The last couple trips out I could smell lots of fuel. It seems to be running rich. when trying to get on plane it hesitates and a title feels like it is skipping. I noticed the clear yellow tube going from the mechanical fuel pump to the throttle body carrying fuel. is this a sign of my fuel pump going bad.

Probably so, but I don't think that it's the cause of your problems. Those injectors are famous for going static (sticking open). Pull the flame arrestor off and see what the injectors are doing. You will see a noticeable difference in the spray pattern if one or more are going static. This is the main reason that we made a new injection setup to go on a 575. There is a thread on here about it. It's worth the read.
Eddie

Here ya go.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...-upgrades.html

And you can watch these TBI injectors fuel flow patterns with your timing light to get a better picture of what they are like. These TBI injectors (marine set up) seem to become problem over time regardless what the app is including Merc black side and Volvo Penta - just saying.

Thanks for the info. looks like I'll be taking the fuel pump apart to check it out.

Both pumps were replaced at end of last season. How long should they last?

I would say that the diaphragm has a small hole in it. That is why there is fuel going up the hose. I don't think that is your main problem though. You need to focus on the injectors. The fuel pump issue is trivial at this point.
Eddie