You might want to post your question on this forum:
http://my.boatus.com/forum/
I think you should take a close look at Sea Ray boats for what you want to do. Good quality, well known and when you are ready to move up, easier to sell. If you buy used, get a survey by a certified surveyor (SAMs or NAMs)....beware of neglected boats. There are a number of magazines that cover runabout boats, drop by Barnes and Noble and take a look. Expect major sticker shock if you are looking to buy new.
Don't buy an underpowered boat, they are hard to sell. Many times dealer will sell a big boat with a small engine to hit a price point.
Boating is not cheap but being on the water in the summer is priceless. And you might get hooked...my first boat was a 13 Boston Whaler, my current boat is a 28 Formula.
