Took my boat out yesterday and it would hardly get on plane. It cranks and idles like it always has. I just recently had the oil pump disabled and started mixin the oil with gas. Wide open was maybe 40mph after it finally got on plane...didn't run it long cuz I could tell the engine was really laboring. Took the fuel filter off when I got home and dumped it into a glass jar and there were black particles that settled at the bottom. I feel like the hoses are detiorating and causing those particles. What would be my best option? The boat was running fine before the oil pump issue and could mixing the oil in the fuel be causing this? The boat has been ran about 4 or 5 times since the oil pump was disabled with no problems. any adice will be greatly appreciated.

Year model? Mixing the oil will not cause this. Ethanol. That black sand is deteriorating fuel line and really plugs up fuel filters, manual fuel pump, the fuel pressure regulator on these motors. Gets bad enough it will cause injectors to stick.

It is a 96 model. I have put Stabil in every time i fill up except for one time.....prob a few weeks ago. should I change my filter and take it out and see if runs any different?

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Merc/Mercury/1996/1150424SD/FUEL%20MANAGEMENT%20SYSTEM%28VAPOR%20SEPARATOR%29/parts.html Most likely #24

I changed the fuel filter and also checked the screen at the bottom of the fuel punp. Took it out yesterday evening and it runs about 75% better, but the engine would only turn 5000rpm's. When the throttle was pushed wide open the engine sounded like it was bogging. I was thinking about changing all of the fuel hoses next...any other thoughts?