Hey guys....I need some expert advice. I have a 1977 24 ft.omc stern drive cruiser that was given to me by my father in law who said "it just needs a little cleaning up".Turns out it had a busted block because the water wasn't drained. To make a long story short, I've installed another rebuilt omc 351W 235 hp. I've yet to have it in the water. Right now, it idles beautifully at 600-700 rps and will take fuel up to about 1000 rpms where it begins to bog and miss terribly. new ignition componets,(cap, coil, plugs, wires, rotor button, points and condenser). Timing is set @ 4 btdc, point gap at .019. Carb was supposedly recently rebuilt(Holley 4 bbl. 4160 cfm), I've taken it apart basically, changed the power valve. The Holley guy said that if it was the accelerator pump, the motor would bog but then catch up, it does not do that, continues to stay very rough. Here is my big question....A mechanic friend told me that the boat needs to be in the water under a load in order for the timing to advance or something akin to that. The way that he explained it made sense, but I need another opinion or two....anyone got any thoughts??<br />Thanks,<br />Dan