Mysterious shutdown

[nymack66]

I took the V out in real choppy waters this weekend (small craft advisory was in effect) .
It was indeed a pleasure watching the V slice through the waves and tasting the salt of the ocean, I stress the crap on the Arjay transom no leaks no problem.
During my run the engine, Evinrude 1987 140 looper just shutoff at 5500 RPM, the primer bulb was hard as a rock and the engine started right back up no problem.
On a run previously the RPM seems to drop to 4500 then jump back to 5500 then all seems well there after, now this weekend it rear its ugly head again.
Do I have a problem brewing like a bad pack or something ?
My fuel sender was acting up the new gauge rocking back and forth, I replaced it and lubricated all connectors with electrical grease and corrosion inhibitor, thinking may be a bad ground or something..
Any ideas ?