1978 Wellcraft Nova 210 XL with 188 merc, only 33mph at 3k?

[89cruisers]

Hey there guys, just bought this boat last week, doing some repairs to the floor (stringers are still good thankfully) but took her out for a test run today, and only got up to 33mph, and wouldnt go past 3k rpms, I already posted on the prop forum since this thing has a 15x16 4 blade, but how fast should this thing be going with the 302, 188hp merc? I know it originally came with a 233, but previous owner put in this one for some reason.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: 1978 Wellcraft Nova 210 XL with 188 merc, only 33mph at 3k?

Make sure you're getting 35-36* timing advance @ 3000rpm. Less will significantly hurt performance.
The usual culprits to check include, plugs, wires, carb, throttle linkages, exhaust restrictions, etc.
With a 16p prop you should be getting 4500rpm.