lack of power at WOT.......Ahhhhhh!

What the !!!!
1988 bayliner 2155 cierra 305 gm, cobra leg.
1st run of the year in Jan. the boat was surging at cruising speed. must be fuel right? changed the filter problem didn't go away. since then i have changed the points, plugs, carb, fuel pump, lines between pump and carb, and changed the filter over to a racor. engine compression is 148 to 151

engine no longer surges but will not make full power. boat won't get out of the hole without redistributing weight and max rpm even when we do get on plane is about 3500 vs 4500 it used to make.

the rpm does falter if you adjust the leg trim while running...it always has done this but could a ground be the root cause somewhere?

out testing the yesterday and the latest treat is leg noise and trouble going into reverse. a slight clunk going into forward then positive lock up.

any ideas what else i could check/replace??????

the joys of boats.....i love/hate/love/hate/love

Re: lack of power at WOT.......Ahhhhhh!

Lot more to the fuel system than a filter. Here is a list of possible causes.

Engine Won't Reach Operating RPM. Check

• Fuel condition. Type and Octane possibly old fuel
• Propeller pitch or diameter, damaged blades
• Restricted fuel pickup tube or anti siphon valve Fuel System Test
• Crankcase oil volume, high oil level can cause aerated oil and lifter collapse
• Marine growth on hull and outdrive
• Wrong gear ratio in outdrive
• Restricted carburetor air intake (clogged flame arrestor)
• Restricted exhaust system (broken exhaust shutters/flappers) in engine transom shield or drive
• Poor cylinder compression Compression Test
• Carburetor defective, or wrong type.
• Fuel pump pressure and vacuum
• Boat overloaded, improperly loaded, or improperly trimmed.
• Engine Overheating
• Engine timing and ignition system operation (Full tuneup done recently)
• Remote control cables and linkage for proper travel to open throttle plates fully.