mercruiser seems to be slipping

Question
I have recently bought a 2001, 18ft Sea Ray and took it out for it maiden vouyage.  It drove great for the first 45min and then after meandering slowly for about half an hour, I went to accelerate again and it seemed the the motor was not engaging as I moved through the acceleration.  I sounded like it was slipping (similar to a clutch slipping in a vehicle).  What causes this? Is it common?  How can I fix it?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Scott

Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question. Here's food for thought, because the symptom you've described could relate to a number problems.

Was the throttle linkage checked to ensure proper & complete engagement?
Was the outdrive properly trimmed?
Was the prop & drive shaft checked for slippage?
Were weeds or other foreign matter tangled around the prop?
Did you check all engine belts for tightness?
Has the problem persisted during subsequent ventures?

Unless the solution is obvious, it sometimes takes a process of elimination. If not mechanically inclined, I recommend you select a reliable marine mechanic to trouble shoot the problem.

Safe Boating
Ron