That would be because they are Smartwaves not polycraft. I have no doubt you could plane a 4.5 poly in reverse. The sponsons also protrude behind the engine so stern recovery is stupidly good for a little boat. The one we had fished all sorts of places a 4.5 shouldn't go. And they float with the bungs out anyway. Speaking of under rated.... wet, slow, but do all the important things well.