125 1996 mercury classic 2+2

[jonrahmer]

I have been having problems with my motor. Last year, it seemed to start sluggish after it pulled a tube or skier--progressively getting worse. This year, when I throttle to WOT, it bogs down and sometimes shuts the motor off. I replaced the fuel lines inside the motor. A local repair man asked me to pump the ball at WOT while it is bogging down to see if it helps (air). It seemed to help enough to not fully bog it down to a shut off; however, it still remained a bit sluggish. When I throttle it up extremely slowly and carefully, I notice it takes a few moments to "think" and hit higher RPM (the 4 cylinders). Could this be a stator problem? Coil problem? Thanks for any insight.

[jonrahmer]

To add--it takes a moment to think at 1800 RPM...