Really, this was the second time out. The first time out on White Bear Lake earlier resulted in a top speed of 42 MPH at 4,500 RPM. I called the outboard mechanic from my cellphone in the boat, and he suggested clogged carbs from the bow tank gas, which I do not use, except for putting in 5 gals. of gas and stabilizer before storage in the fall. Which tank I drain by using the gas on the first outing before switching to portable tanks.
At home after the WBL trip, I pulled off the cowl and discovered a sparkplug wire off at the top of the engine, routing to the ignition coil. The mechanic stated this is a problem with V-4 Johsons/Evinrudes as the cowl latch can snag the wire and pull it off.
Boat hit 52 MPH with full load of gas and two passengers. May have to replace the tach as it is erratic. Have a spare.
