So finally get out yesterday and boat is running like crap....it starts and idle fine but gets confused under load any where from 1500 to 5000. it'll chug a bit, burp, pop. I put 150 bucks of fresh fuel to about 1/4 of tank.

Pulled of distributor cap and the is a slight build up on the points inside almost like a calcification of some sort.

Engine behaved a little like this on my last run last year.

Engine is in my avatar probably has 20 hours. Thanks

Don't drive it that way anymore, you could damage your newer motor.

Ignition or carb can be doing that. Go thru ignition first and then carb.

Another question is how much play should be on distributor cap or how much force would be required to budge it...it seems with little pressure it moves side to side. It's got the sring actuated clips on either side holding it in place. Thanks again

did you check to see what was in fuel filter.. Pour filter contents into a clear container

Thanks motor will do that