Merc in-line. Shouldn't it pull past 5k on a mx-15?

[croSSed]

my 17' Kona, with a '78 1500 turns about 5200 at 48 MPH running a 19" prop. I need a carb job, and a link n sync, then I expect 5500 and just barely north of 50. The trigger can sometimes go wonky on those. CDI has a website (I dont recall the link) that gives troubleshooting instructions for the trigger.

Will

I know this is kind of hijacking this thread, but... You need to get the 1500 spinning higher! Those low rpms on those motors will kill them faster than a little over-revving. That thing should be turning 5800-6000 all day long!