Well I took out the boat I just bought. Started up good I went to go put it in gear and it jumped a few times then went into gear, So I idled out to open water and started to press the throttle, The Bow went way up Rpms were up but I bow was still high, high enough to where I couldnt see over it, Then it finally leveled out after like 20 seconds and I got going but still didnt seem right. It almost seems like when i put it in gear it has to much throttle for Idling speed. And When I get going It seems like I have to give it more then half throttle to get going anywhere and to level out. Seems like the lower unit to me but I dont know?

After a little futher examination, The boat is out of the water and on the trailer, and I put it in gear, with the motor off and Tried to turn the prop by hand, Well it was tight to where I couldnt turn, then I was able to turn it a half turn, then it was tight again and loose, and so on, if you know what I mean.. So I am thinking my lower gears are gone?

Maybe you have a spun hub. Not sure about Mercs but I think they use a rubber insert that can break down.
See if you can take the prop off and take it to a prop shop.

Thanks Parrott, I hope that is the problem, That is much cheaper Then a lower unit, How would I go about taking off the prop? Just undo the big nut and pull it off? What would I look for? Also Would I take it to a prop shop? Or could I take it to the local boat shop? And If anyone else has anymore info on a problem like this let me know, Its killing me to be off the lake....lol

You can get a new hub anywhere that sells props, although they do not always have the exact one you need.

To remove the prop just pry the tabs away from the big nut and remove it. On the inside of the prop will be a plastic sleeve that acts as a connection between theprop and the shaft.

They are made of Delrin plastic in order to sacrifice themselves instead of the gears if you hit something. Sometimes they just get old on their own. Cost about $35.00

Based on your questions, I would recommend that you take it to a boat shop and have them check it out.

I am assuming you did not test drive the boat before buying it. (correct)?

Thanks guys, I am gonna take the prop off tommorow and examine it and see what I can find, I did notice that the prob is slightly loose, I can wiggle it just a little bit, but not much maybe like a millimeter. Like it is not seated up against the hub, Would that make it do that? The Prop on this Boat is Huge, biggest I have ever seen on a 150HP. If I dont see anything I will just put it back on and take it the boat shop and let them examine it.

Tpenfield, No I did not test drive the boat before I bought it, I bought it from a old customer of mine that I thought I could trust. Normally I would test drive a used boat before I bought it, But they dont like anywhere near a lake. On he ear muffs it ran fine, but you know how that goes. Ear muffs and Driving under a load are two different things. I guess you live and you learn right?

This is an outboard motor, correct? If so, your description of turning the prop:---that sounds to me like you're just fighting engine compression, which means what you felt is perfectly normal! As long as you didn't feel anything ELSE, like a 'grindy' feel of any kind, no problem (yet)...

As for idling too fast, that can be adjusted.

As for needing more than 1/2 throttle to get on plane, that's not so "abnormal" either, many a boat won't get out of it's own way unless you give it WOT.

As for the nose coming up high, is the motor trimmed down all the way? If not, the nose will aim for the sky. The drive's angle should be the same or even less than the transom's angle.

At this point I'm not sure you have ANYTHING wrong. Outboards are totally different animals than I/O's, and I'm thinking all you need is a few adjustments...

Now, if this is NOT an outboard motor, what IS it exactly?

I agree - without knowing a few more things it may be tough to tell. I just spun a hub (rubber bushing in the prop) on a 150 Hp Force OB and it had the same symptoms as described in the original post. At low speeds prop would work, but any significant RPMs it would slip.

Well I took it the boat shop and gave it a quick look, maybe 10sec and said it was my lower unit. No do I believe him or not? It is the only boat shop within like 50 miles from my house, It is kinda redneck, Dont know if they are to be trusted or not.

Are you near 30121?

Are you near zip code 30121?

A couple of years ago I put on an older 21p alum prop that I had as a spare on my merc 150ef.It had to be rehubbed as it would let the engine over rev if you gave it full throttle on take off. On my Taho q3 I have to give it at least 3/4 throttle(full best) to get on plane other wise it plows the water and thats just asking to hit something in the water.Make sure when you put it in gear you do it fast and Do not ease it in,their not made to do this.

perhaps the prop is not appropriate for the outboard / boat or the boat needs trim tabs? i'd look for a shop i trust to look everything over thoroughly. as far as a test drive is concerned, that's just a small part of what should be done before buying a boat. including a seatrial, by someone familiar with that type of boat, you should at least have a mechanical survey done and perhaps an engine survey as well. even a free boat will get expensive real fast if it's got problems.