I have a 1990 Johnson 30hp, which is likely the same engine setup you have. My choke knob doesn't move a butterfly or a valve inside the carb, but rather seems to allow fuel to be pulled from the bowl and sucked into a small port in the top of the carb just before the throttle plate.
Either way, definitely sounds like you have a clogged or restricted carb port that won't give you the fuel necessary under your half or more throttle position. IF I know what I'm talking about, the main jet is in the bottom of the carb, accessible when the bowl is off. If I had to guess, that is plugged with sediment or scale.