Blue Needs Help!

[Blue_Runner]

Alright guys, I started having an engine issue - I hesitate to use the word "problem" - yesterday. It started as soon as I cranked her up.

Here is the deal -

When I had my motor installed the shop did not hook up the choke so that it could be choked from the helm. So, instead of me taking a little bit of time to figure out how to connect it I have been using the factory choke on the engine for the last 3 years (I know - I am dumb).

This may all be irrelavent who knows but I'll just say it anyway. I only got the choke pulled out 3/4 of the way before I cranked it yesterday. It was slow to start, so I went back to check and noticed only 3/4 so I pulled it out all the way and she cranked right up. Just a little later when I went to open it up I noticed it was sluggish out of the hole. Then she would only hit 4500 RPMs and 34 mph WOT. My normal WOT is 5000 RPMS and 42 mph, so something is up. I wonder if I fouled a plug when I tried for a minute to crank it choked 3/4? I hope it is something that simple. I just put new plugs in before the Hatteras trip. This evening I will put 6 new ones in to see if that is what it is. The only other thing I can think of is carb problem from all of the low RPM trolling I do.

If the plugs don't fix it I suppose I will try running it on a 6 gallon tank just to rule out bad gas, water separator issue, or any onboard fuel related stuff.

What else would you do?

THANKS!!