TOPIC: What pitch???? speed ?

I have a old 14 foot Crownline...weight around 290 I think

1984 50 HP Classic with a 12 pitch prop..ran today first time seems to to be running wide open...or if it is prop is to big/

runs GREAT just slow...I have no tach but I know its not at 5000 WOT

Took the cabs off...the main jet in the top carb was semi blocked, I cleaned it out ..the bottom one was clear

So will one clogged jet make it not get up to speed?

So will one clogged jet make it not get up to speed?

Absolutely! Although I'm still a novice compared to many of the good folks around here, I have learned that in order to get one of these great old motors up to full power and RPM possible everything has to be darn near perfect. All it takes is one little issue to throw things off and performance will suffer, even if only a little. Don't forget to check your fuel pump and any filters in the system too. Since you found an issue in one of the carbs, it's worth the extra effort to check the entire fuel system, IMHO.

Also, if you want to dial it in properly, get a tachometer for it. You want to be peaking on the high side of 5500 RPM with a light load (you & fuel). Make sure the motor is running well BEFORE prop testing...
- Scott

Well that didn't do it... both main jets are clean and it still wont plain out

Just stand the boat up and at WOT just doing maybe 18 or 20 at best and its not missing its smooth just no high RPM

Its like its pulling a 1000 pound sled

Have you checked the timing?

Nope... tell me how and I get a light tomm

I am good with old cars I set them by ear and feel

The basics of the motor are enough fuel, enough air, and enough spark advance, and it will run fast. Is the carburetor ( or carburetors) throttle blade fully open ? Is the choke still on ?
Is the spark timing somehow retarded ? How about the boat; does it have a double bottom that's full of water ? Is there a big enough hook in the bottom so that it won't even plane ? If your boat is fairly light as you describe, the prop would have to be a 4 blade workboat prop to hold the boat back that much. Is all of the weight somehow in the stern of the boat, including you ? Do you have the motor tilt in an odd position ? Something is very wrong for a 50 hp. on a 14 foot light boat not to even plane. Keep us informed on what you find .

Which is the #1 piston?

OK its the top one

So with it at TDC where should the pointer be pointing on the Flywheel? 0?

Please pardon me if I missed something, but what make and year 50HP motor are you working on? I know you said the boat was an '84, how 'bout the motor? Highly recommend getting a repair manual for whatever it is, and going through the tune-up procedures step by step. We'll be glad to help if you have any questions or issues, of course.