The 1100s are available with 6's as well if i recall. Are the earlier issues with the 8's a thing of the past?

What's the expected top speed?

I think 1350's over 1100's are like 40-50K more..

A 42x with 1100's should run in the lower to mid 120's. With that said, we have a 42x with 1100's and it only runs 107... I'm not sure why it's not much faster.

Yes, the 1100's come with a choice of #6's or M8's. My understanding is Mercury only offers the 1100 / 6 package with the 1:50 gears to protect the drive. The M8 gives you gear ratio choices and a much stronger bottom end. In addition, the M8 is 2" shorter which allows the engines to be mounted lower in the boat, this helps the CG. There have been no issues that I know of with the new generation M8. They have also redesigned the M8 lower to make it more hydrodynamic. Honestly, I like the look of the 6 drive much better.

In general, I believe the 1100 / 6 package performs great. We choose the M8 for gear options and acceleration.

My information source is Bud at Cigarette and Mercury Racing consider both subject matter experts.

Hum...been told 114-118 MPH. Props, fuel payload weigh and elevation changes are the wildcards as I understand it. I have been on a 42X w/1350's at 125 MPH. Acceleration was unreal, felt like a Pro Stock drag car.

Congratulations Gary, hope to see it next summer! Do you know where your 39 is going yet?

39 is heading to Richmond Virginia. Found an awesome home, I'm sure we'll all see them on the Poker Run circuit this summer.

6's may be purdier but 8's say " big poppa's here" lol

Well the guys at Cig would clearly knowbeter than I would, but if the 42x boats with 700's routinely run just a tick under 100 mph, bumping the same boat up to 1100's SHOULD raise the speed up into the mid to lower 120's (all things being equal). Looking forward to not only seeing your new rig, but also seeing what it runs!