Outboard motor runs but won't plane

by Ranger Bill
(Steilacoom, WA)

2003 Trophy 2302 with 200 HP EFI Mercury saltwater outboard -- running along today at 32 mph on Puget Sound when boat suddenly lost power (kept running, no engine alarm noises) -- now the boat continues to run but won't plane -- anyone have any ideas on what could have gone wrong? Shut engine down and did some drift fishing for over an hour hoping it would run better for the trip back to the dock if it had time to cool, but no joy -- still has significant loss of power and had to limp back. Just had water pump impeller changed a month ago. Appreciate the responses...

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Apr 24, 2014
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motor runs but wont plane
by: johnny rayfeeble

Sounds like prop problems

Aug 15, 2013
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Update
by: Ranger Bill

New impeller had no effect; no water in fuel-water separator either - everything seems in order with oil tank, it is consuming oil. Boat runs at limit of approx 3000-3500 RPMs and max of 10-13 MPH. There is no engine alarm sound. Outboard has approx 300 hours on it -- recently came out of storage in El Paso (now Washington State) -- fuel tank previously drained with new fuel and injector cleaner - new plugs as well. Throttle plate in throttle body opens and closes fully with cockpit control operation. Starts right up and seems to run very well otherwise, just won't power up and won't plane.

No idea why this happening...

Aug 08, 2013
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Update
by: Ranger Bill

Engine Guardian is engaged (reduced RPMs and won't reset) but no warning alarm -- changed water pump impeller today will see how it runs out on the water tomorrow...