Need Help Troubleshooting - Starts but won't rev, Blinking Dash

[Hickory-Cut]

Hi! Newbie here. I have a 2006 Sea Doo RXP. It is not running well and I think I may have a combination of problems. The first problem is the dash blinks and cycles (about every 30 seconds), even when the key is not on the DESS. It killed a new battery just sitting on the dock for a week. It will start when I put the fob on the post.

The next problem is it'll starts but stumbles and and will not rev. It barely produces enough power to move it forward.

The engine bay is clean (no oil). Gas is new and clean. Recently a rope was sucked into the intake on the bottom. I think it has all come out but not sure. I put it on the trailer and looked into the intake and there is nothing warped around the shaft. Looking into the nozzle, I don't see any rope. It initially spit out rope bits when it started up but it doesn't do that anymore.

Any idea on where I should start? I was thinking about replacing the coils and plug and the DESS post. I just got it this spring, and do not know it's maintenance history. It has a little over 100 hours on it. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Has it been running strong up until now? What's up with the rope thing, is this a recent event or some time ago (unlikely relationship)?

1st thing always, is to change the spark plugs making sure to use the correct ones as specified by the factory. Check everything, and expect issues (such as fouled plugs) if the fuel is old and sour.

 

[Hickory-Cut]

The rope got sucked into the intake shortly before all this happened. I agree it is probably just a coincidence, but could still be a factor somehow. I'm not going to be able to get to it for a couple of weeks, but right now I plan on coil packs and plugs, and maybe a new DESS. I found a really good write-up on how to test the DESS using a multi-meter, so I'll probably do that first. Unfortunately I think I am going to have to cut all three wires to do the test. It may be worth the $40-$60 to just replace it.

Any idea on what kind of damaged could the rope have done? It can;t be a unique situation with these skis?