I thought I'd ask this as it might help others. We did more boat riding than fishing over the holiday weekend. Motor ran smooth except for twice when it seemed almost ready to stall and lost power. It might be the gas from last summer even with Sta-Bil so I'm taking the tank home to use what's left in my tractor mowers, etc. Then I'll use new fuel for the boat. I don't have to paddle the tractor if it quits.
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<br />When I was getting the tank out I found that the cap was very loose. I wonder if this could have been the problem. Could it have lost pressure for an instant or something? Just wondering what effect this would have on things and thought others might benefit from knowing.
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<br />I also wonder if it would be a good idea to take the tank home each winter and drain the fuel into tractors, etc. :?:

Hello,
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<br />A 'tag' onto the post above - am new to boating and to Atwood.
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<br />New 17' Tracker with a 25HP 4 stroke Merc.
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<br />Monday bout 7AM on the lake - no wind, smooth water, 70 odd degrees, got 6000 RPM and 19.1 MPH (on my GPS).
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<br />Then, bout 4PM (same day) bout 92 degrees - same people and weight, light to no wind, choppy water, could only do 5200 RPM and 11.4 MPH...
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<br />I know (Merc says: Temp and humidity can affect power by as much as 10-17%) a 'slight' power loss during the course of the day is both to be expected and reasonable... but THAT MUCH??!!
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<br />I saw many boats that were both bigger and had more people in them that were easily able to overtake and pass me (two big people and two small dogs) - but a 24' pontoon - with six adults??!!
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<br />Course, I call my boat dealer today and they say - was really humid and hot Monday - so whatcha see is whatcha get...
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<br />Any thoughts?
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<br />Thanks!

As far as horsepower loos being &quot;normal&quot; I can't help you much. When it comes to a pontoon overtaking you with more people aboard, you have to take into consideration you have an entire boat in the water versus their two aluminum toons. You have a lot more water resistance than they do. Just thought it might make you feel a little better even if it didn't really answer your question.