I got a new weldbilt 1648v I'm running a 35gtr, haven't gotten to take it out yet. Does anybody run a setup like this? What kind of speeds should I expect?

That sounds about what I ran my 37 on until my custom boat was complete. I was just trying to break in the motor for the new boat. It was actually just a semi v. I was only getting like 24 by myself and 21 with a load. I also had to use the top pin instead of the second to last.

I run a 1648v weldbilt with a 22hp longtail. 15mph loaded and unloaded. 9x5 prop

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

I got a stiff 24 in my old boat and 23 with a load so I'm hoping my speed will increase. I am also running a big blade instead of the 3 blade that came on the motor. I hope to be able to test of a couple of props on it to see how it does with different props. Then again if all goes well I'll mod the motor next summer.

It's got split seats in the rear with skirts welded to the boxes to the transom. I had actually ordered an extra brace bit the way I designed it they couldn't put the extra brace in because I would lose space in the rear under the skirts but I did talk to weldbilt about it and the guy I talk to assured me the skirts would be plenty of extra support