Mercury – Vented Splash Cover | Verado Series | Black Polysoft II Fabric | 8M0228522

Overview

A clean engine isn’t about showing off. It’s about care, pride, and knowing your rig’s ready when the weather shifts and the water gets busy. If you run a Verado hard—spray in the air, sun overhead, docks to bump against—your cowling takes the little hits that add up over time. This vented splash cover helps take that daily wear off your plate.

It’s the kind of Mercury Marine part you trust because it fits like it belongs there. Once it’s on, you don’t keep adjusting it or second-guessing it. You just run the boat, enjoy the ride, and let the cover handle the mess.

Key Features

• Protects the outboard cowling finish while operating on the water
• Made from marine-grade Polysoft II fabric for durability and surface-friendly contact
• Black finish that looks clean and blends naturally with most engines and boat styles
• Water-resistant, breathable, and ultraviolet-stable fabric construction
• Side vents support airflow for running use
• Exhaust ports designed to accommodate engine operation
• Switch access built in for practical, everyday control
• Custom fit for Mercury 4.6 liter V8 300 horsepower Verado outboard engines
• Includes one cover
• Mercury Marine part number 8M0228522

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits Mercury Verado 4.6 liter V8 300 horsepower outboard models
• Ideal for boats that routinely see spray, sun, and dockside traffic
• Common fit for center consoles, offshore fishing boats, bay boats, and larger family runabouts

Performance & Practical Benefits

What you’ll notice first is how secure it feels. Not stiff, not awkward—just snug in the right places so it stays steady when you’re running. That matters when you’re throttling up and water is breaking into a fine mist behind the transom. Instead of letting that spray settle onto your finish, this cover takes the brunt of it.

Polysoft II fabric has a tough outer layer that stands up to the elements, but it doesn’t punish your paint. The inside feels softer, which helps reduce the chance of tiny rub marks and scratches that can happen with rougher materials. Over time, that helps keep your cowling looking sharper, with fewer water spots and less sun fade.

The ventilation and access points are what make this a true splash cover, not just a storage sleeve. Side vents help maintain airflow, while exhaust ports and switch access keep things functional. You don’t have to pull the cover on and off just to use the boat the way you normally do. It stays practical, even on long runs.

Why Buy OEM

Here’s the honest truth: the best cover is the one that fits right and lasts. That’s why OEM matters. A genuine Mercury Marine part is shaped and tested for your specific engine, so you’re not dealing with loose corners, stretched seams, or a cover that shifts at speed. It goes on cleaner, stays put, and holds up longer.

Aftermarket options can be tempting, but fit and fabric quality vary a lot. When you’re protecting a premium Verado, it makes sense to choose the cover designed to match it. That’s the cost-effective choice over time, because it saves you from replacing a “good enough” cover every season.

FAQ Section

Q1: Which Mercury engines or systems does the Mercury Vented Splash Cover fit?

It’s made for Mercury Verado 4.6 liter V8 300 horsepower outboard engines. This is an engine-specific fit, not a universal cover.

Q2: What makes this part different from aftermarket alternatives?

OEM fit and functional design. You get side vents, exhaust ports, and switch access built for on-water use, plus a consistent, secure fit.

Q3: How do I know if this is the correct replacement for my setup?

Verify your engine is a 4.6 liter V8 300 horsepower Verado and match the part number to 8M0228522.

Q4: Can this be used in both saltwater and freshwater applications?

Yes. It’s designed for both. If you run in saltwater, a quick rinse afterward helps keep the cover and engine looking their best.

Q5: Is installation straightforward for most boat owners?

Yes. Most boat owners can install it quickly without special tools. After the first time, it becomes a simple habit.