I appreciate all the responses guys. I tried the wax deal after it had already started it's downward spiral so I don't think that's it. If it were just the summer blahs it would be alright with me but this makes my 7th summer with the boat without ever having an issue. I think I'll check my prop assembly, try a new bulb, then go buy a new Optimax. Ha. Good night folks and thanks for the input.