poor accelaration
 

I have a 1995 Mariah Talari with mercruiser 350 4 barrel carb.
From a stop, the boat does not accelerate, but growls and takes a long time
to get on plane. After on plane, the boat smooths out.
It will accelerate from 3000 to 4000 rpm, but not out of the hole.

A second problem is the switches to my horn, bilge, blower do not work
is there a master fuse. any suggestions?

Thanks

Re: poor accelaration
 

Sounds like the prop hub is spinning under load. As for the switches, this is a common problem & has been discussed here many times. Check first for corrosion at each item. Pull the connections apart, clean them lightly with a fine sandpaper & put them back. Check to see if there is power going to the items. Check the fuse panel up inside the dash. Sometimes the connections at the fuse panel corrode a bit or work themselves loose.

Re: poor accelaration
 

My guess is carburetor accelerator pump. When you first open the throttle on a carbureted engine, more air starts flowing faster than more fuel, so the engine leans-out badly. The accelerator pump is something that's activated when the accelerator is depressed, and squirts an off-setting amount of fuel into the carb throats. They wear out.

As for the electrical: If you have fuses: Remove each one, clean up the ends with something very mildly abrasive, and put them back in. I also treated our fuses and fuse holders with DeOxIt and ProGold.

Jim

Re: poor accelaration
 

You are either not getting the HP from the motor for some reason, or you may be over propped.
Originally my boat sputtered when I first got it, not running on all 8 cylinders. It also had a large split in the exhaust tube. Had a hard time getting on plane. Once she just couldn't get herself on plane period, even with only 4 people on board. The trim sender was rotten and I couldn't tell trim from the guage, but I was certain it was trimmed all the way in.
It had a 3 blade 14x19 stainless with vent holes.
Changed plugs, cap, rotor.
Replaced the exhaust tube.
I needed a second prop anyway so on advive from a friend and the marina I bought a 4 blade 14x17.
The marina explained that the 4 blade creates more cavitation than a 3 accelerating, allowing the motor to spin up to rpm's that make better HP.
What I did worked.
Had 7 in the boat and she popped out of the hole quickly and would still do 43 mph at 4600 rpm, with more throttle to spare.
Put the 3 blade back on it and now have 48 mph with 4 on board. Planing is slower but still well within reason.