I had a 1984 Johnson 35 engine and it was the sweetest cranking and running engine I have owned. I put a CMC trim and tilt on it mainly because I often needed to lift the motor when fishing in stumpy areas. To my surprise and delight I gained an additional 4-5 MPH by being able to trim out the motor at WOT. You are correct about the gas economy. I have a 40HP 2stroke Yamaha now and it is a great engine but it use about twice the gas the 35 used. The boat is much heavier than the on the 35 was on but it still seems to like the gas pump.
Mark 1:17 ...I will make you fishers of men