If you want the best bang for your buck, solid quality, amenities, layout, etc, you should look at the Chaparral Signature series. Sea Ray are ok, but I don't like the layout. They feel top heavy to me. I'd stay away from Bayliner/Maxum. I've heard decent things about Monterey's.
BTW, myself, family or friends have had Sea Ray, Bayliner, Larson, and Chaparral, so there is some experience there.
I'd recommend at least a 9'6" beam if not 10'+ for comfort on the water.
I'd vote for Volvo over Mercruiser, however STAY AWAY from the composite XDP drives. Go with the SX or DuoProp. You'll want at least 5.0 liter EFI motors, 5.7 may be better. 4.3's probably wont cut it. If you go with Mercruiser, look into Bravo3 outdrive issues.
You'll want generator and A/C for sure. You should look into fresh water cooling if you are keeping her in salt.
It's a huge buyers market out there. I'm currently under contract on a 2006 Chaparral Signature 290.
Look into
www.boatered.com,
www.thehulltruth.com, etc.
Good luck and have fun!