Mercury 305 CID, Service Manual, Page: 14 / 967

1A-6 –GENERAL INFORMATION 90-823225--1 1096
Avoid an electrical interconnection between the
MerCruiser Product, Anodic Blocks, or MerCa-
thode System and the paint by allowing a mini-
mum of 1 in. (26mm) UNPAINTED area on tran-
som of the boat around these items.
71176
b
a
a - Antifouling Paint
b - MINIMUM 1 Inch (25.4 mm) UNPAINTED Area
Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is extremely important; it affects
a boat’s running angle or attitude. For best top speed,
all movable weight - cargo and passengers - should
be as far aft as possible to allow the bow to come up
to a more efficient angle (3 to 5 degrees). On the neg-
ative side of this approach is the problem that, as
weight is moved aft, some boats will begin an unac-
ceptable porpoise.
Secondly, as weight is moved aft, getting on plane
becomes more difficult.
Finally, the ride in choppy water becomes more un-
comfortable as the weight goes aft. With these fac-
tors in mind, each boater should seek out what
weight locations best suit his/her needs.
Weight and passenger loading placed well forward
increases the “wetted area” of the boat bottom and,
in some cases, virtually destroys the good perform-
ance and handling characteristics of the boat. Opera-
tion in this configuration can produce an extremely
wet ride, from wind-blown spray, and could even be
unsafe in certain weather conditions or where bow
steering may occur.
Weight distribution is not confined strictly to fore and
aft locations, but also applies to lateral weight distri-
bution. Uneven weight concentration to port or star-
board of the longitudinal centerline can produce a se-
vere listing attitude that can adversely affect the
boat’s performance, handling ability and riding com-
fort. In extreme rough water conditions, the safety of
the boat and passengers may be in jeopardy.
Water in Boat
When a boat loses performance, check bilge for wa-
ter. Water can add considerable weight to the boat,
thereby decreasing the performance and handling.
Make certain that all drain passages are open for
complete draining.