This is my 18th season with Ambrosia Mae. I love the boat, but am looking around a bit. I like the looks of the 50 a lot, but will have to get a rule change to do it. Fortunately, there are several of us who share the desire to move up. We are all on the outside of our dock with just a fairway in front of us. We'd like to see them move from 51 loa and 16 beam up to 55/17. One concern with the 50 is fuel capacity. I'd like to lose the 300 gal bladder on the bow for edge trips. I understand that they came with either 890 or 1060 capacity. I'm not sure of the burn on the 12v71's at 750hp, but I'm guessing north of 60gph. I also worry that I'm making a lateral (or worse) technological move going from 6v92 to 12v71. I do know that I'm a little tired of running at 15kts burning over 40gph today. I'll be turning 65 in December, and am aware that I can't do these 3 day tuna marathons forever.
Perhaps someone would care to opine on the engine question.