Re: my first boat
The rpm to watch out for is the max rpm at wot(wide open throttle).
I'm guessing something like 4,200 to 4,400 on your boat.Your motor needs to be able to reach this rpm when lightly loaded one or 2 aboard full load of gas.Generally the rpm will go down as you add weight to the boat this is normal.A boat motor is operating like a car going uphill all the time if it can't reach its ideal rpm a wot it is like going uphill in too high a gear.
Again it is normal for the rpm to drop as you add weight.And it is ok to operate at reduced rpm as might be used when just putting around or cruising.You should get yourself into a boating course.good luck.