Oh I've thought about it....I'd like to think its a little less sinister, like just cheapening parts to make a bigger profit....heeeeyyy wait a minute, isnt that just as bad?!!

Good point and either way Im out $200 (cost) and a Sunday of boating

update, put the quicksiver stator on and runs like a champ. 6200rpm @44mph on GPS 19'' pitch 14.5
How does that sound? hole shot is pretty good.

Congrats!!...sounds like you worked thru the symptoms and found the real problem!!...

Do you generally get out far enough to take advantage of the great Dolphin bite been happenin' down there last couple of years?...

I have only gone as far as the jetties for some big bull reds.
Now that I have a boat that the t-top is solid and the floor doen't move, I want to start to hit some near shore reefs, how far out have the Dolphin been? By the way how far are you from Greenville/Travelers Rest? We will have to get together for a trip.