Just had to ask Boat Beaters;
When I do my fishin' it seems I like to fish and then dash between islands, beating my boat in the race track of the San Juan Washington State Islands.
This makes me feel good about burning 1000 or less gallons per fish.
Running in our occasional rough water is fun at 25- 30 smoother 40 and better in rare glass as fast as I can go.

23' long and 24.5 degree at transom, 7.5' beam; bare hull 3500 lbs.
With all gear, engine and drive, and full of gas 4700 lbs.

1972 seabird v24SS used as a fishing "rat rod" style boat, no need to get much over 50 MPH.
With 5.7 1994 5.7 (its third engine) running Eidlebrock 650 and MSD ignition, I have never topped 44 mph.
Summit 383 at $5700 and a bunch of other stuff that still is under 9K,
Or a Hardin loaded LS 3 at about $12,000 +2K or more ?
With the early Volvo Penta Dps with ss props I will use until it dies, about 4900-5200 rpm would be enough.
BB 502 is to heavy
Salt water use in cold water.

what is best way to go and why?
Help me spend wisely

Check usaboatmotor.com. they have a good warranty and may be a bit cheaper