Johnson 9.9 slow on acceleration

[ozengines]

I am new to boating, my 1982 Johnson 9.9 feels sluggish to get going when I hit the throttle, it eventually gets up the revs. Is this normal seeing it is only a small motor ?? also it is on a 12 foot tinnie, when I am in it alone the boat sits up high at the front, will dropping the motor down a few more levels making more level help at all. It is at present three holes from the bottom.

[Rebel Sympathy]

Yes, "tucking the motor under" will help it get up on a plane. Once up, however, it may negatively affect top end if you tuck it under too far.