Raw Water Pump

I have a 97 sport with the GT 40. This year the boat seems to be running warmer than normal. It has always run an 16o. But at times it will run up to 200 and often around 180. I am in the process of checking for air leaks and blockages. Usually it runs 160 at idle but then at speed the temp will jump up to 195 and then back off to about 180. I replaced the themostat last year. I have checked the impeller and see no visible damage.   The impeller was replaced last year. I typically replace them every other year.   I have been researching on this and other sites and from what I read it sounds like it could be the raw water pump itself. Is there a way to check the raw water pump to see if it is performing properly? I would like to know for sure before I drop $430 on one.
I have read it needs to suck a 5 gallon bucket in 15 seconds. Is that at idle RPMspeed? Is that the only way to test them?

Where do you shoot the ir thermometer at?

Your symptoms are not indicative of loose hoses or clamps it's either a marginal impeller or a blockage someplace in the system usually downstream from the impeller when an old impeller fragged. This is usually at the thermostat housing. Another possibility is a clogged oil cooler. Check those things first.
However, the RWP can't be ruled out either. No need to buy new if that's the case. They can be rebuilt but you need a press of some sort for the bearing. Many here have done it.

Yep always buy the Sherwood OEMs from NP.
Might go ahead and buy another one even though this one looks to be in good shape from every way visible I can see.

So ordered a new impeller and did the flow test. No problems there. Sucks tons of water at 3000 RPM. 5 gallon bucket is down way less than 15 seconds. Looked at the old impeller. No pieces missing. replaced all the hoses between the raw water pump and thermostat.   Took the thermostat off and no blockages in the housing no blocks in the hoses to the risers.   Tested the thermostat in a pan of hot water. It opened just fine. Tightened all my hose clamps. No clogs in the oil cooler, water strainer is fine no cracks and doesn't appear to be sucking air.
When I start the engine and warm it up it goes up to 200 and stops and then fluctuates between 180 and 200 on the gauge. Shot all over the engine with the IR thermometer and never found any temp above 130. It could be that I didn't run the engine long enough to get the block and manifold hot enough, but when the gauge was showing 200 I could put my hand under the exhaust water and it didn't feel that hot. Didn't even burn my hand. It couldn't have been above 100 degrees. The thermometer showed that too.   I'm going to try replacing the sensor on the circulating water pump next unless anyone has any other ideas.   
   At Idle the water comes out of the exhaust port intermittently. I think this is only because my driveway slopes down and the nose of the boat is pointing down, but not sure if that would indicate anything. Any other ideas? I'm hoping its the sensor or the gauge.

Could just be a loose or semi-broken wire.

Funny how a new one failed - mine is 26 years old & still working good.

well, found a thread talking about the weep hole.

thread link