Cause(s) For Loss Of Performance?

[timeman]

Guys, last couple of outings, I have noticed a slight to moderate loss of performance (taking longer to plane out with passengers on board, or pulling a skier), with my 06 Challenger 4Tec.

Engine, which has around 90 hrs on it, sounds great, spools up quickly and revs all the way, but the thrust seems to be diminishing under acceleration...top speed with one or two on board is still high 40's, but she's just not what she used to be, especially when pulling a skier.

Can anyone offer up some thoughts on what might be the problem, and where's the best place to begin trouble shooting this problem?

 

[Dr Honda]

If it's reaching max RPM's... then the clearance in the wear ring is opening up, and you are loosing thrust.

 

[timeman]

Thanks for the quick reply Tony. Is there some way to measure or gauge the clearance to be certain it's the wear ring?
Is this a hard thing to replace, if I want to do it myself? I'm pretty handy mechanically, but I would hate to mess my propulsion system up if the fix requires experience or nuance..
Again, thanks for all the advice...