98 Sportster engine unresponsive to throttle

[Arkansan]

Long time since I asked you folks for help. We only had the boat out a couple of times last season because my husband had surgery on one hand and then the other, but the last time we took it out, the starboard engine wouldn't respond to the throttle. It starts easily and runs smoothly, but it doesn't rev above idle speed except when the steering wheel is turned to the left. Then it will get to 3.5-4. We took it out today for the first time this season, and of course it didn't fix itself over the winter, but now my husband's hands are back in shape for tinkering. Any suggestions? Or do we need to haul it to the mechanic?

 

[Dr Honda]

I always start with a compression check. (just to make sure we aren't chasing our tails)

Then... I would say, it's time for a carb rebuild.

 

[Arkansan]

I'll pass that along. Thanks, Dr. H.

 

[XP 787]

Check the throttle cable