Can't get past 2000rpm

[jralbert]

Forgot to mention that a dirty bottom is another prime cause of "can't get it up - itis". barnacles, mussels, algae. Bob says it.

First time I encountered a major slowdown, the mechanic flippantly said "dirty bottom" and walked away. Had the boat hauled and power washed the same day and the speed increased 50%. And, of course, gas consumption dropped to match.

[tundrarules]

WOW! I didn't realize a dirty bottom would drag your power down that much.

[Leviathon]

Agree the condition of the bottom can alter the speed of the boat, but not sure it is related to engine RPM's. Especially in a twin. It is just the Starboard that is giving me fits - will check into it this weekend. Thanks All

[Fastjeff]

A dirty bottom should effect BOTH engines, right?

Look for a sticking spark advance.

Jeff

[jralbert]

Did the OP check the filter as I suggested?

I disagree slightly with the mostly highly astute observer, Mr FastJeff. A dirty bottom will affect speed but not the rpm's registered for the engines. The engine should turn the prop about the same speed, but that boat ain't moving as fast because of the shmootz on the bottom which is dragging down the hull.

[bobv]

Mine did affect both engines, Also could not get past 2,000 rpms. I checked everything, couldnt find the problem. I had the boat pulled the rudders had 2" of barnacles some on the props also. After cleaning rpms whent back to normal. If one prop is covered with barnacles could be an issue with one motor. If all else looks good consider pulling the boat. Do you have the issue in neutral?
Bob

[Fastjeff]

.."Port goes to 3500, while the starboard will not get past 2000."

If Mr Port is doing that well--and that's great since Mr. Starboard is laying down--then the problem is Mr. Starboard. Agreed?

Jeff

[yooper]

All above good stuff. I wrote a novel about prestolite advance springs. I emailed the post to your email. If your distributor does not work you can't even time your engine.

[jmonday]

Agree 100% with that statement!!!!

[Leviathon]

Great - thanks guys will look at all of this info and see where we end up. I think it is a distributor issue.