An outboard motor having an engine cover formed from a lower cover fixed to a casing and an upper cover joined to the lower cover at a first mating surface. A linear member lead-out part is formed from a case part integrally connected to the lower cover. The linear member lead-out part is closer to one side wall and projects forward from a front wall of the lower cover. A lid member is joined to the case part by a second mating surface disposed below the first mating surface. A water entrance chamber is formed in the lower cover and has front and rear walls defined by a pair of wall portions integrally provided with the lower cover while being spaced in a fore-and-aft direction. The water entrance chamber is disposed on the side on which a small gap is formed between the lid member and the lower cover.