What causes the transoms of some boats to be discolored?
A discolored transom is indicative of a rich air/fuel ratio. Some OEM applications, such as the 502 EFI, tend to run rich from the factory, and more discoloration may occur with the addition of a supercharger (due primarily to increased exhaust output). ProCharger systems utilize a boost-sensitive fuel pressure regulator, which allows adjustment in the field to address either a rich or lean air/fuel ratio, as opposed to ECM modules which need to be removed and re-flashed. Generally, the bigger concern is not a rich air/fuel ratio, but rather a lean air/fuel ratio, which typically results from utilizing exhaust or engine modifications without adjusting a supercharger system s preset fuel delivery. Additionally, based on aerodynamics, not all hulls are subject to discoloration. For those that are, high sheen polymers or waxes may diminish or eliminate discoloration, as well as simplifying general cleaning.
