I'm lookin for a brand new motor for a 3 man hide. My questions are. How big of a difference is there between the 35 and the 45? Is the 45 a stock motor or a slightly modded 35?? Anyone have speeds with either on this particular boat? Eager to get the beast home, even though we have 3' of snow and dam near as much ice on the lakes......

A "45" is a 35 with different cam/rods/skirted pistons/roller rockers/push rods/governor spring/muffler. You'd see a good difference with heavier loads and a few mph top end most likely. There are a few different recipes to get the extra HP anymore.

With that rig youll want the low end torque of the 45. Youll notice alot more on the bottom end for load carrying and some top end gains. Might see around 30 empty.

Did you order the motor yet?

I had a 3 man and you need the 45. Also get the 32 inch outdrive or don't waste time hauling a big load unless you like going slow.

my buddy has a 45mb with a 17x60 excel he just put a single carb kit and a bps muffler and with two people and two dozen decoys we had it on gps at 34mph

Ran both on a four man. Would run almost the same when empty or loaded to the gills. Really shines when carrying a big load.