First boat, need help!! (89 johnson 110 vro)

I picked up A 1986 ebbtide 166 bassboat with an 89 johnson 110 v4 vro. this is my first boat, and it seemed like an amazing deal. i take it to the water, get it started and let it warm up. First off theres water only spitting out of the back, not a steady stream. so im sure i need a water pump. but then as im attempting to clean it out and try to open it up thinking it might be alright, it has barely any power. would only get to 3k rpm or so. i had it out for about 5 minutes running all together and loaded it up as fast as i could. when i attempted full throttle, it also started knocking, but it didnt sound like a rod knock. it wont do it at idle, only when the engines under a load. i brought it home and checked the plugs, they were all in decent shape except they were coated with oil pretty heavily. i did a compression check and i got 105 100 and 2 90s. any opinions with this limited info? i had my temp gun on me i never let the motor get over 190 also. thanks for your help!

Re: First boat, need help!! (89 johnson 110 vro)

Maybe you found out why you got an amazing deal.
The compression is a little off, but could come around if you get it running properly. Have you checked the spark, should jump a 7/16" and be bright blue. If the spark is OK, it's probably time to overhaul the carbs.

Re: First boat, need help!! (89 johnson 110 vro)

so new water pump, rebuild both carbs, delete oil injection, new spark plugs. this is my to do list i have so far. the compression worries me slightly, but they are all pretty close so i might get lucky. the motor does have a fresh lower unit on it in 2010, and i paid 1700 for it. hopefully i can get her screamin

Re: First boat, need help!! (89 johnson 110 vro)

Any other opinions?

Re: First boat, need help!! (89 johnson 110 vro)

Agree with Daviet, check the spark before you spend money. You'll need an air gap tester and set it at 7/16". Bright blue spark on all cylinders. There are a few things that can be acting up with your motor so checking the spark is the first thing you should do.

Re: First boat, need help!! (89 johnson 110 vro)

A decarb with seafoam may bring up the compression numbers.

Re: First boat, need help!! (89 johnson 110 vro)

At 190 degrees, your engne is running way too hot. An overheat horn on that engine will sound at 212 degrees and will silence when the engine gets back down to 175, so your engine is actually running in the overheating range. It should normally run between 145 and 150 degrees. Cooler when the engine is on plane. I'd be looking at an impeller replace and two new thermostats before you go out again.

Re: First boat, need help!! (89 johnson 110 vro)

thanks for the tips guys i appreciate it!