4,000 RPM is way too fast for reliable operation and decent longevity
on those motors. 3.200 to 3,400 RPM is generally regarded as maximum
cruising speed for gas engines of that type.

You feel the engine needs to be backed off to about 60% of WOT for normal
cruise speed?


It sounds under powered the way it was tested, and it's usually a
mistake to buy an under powered boat. I'd personally order the boat
with bigger gas engines if available, at about 350 hp each for decent
cruising performance in the low to mid 20kt range. For frequent usage
diesels would be an even better choice, and they will return 40 to 50%
of their cost in resale value.


I'd probably never buy a new gas boat myself, but millions of people do. If you
recover 50% of a $50k upcharge, you still need to save a lot of fuel to cover
the diff.


If there was a single answer that was always right for everybody, there
wouldn't be much variety in boats. :-)