a '96 Merc 50hp, model 50ELPTO. The motor has very few hours and looks "showroom floor" in appearance under and over the hood, including compression. Its set on a 16' center console that weighs about 1800 lbs with gear and gas. Runs and idles like a champ. First time I gave it the throttle to get up on plane, it was awesome. Then, a hesitation like it wanted to fumble. I backed off the throttle, and checked for anything silly like loose spark wires, no overheating, heads cool with good pee out the tell-tale, oil tank full (was running a tank of premix anyways to be safe on the first time out with it). Gave it another try, and she leaped with full power for a half a second, then fell on her butt again. Won't go over 3k RPM (was doing 5200 with a 12p prop when running good). <br />The dealer is honoring the warranty, and I take it back in tomorrow morning. His mechanic's opinion (giving symptons over the phone) is a blocked main jet in one of the carbs. The motor was properly winterized but did "sit on the shelf" for a few years.<br />Any opinions would be much appreciated, very much. Sorry for the long post, but I'm trying to get all the symptoms through. Again, thanks for anyone with experience offering an opinion.