I'm getting around 38 top and comfortable 28-30mph cruising. That's with 2 others onboard with 3/4 gas and full water.
I could change my prop and get a little over 40, but I'd have to compromise on the hole shot. Of course the new prop would mean I'd have to Break Out Another Thousand.
your write about the b.o.a.t my cruse is about 45 and still up on the rpm and still playing with prop pitchgetting close i have a 19 inch pitch and now going with a 21 on a 15 .25 blade
Cruise-40mph, tops at 65mph so far but still playing with trim & props.
Let's AVOID the fuel burn rate comparo...
Twin carb'd big blocks at 5k rpm = big flow numbers...