I only had one experience with a clogged fuel vent and the problem was that
I couldn't refuel fast - the fuel would back up on me; I'd have to wait,
then add another couple of gallons; wait some more before adding more.
So, the vent could be your problem.
Since it was the first time out this season, your fuel filter may be
clogged, too. That could be a reason for running for awhile, then slowing
down.


Black-n-Gold" wrote in message
...
Went for a quick first boat ride of the season yesteday. Engine ran great
for 15 minutes then the RPM's would back down from 3500 to around 2600 -
not
stalling or surging it just backed down as if I was backing down the
throttle. We stopped, did a little fishing for an hour, then headed home.
On the way back the same symptoms after running the same time. I new I
didn
't have much gas so we pulled into the fuel dock. Set the nozzle and
fussed
around. After 39 gallons the gas just eaked out of the vent, but came
shooting out of the fill. I know the tank should have taken at least 80
gallons. The dock was closing so I took her back to the stall without
much
investigation.



I'm wondering if the vent isn't clogged up and not allowing sufficient
fuel
flow once the boat gets warmed up and is sucking the fuel. It ran fine at
the lower rpm's. Wouldn't a clogged vent cause the boat to spit gas out
of
the fill, even if it wasn't full?



Thanks.



Linus