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The motor needs to be installed so that with the proper propeller, at WOT, it reaches the right RPM. Regardless of how fast you go, you want the motor installed and propped correctly.

Too low or having a prop that has too much pitch will lug the motor.
Too high or too small a pitched prop will cause the motor to exceed max RPM.

I see you have a 22 gallon fuel tank under the RPS and a second 8 is gallon in the stern. What is your typical load in terms of gear, fuel passengers and ice?

Alone and empty, the boat should reach 41-43 at WOT and not 35. These speeds are by GPS.

We know from member testing that for a Montauk, E-TEC's like to be mounted as high as possible. 3 holes up at a minimum. A good performing prop is a Stiletto 13 1/4 x 15 prop. Another suggestion is the BRP Viper but the engine only 2 holes up.

Here is one of the dozen or so threads for reference:

http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...d_id=17073

If you will have a heavy load most of the time, you should consider dropping down in pitch by 2" to ensure you hit the WOT range.