2009 mercury 250 pro xs , serial #1b756305
Boat sat for around 2 weeks. Had a tournament prior, with zero issues. Took it out the other day, noticed it was a bit hard starting with a little puff of smoke. Go to take off and it struggled to get up on plane. (Acted if you were trimmed to far down and blocking exhaust with water. Got off it and tried again, little struggle but got up on pad and ran normal. Not much issue rest of day.
Tournament last night, same things happened.
Only hada minute today to take a look at it, pulled cowl off and noticed this bolt laying down in the bottom. Also found this little white bead with it. I looked around and really only noticed this one location that seems likely it came from, but unsure of white bead.
I typically keep the fuel cell only around half full. Tournament prior I put 10 Gallons in. Could it be a bad batch of fuel?
Appreciate any suggestions on things to look over on it this weekend. Thoughts on that bolt coming out, and if the bead rings any bells.
Thanks!