[JeremyD]

Been boating all my life - currently on boat number 11 or 12 - couple of recommendations here - number one - there are lake boats and there are ocean boats. Lake boats tend to have flatter bottoms (less deadrise) for efficiency - but don't handle waves as well. The brands you mentioned are all pretty high level - more the mercedes porsche of the boating world - had a Pursuit three boats ago that was one of my favorites.

If you are in search of seating/dual purpose - I'd probably look at one of the bigger dual consoles. Grady and Pursuit make nice versions - you'll have to go used for under $100 in that length. I'd also recommend you looking at the World Cat - they make a 23 -28 that are exceptional boats with a ton of room - they handle short chop (like you get on the West Coast) much better than the same size of monohull.

One of the things that are often overlooked is one you go over 26 feet on length - the insurance goes from a Boat policy (that can usually be added to your homeowners) to a "Yacht Policy" that's typically stand alone - and is usually about 3 times what a smaller boat policy is. you can PM me if you need additional information

I currently have a center console 22 ft - the center consoles are great for Florida - lots of room for fishing and island hopping -