Nice top end. You should have a nice cruise speed. I am not sure going up in RPM by going down in pitch is going to do anything for your top end. It might, but I think you are already on the top end of what the camshaft is prepared to do. I remember the old 260 Mercruiser (350 chevy with a carb) had such a mild profile cam it was not helping anything to prop it so it would turn over 4600. Others are far more knowledgeable on that topic. 42 knts is scootin'.
Congratulations, that was an undertaking.
It would be better for me if you
and posted it here. Just saying. LOL!