I have a 1988 Chaparral 187 XL with a Johnson 140hp V4/VRO (Model #J140TLCCM, Ser#7740694). This boat ran terrific until one day, with about 1/4 tank of gas, I gave full throttle and before it could plane, it would die. It restarted twice and died, then would behave as if it were flooded. I got towed to the marina to refuel (I suspected the thrust of the boat was keeping the fuel away from the draw hose). Anyway, after refueling, it started and as I got out of the no wake zone and gave it throttle, the same result. I waited about an hour and the boat started fine and I zoomed home about 2 miles away. Although I know zero about boat engines, I suspected I had air in the fuel line and life was now good...WRONG. 
The following week, I tested it on the trailer and it ran great. I took my son out fishing and after an hour or so of stopping, starting, trolling etc..it did it again. Again, the first two attempt at restarting were almost successful, then nothing, as if it were flooded If anyone has any insight, please advise. I am replacing the inline fuel filter and the spark plugs but would like to go boating without being afraid of being stranded.<br /><br />Thanks in advance, Ken
The following week, I tested it on the trailer and it ran great. I took my son out fishing and after an hour or so of stopping, starting, trolling etc..it did it again. Again, the first two attempt at restarting were almost successful, then nothing, as if it were flooded If anyone has any insight, please advise. I am replacing the inline fuel filter and the spark plugs but would like to go boating without being afraid of being stranded.<br /><br />Thanks in advance, Ken