87 3297 runs slow is this normal?

[snavaroli]

I will check the rev with no load. Advancing the distributor may be a bit out of my experience level and will need a mechanic to look at that$$$$$.

[Viper]

A lot of things can contribute to your symptoms from fuel delivery to ignition and running gear, and driving habits to boat weight. You need to do a systematic check of all systems so you can eliminate each one;
- is this a recent phenomenon or always been this way since you've owned the boat?
- when was the last fuel filter change including at the carbs if applicable?
- was it clean fuel in the filters?
- how old is the fuel?
- when were the carbs last serviced?
- are the anti-siphon valves working properly?
- has fuel pressure been checked?
- when was the last ignition tune-up done?
- has a compression test and vacuum test been done?

Until you check/answer these and eliminate these systems as suspect by bringing them back to spec, you won't know if not being able to reach WOT is due to an engine runability issue, incorrect use of tabs, or incorrect propping for example if it's always run this way since you've owned it.

Don't run the engines at that high RPM in neutral, it's not a good idea, you may cause internal damage and it won't tell you much anyway as the results/requirements are completely different under load versus out of gear.

[g36]

i suggested checking the advance when you first posted in august i thought you had done that since you made no mention of it.
all you have to do is hook up a timing light and rev the engine no need to wot. for the novice all you are looking for is the timing light to move from where it is a idle. you can do that. if not familiar with timing if it doesnt move then you know right away theres a problem. common problems rusted stretched or broken springs or frozen weights in distributor. you could still not be getting full advance but you do have a idea if you have some advance without paying a mechaninc for this. if you find or borrow a advance type timing light then you will be able to see the degrees of advance you are actually getting which will be the best thing