Rough running 2002 Wakesetter need help troubleshooting

[EBrown]

I have had my 2002 malibu since 2005 and have had no reliability issues. However went out surfing with friends and had more weight in boat that usual. About 2000 pounds in fat sacs plus 8 people. Everything was perfect for 7 people to ride. On the last rider I could not get the boat to give me enough power to pull surfing. It was low on gas so I filled it thinking perhaps the pump was struggling to pick up fuel with the boat listed to the side. After filling up no change. Could not get her on plane even after I dumped all of the weight. Changed plugs, wires, distributor cap, fuel filter. Went out again and still having the same issue. Sounds awful and won't stay running long. Having to keep putting in neutral and ranging rpm to keep it running. Any suggestions for what I should check?

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

[joshuadale07]

Sounds silly, but have you checked your impeller? Temp running at 160 degrees? Check oil as well in motor, and v drive and transmission. Next I would hook a fuel gauge up and see what the fuel pump/ regulator is doing

[joshuadale07]

Also could clean your fuel pump inlet screen, may have sucked something up against that with the low fuel level. It's the hose running to the bottom of pump. Take off hose and spray carb cleaner in there, use phone to take a picture before and see if you see anything on the screen

[EBrown]

Forgot to mention we changed fluids and impeller as well. Temp was also checked and is normal. Water flow is also flowing they system well. Will check screen in fuel line have not done that!

Many thanks.