Primer bulb

[CT_V-20]

I had a recurring problem late last season with my motor "bogging down." We'd be running along fine at 4000 rpm and out of nowhere the rpms drop to 1000-1200 and then pop back up into the 3000-4000 range and then keeps on repeating that process of running - bogging down - running - bogging down *>:(. If I go back and keep squeezing the primer ball while somebody else drives, the bogging down stops immediately. Bogging down does not occur at low RPMs. I use a fuel/water seperator and change it regularly. I check the inline fuel filter and it's clear. All the fuel/oil lines to the VRO are good (I replaced a couple last year and redid ALL connections). The boat sat for a few seasons before I bought it in 2003. The fuel tank has been emptied and filled several times since I bought the boat. I've seen lots of good posts on here about the fuel vent and that will be one of the first things I try when I get the boat back in the water this spring, especially because there was a clog in the piss stream hose when I first bought the boat. What does a limp fuel primer ball mean, and I'd be interested in opinions on this issue. Thanks.