What are your top end rpms? Are they lower than they used to be? If so -
have the prop checked to make sure it is actually the same as it used to be.

Keep in mind there are a couple of quick checks to verify fuel problems.
Running at 4000 rpms (or even wide open) engage the choke (remember the
choke is a fuel enricher - it is not a butterfly system). If the engine
bogs about 1000 rpms - everything is ok w/ the fuel system. If it picks up
speed you have a lean condition due to a carb problem. If it does nothing
you have a choke problem or a fuel starvation problem.

If the plugs look good then you don't have an ignition problem.
When you say compression is OK - what do you really mean. What are the
numbers? If all cylinders are equal but down by 20 psi then this would be
the problem.

Finally - if the rpms have dropped off and you can't find any other
problem - the boat may be heavier than it used to be from waterlog or water
trapped in the hull somewhere or all the extra stuff you have put on board
thru the years.


--
Tony
my boats and cars at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

-
"Dave" wrote in message
oups.com...
I plan to replace the the fuel hoses from the tank to the engine,
including the ball, just in case. True desperation, grabbing for
straws ;-) A friend thought it might be the fuel filter last year,
that's when I drained the carbs and discovered there was no filter....
that I could find anyway. We added a inline canester type filter.

It's got the same prop it's always had. I've actually thought about
swapping it out for something that will give me some more hull shot,
but since the boat can barely pull me out of the water on a ski these
days, I just can't see pouring money into it. Been searching
craigslist for an upgrade.. we'll see.

FIXED!!!!!!
It took me nearly 2 years which I'm not kicking myself for, but happy
to have my boat back.

I replaced the primer ball and fuel hose to the engine. Also cut off
about 6 inches of old hose between the tank and the ball.

Fired it up and hit the throttle and it shot right up to 5500 RPM's,
just like in the old days. Wow.

Dave