Today's session with the motor points to overheating. Could drive the motor for longer without it losing rpm and it is colder in the water and ambient temp too. Both screws to the thermostat housing broke so will drill them out and then replace t-stat. Will go through all carbs and clean them too. Maybe drop the LU and change the eater pump for good measure. Next weekend is boat pickup weekend so this one is going to be concluded season 2024.
Thank you all for your help to nrrow down the problem sources, and happy boating. We live and we learn.