Having done some "sporty" ribbing between ireland and scotland,
I'd have no hesitation in telling you to go the hog and stick the 50hp on the back.
Fuel economy is the same as my old 30hp but the power difference
... you know... driving a SR4 and you *need* to get out of the way of a particular wave !
very little weight difference between the two.
:-)
Its been a few years since I was in one - but I reckon pretty good (for its size) - you may get wet , but if its driven properly its as good & safe as bigger boats.