Went out in the boat today and all of a sudden the boat started running like it was on choke. I thought I was out of gas so I swapped tanks and still the same thing. Only happens when I put it into foward runs fine in reverse and at idle. After I got pulled in I started to looking all over maybe bad gas even went get another ball but not the problem ran a compression check and one side was 120 and the other was 165. Whats the normal compression for these motors I think this might be my problem. Checked it again and there both at 170 but it runs like shit when I put it in forward.

check all the simple things before you consider major engine problems, pull the plugs and inspect, check the fuel filter and the water seperator if you have one. Make sure your tank vent is open and look for any loose wires. These are some areas to start checking. It might be something easy

I'm sure you did but look closely at your choke assembly a while back mine gave some problems with the clip that the arm from the choke knob attaches to.It was holding the choke out slightly and the motor idled fine but that was it.When you looked at it everything looked ok but it was out a little it was holding the clip out about 3/16 of an inch not letting it go all the way back when I pushed the knob back to the normal position and that was what had me.

A wire is grounding out pull the cover where the trim and clutch switches are and look for chaffed wire.

Make sure both cylinders are firing. Your diode could of gone out. You will only be able to run like 8 mph if this happens. A choke problem would have you running rough. A diode problem isn't as rough, just real weak.

TXSHOCKWAVE you my friend are a FE. I looked under there and seen some chaffed wires moved them away from each other and bam sounds good. Gonna fix the wires and go test it out and we should be in bussiness. Thanks again for everyone advice this is what this site is all about.

Glad you got it figured out. Good job TXshock!