An outboard motor includes a propulsion unit having a power head which includes an internal combustion engine, a lower unit including a drive shaft housing fixed to the engine and a propeller shaft joined by the lower unit driven by the engine and having thereon a propeller. A cowling extends over the engine downwardly to the drive shaft housing defining an enclosed space containing the engine. An opening is provided to the enclosed space proximate the juncture between the cowling and the drive shaft housing. A plurality of electrical cables enter the enclosed space through the opening. A sealed housing is mounted to a side of the engine and contains a plurality of electrical devises for operating the engine. The cables connect to preselected devices by means of water-tight connections on the housing. By such an arrangement, errors in wiring routing are reduced, electrical connections are made high on the power head where they can be kept away from moisture inside the cowling, and a sealed compartment is provided for the electrical devices protecting them from moisture and corrosion.