A noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) dampening cover for a stern drive is configured to propel a marine vessel in water. The NVH dampening cover comprises a plurality of panels which together enclose a powerhead suspended from a transom of the marine vessel. The plurality of panels is configured to be suspended from an inner portion of a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly having an outer portion for mounting the stern drive to the transom.

A stern drive for a marine vessel, the stern drive having a drive assembly configured to generate a thrust force in water, a powerhead configured to power the drive assembly, and a mounting assembly configured to couple the drive assembly to the transom outside of the marine vessel and to suspend the powerhead on the transom inside of the marine vessel. The mounting assembly has a vibration dampening member which isolates vibrations of the drive assembly and the powerhead relative to the transom. The powerhead, and the mounting assembly are installed on the marine vessel as a single component from outside the transom.