Fuel Bladders on Bow

I don't think I'd put much more on the bow. You could try another 200 gallons. I hate bladders on the bow as they are very hard to empty in any kind of sea state other than calm. I know you can carry a ton in the cockpit and prefer 55 gallon drums as they have a much smaller foot print than a bladder.

Just curious, do you need the extra fuel routinely or is this for a one time extended voyage? I can't imagine dealing with bladders and fuel transfer out of them as a routine event.

That would suck to have use a bladder, much less multiple bladders as a routine. I'm assuming you've exhausted all options of adding another fixed tank somewhere or increasing size of the existing tanks?

I can see wanting to limit the cost given you are not keeping the boat. Hopefully you will post info here when you move up to a 60'

Just curious how much you burn on the 120 mile round trip. I make a similar run occasionally fishing in NE Canyons. I usually burn about 700-750 Gallons on a 53 Viking. I don't really push it very hard on the trip usually 22-23 kts.

Curious, do you actually save on gallons per mile at 22-23 kts? In my 54' I don't really save anything once I get above about 11 kts. I actually save a little gal/mile going a little faster and pushing to 80% load. I believe this is due to more stern lift at higher speeds. I do save a lot if I'm willing to slow to 8-9 kts however. 12-14 kts is my worst speed for gal/mile. I believe the hydrodynamics are similar for most sportfish boats although the exact speed where things change will obviously differ somewhat depending on length and hull characteristics.

I Don't have enough real data to say for sure but anecdotally it seems to save some $$$. Cruising to Block Island when I was in a "hurry" I definitely burned more. I average about 53-55 GPH at 22-23 (1950 RPM) I average 61-63 at 2050 but I only gain 1.5-2 knots. I have mechanical engines so maybe they aren't as linear as common rails. I'm pretty happy with the efficiency. I hold 1100 gallons, so I always felt that was enough reserve. to OP why do you want to carry that much extra fuel and weight?

I suggest you experiment with some inflatable mattresses. They cost very little ($15-20/a piece) and hold about 75 gallons of water (if you fill them up with water instead of air). Get, like 8-10 of those, position them as you think is best, fill them up with salt water, strap them down. Then run your boat in different weather conditions to see how it handles, etc. You would know soon enough where the limits are.

Why slow down to troll???? Lures will pull and work just fine at 8.5 knots on your way in and out!