Loss of power

[VaRick]

This is my first post and I am hoping that you guys can help. I took my boat out yesterday for it's first real run. Before that I had only ran it a couple times for a very short period of time. My boat is a 2002 Pro-Line 22Walk with a 200hp Mercury Saltwater series outboard (carbed). Motor cranked right up in the slip and I cruised about a mile over to the fuel dock, going pretty slow as it was my first time navigating the local channels. Put 30 gallons of non-ethenol gas in her and headed for open water. OnceI got to the river I put the hammer down and she ran fine cruising at about 35 knots at 5000 rpm, but after about 10 minutes the motor started stuttering, rpms dropped to around 4000, and speed decreases to 20 knots. I played with the throttle a bit but nothing helped. With the throttle all the way down I could not get more than 4000rpm and the boat was very slow to take off. Also, a couple times during the day the motor would cut out while idling. I consulted a couple buddies and their opinions ranged from water in fuel, bad fuel, dirty carbs, to spark plugs. I am a complete novice when it comes to boating and appreciate any assistance.

 

[dingbat]

The problem could be any of the first three. To me, it's a toss up between water in fuel and dirty carbs.

Did you check the fuel filter to see if there was water in it? When was the last time you changed the fuel filter?

How old was the fuel in the tank before you added to it? Did you stabilize the fuel the end of last year? The fact that it started up and ran would pretty much rules that theory out.

I'd put a gallon or two of fuel in a gas can and rig up a fuel line to the fuel pump. Drain carbs, then try it again. If it runs good, you have a fuel problem. If not, you've at least eliminated a fuel supply problem from the mix.

 

[racerone]

Is this boat " new to you " and have you checked if oil injection is working properly ?---Is oil injection in service ?----Possible overheating ?

 

[VaRick]

Thanks for the responses guys. dingbat, the fuel had been stabilized and the motor cranks right up every time. racerone, this boat is very new to me but I am pretty sure the oil injection is functioning and there is no signs of overheating. I actually talked to a mechanic since my original post and he recommended that I change the water separator, fuel filter, and dump a can of Seafoam in it, then run the crap out of her.