTech88 said:

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Yea that's the plan I guess - just didn't know if the throttle sitting open would cause any problems. Would it let air in and cause the fuel to gum up worse or any other problems when I go to start it up after?

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Carb or fuel injected? I think either way it won't hurt it any more than sitting in general. The throttle blade isn't a 100% seal, so air shouldn't be a big concern.. The only thing I can think of that may happen is the throttle stick open if it stays there too long.

Make sure to shift the throttle while in neutral. It's my understanding you shouldn't shift into gear when the engine is not running. Most have a button you push in to only adjust the throttle and not gear.

I would upgrade to a smaller wheel like this one for 69 bucks on Amazon. I would not want to leave throttle and shift linkage under tension as a storage option. This wheel should bolt right up with most common helms and you will like the steering knob.

Check out Seal Skin covers. They have off the shelf sizing and you can get an integrated motor cover.They are about half the price as Sunbrella and mine has held up great.