Abstract: Two embodiments of improved cowling arrangements for an outboard motor that ducts inlet air to the motor without restricting the air flow and while at the same time insuring against water separation. In each embodiment, the cowling member includes both a rearwardly disposed air inlet opening and a sidewardly disposed air inlet opening. The sidewardly disposed air inlet opening is positioned so as to permit drainage of water from the air inlet when the motor is tilted up. In one embodiment of the invention, the sidewardly disposed air inlet openings are positioned at the forwardmost edge of a air inlet chamber so that water can drain from the air inlet when the motor is tilted up without any accumulation.