Yamaha P-250

[robp]

Someone I know has just bought a little power boat with a Yamaha P-250 outboard. The boat is only 12'6", so it should plane easy. However it sounds as though the engine has seen better days and doesn't have enough torque. It will rev OK in neutral but can't get the boat up in gear. Anyone know this motor? and is there anything simple he can do as a stop-gap on a low budget? Rings, even pistons - or is it the inevitable expensive job?

Thanks for any info