Sounds like you have a weak fuel pump...just not getting enough fuel to keep the carb bowl full. This is why when you spray it get a extra boost. You mat be able to replace the discs in the pump if the seats are in good shape...just have to take it apart to have a look. Could be trash under one of the disc and seats, but most of the time I have found the seats bad. Just found the same on a friends riding mower a few months ago...bad seats in the pump. good luck!

just replace the fuel pump they are only $25 from go devil themselves. i have a 23 hp longtail brigs and it did the same thing at begging of teal season in 2010. i replaced the fuel pump and cleaned the carb with seafoam and runs like a champ.
good luck

you can probly go to your local lawnmower shop and purchase a fuel pump.

sounds to me like u need to break down the carb and clean the high speed jet. i have seen this problem year after year with many go devils. runs great on land and idles good in water. try to give it gas and its sputters. I am 99% sure its the high speed jet. Thanks ETHENOL!

your high speed jet in the carburetor is plugged

These guys are steering you in the right direction. Something is not right with your fuel air mix at high rev. Clean jets first and if that doesnt work then look into getting that fuel pump. Good huntin! 10 days!

try warming it up-- then rev it wide open and cover the throttle intake with your hand-while leaving throttle open. Sometime the high vacuum condition caused inside the carb by doing this will suck the stoppage out of a passageway or jet--costs nothing and ive had it work numerous times on mower/generators and on the 3 go devils ive owned.

Sounds like the fuel pump I have the same exact motor takes only 5 minutes to change.

What RPM should you get WAO on a 23hp surface drive out of the water?

i just had the same problem on my 23. ran fine in the driveway but under a load it would die once it got to 3/4 throttle.. Mechanic told me it was a plugged jet... The rebuild kit is $107... I didnt have the time and was able to put on a carb from another motor and it fixed it...

Before you rebuild it try spraying carb cleaner in it while its running. Use the whole can. Its also worth trying to adjust the knobs while you are in the water though none of this worked for me. If this doesnt work you will have to take it apart and clean it but you will need that kit. If you take it to the shop do it soon cause most of them take a week to get to it.

You have water in your fuel

check your air filter also

I agree with Kenspeck; sounds like a restriction in the air intake. Check the filter and more. Good luck and please let us know what you find.

THIS OLD MECHANIC SAYS HAVE YOUR CARB REBUILT. THIS WILL SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM.

It very well may be a clogged carb jet or fuel pump problem. One more thing you may want to try; I have the exact same motor. She loves gas and hates air. Double check all fuel line connections (in line filter, gas tand quick connects, etc) The last time my motor was doing that I changed the pump, rebuilt the carb, and replaced some gaskets. None of that helped. I removed the bulb out of my fuel line and the quick connect at my tank (just main lined the fuel hose into the bottom of the gas tank. She runs like the devil!!!!!!!!!!!