Guys im thinking about moving from a 40 hp outboard on my 1654 grizzly to a 35 surface drive. I was wondering if anyone has that setup and what kind of speeds would be expected with 3 guys and several dozen decoys. Thanks

It's not ideal...but it will work. I've been running a 35MB on a 1548 grizzly (moved my gas tank to the front and took it easy when I let off the throttle) for the last few years with no issues. Again, the ideal situation is to have a true mud hull...but a 1654 grizzly should be fine. If you do a search, you'll probably find a couple of grizzly hulls with MM's and maybe a little bit of performance info as well. Good luck.

would it be better to go with a 4400 sport V. I really want a motor with reverse as we do hunt tide water making loading and unloading difficult at times. Im new to this so would buying a modded 35 help with speeds as well?

I'm getting 31 by myself and 26 with a buddy, dog, n deeks. If you have to cross a lot of open water, you'll really like having that V to the front of the hull.

I'd get a Gatortail if reverse is a must. I've never used a PD. I've been stranded to many times by my friends mudbuddy's.