I think the whole WOT or nothing is still around from the old carbed outboard days. Those things would dump fuel no matter what rpm so if you spent a lot of time lugging the motor carbon would build up. Don't see how that can still be the case with efi/dfi efficient engines of today.

The only time I run wide open is if I'm in a tournament and I need to beat other ppl to my spot or if I'm just feeling like putting the pedal to the medal. Otherwise I just cruise at around 50

I like cruising at 4000 rpms but it never lasts. Next thing I know it's reading 4300, then 4600, then 4900, and ......... well, you get the point. When I'm moving more than about 2 miles it's just likes to eat .... and eat ........ and eat. So I let it.

Got a 17-year-old 2-stroke that has been babied (3500-4000 RPM) since the day it left the lot and has never given us any problems. Don't believe those folks who say that running slow is bad for the motor. If you want to run fast, go for it. But don't fool yourself into thinking that you're doing the engine a favor.

Do not confuse "mid-range running" with "lugging your motor". Big difference between running on plane in the 3500-4500 rpm range and "plowing" the water at 2000 rpm

Several years ago I met the gentleman who designed the HPDI VMax engines. He said that the best way to get them to last and get best mileage was to run them around 4500 RPM. The most effective RPM for millage varies for each boat and each load. However he said that you should run it wide open for 60 seconds each time you take it out to clear the carbon.
He also told me to add a few drops of Ring Free to each tank of fuel. I don't have any smart gauges on my boat but my best estimate is about 5 MPG cruising and less than 3 wide open.

Plus 1 on 316V post don't lug your motor

I've always heard and bought into running it wot for a minute or two at the end of the day. Will keep it cleaned out and running good.

Run good fuel, good oil, the recommended additives, and provide the proper maintenance, including having your injectors cleaned every 2 years or sooner.

I have a Mercury 2000 225EFI that's been modified (bolt ons). We had the heads off of it last winter and it still has the cross hatching visible from the factory hone. Hours are south of 2000 now and still a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Take care of them, and they will take care of you.

Gman

I have a 1980 70hp merc. I run everywere wot. 33mph by myself with all my gear. if I don't it won't plane out and I take a beating plus I believe it helps run carbon out

I've done this as well.

I usually run WOT everywhere I go, especially when headed into the weigh in, lol, unless I do not have much to weigh.

wfo . when it breaks bring it to me for repair. Drive it like you stole it.