Maintenance Boat Bottom Engine Alignment The condition of the boat’s bottom can affect your boat’s performance. Marine growth, present in fresh water as well as salt water, will reduce boat speed. A boat bottom with evidence of marine growth can cause a reduction in top speed of 20 percent or more. Periodically clean the bottom of your boat following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Bottom paint- ing may also be desirable. Because of the special tools required, a Volvo Penta dealer must do the engine alignment. This should be done during off-season storage preparations. CAUTION! Failure to periodically check en- gine alignment may result in premature fail- ure of the engine coupler.
If you wish to align the engine yourself, please refer to the Volvo Penta publication entitled Installation: Stern- drive Gasoline Engines . Bottom Painting If your boat is in water where marine growth is a prob- lem, using an antifouling paint may reduce the growth rate. Be aware of laws that may limit your paint choice and its use. Engine Submersion 1. Remove the engine from the water as quickly as possible. A pure Teflon®-based agent is recommended. 2. Contact your local Volvo Penta dealer for service. Copper-based antifouling paint may be used. Your dealer will need to drain all water from the engine and immediately lubricate all internal parts.
7743722 - Downloaded from www.volvopenta.com 13/05/2008 20:17:06 CAUTION! Do not paint transom shield or drive with copper-based paint. If you do use copper-based paint on your boat bottom, leave a 1-inch border between the paint and the transom shield. Failure to follow this in- struction will result in severe corrosion of the transom shield and drive system. All electrical devices must also be dried and inspected for water damage. 3. Frequently check engine compartment for gaso- line fumes and excessive water accumulation. In addition, make sure that the water depth in the bilge is kept well below the flywheel housing. Vinyl-butyl based antifouling paint is a recom- mended alternative.
CAUTION! Delay in completing the above ac- tions will result in extensive engine damage. See your Volvo Penta dealer for an EPA-approved an- tifouling paint suitable for your area. 100 VPA 7743722 English 10-2004