Noise damping on an outboard

[richmondmicah]

I was wondering if anyone happens to know if a 77' mercury 85 hp outboard needs much airflow onto the front of the motor. I would like to put up a sound shield in front of the engine, but I don't know if there could be overheating issues with it. It wouldn't be up tight against the engine, just placed on the hull a few inches in front of it. I am under the impression that almost all of an outboards cooling is though the lake water, is this true?? Thanks