I had a 97 Merc 200 EFI…no limiter, and would let it wind out to 6k rpms. But like BC said, somewhere in the early 2000s, they added a rev limiter……..in which case you would know by the beeping! Too many variables at this point. What is the engine height, what kind of weight is he running, light/moderate/heavy, how much gas/livewells full? What is the elevation in your area?96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner