The paint on the top of my sterndrive is dull and seems to have some type of deposit adhering to it. The dullness comes from mineral deposits in the water. When the boat is on plane, the top portion of the sterndrive is out of the water. As the water evaporates from the top of the drive, it leaves behind mineral deposits. You can remove them by using a liquid cleaner for bathroom tub and tile, followed by a coat of wax to help protect the surface.
Weight distribution is extremely important to boat safety as well as performance.
Weight can affect a boat's running angle, attitude, performance and ride. For the best top speed with a moderate to fast-planing boat, passenger loading in most cases should be evenly distributed. Each boater should seek out what weight locations best suit his needs. If the boat has been set up at a lower altitude and then moved to a much higher altitude, there will be a noticeable reduction in power, thus rpm. Many boats without z-plane hulls require an outdrive gear ratio change to operate at higher altitudes.