I agree 100% and think the things you have mentioned..

can i check the hull myself?

I do have external MM steering.. it origonialy had 700 zuls in it (blower motors)

have about 600 a side rite now and will run 76ish @4900. with 3 people and full fuel.

Like you said i feel there is speed left on the table, mostly due to the fact the boat was rigged and set up 13 years ago.

Tres Martin is the guy to talk to on straight bottom (ts) guns also! Got tons of good info from him.