"Brent, I think 45 mph is pret
"Brent, I think 45 mph is pretty optimistic for that set-up. The boat weighs 1390 dry, add 400 pounds for the engine, even 20 gals of gas (120 lbs), a battery or two (100 pounds maybe), another 100 for various gear (anchor, ropes, junk etc) and you are looking at closer to 2100 pounds before you step on board.
The 115 would probably put you in the high 30's, which is decent enough unless you are into speed. And besides the Legend hulls won't go much over 40 regardless of what you hang on the back.
I am very fond of the Legend boats - well put together - the hulls are made by Smokercraft/Starcraft and then rigged up near Sudbury Ontario at the Legend factory.
Personally though I would still prefer the Optimax over the 4 stroke, just for the difference in maintenance, not to mention that every test out there shows better fuel economy, torque and top end speed from the Opti's compared Merc's 4 strokes - and if you check it out it would come in about 1500 bucks less on the engine upgrade - which would leave you the money to buy the extended warranty on the motor, really getting a good deal - our boating season up here is short, you don't want to have your motor in twice during the summer for scheduled maintenance.....
However, just my two cents..."