If you are just gonna fish a bit and with only one other person go with the 16' boat.

If ya fish w/ 2 or 3 other people go with the 17'.

I have the 17' Willie and usually only take 2 people w/me but 3 is no problem. A little tougher to row but no biggie...

9'6" oars max. Make sure they are cataracs, magumn blades.

I've had them all and they are by far the best.

If ya are going to do alot of motoring back seat, maybe????? But if just a bit get a cushion and sit on a cooler or something comfortable. Don't add and buy a bunch of extras ya just don't need.

Under front seat storage locker a good idea for life jackets and maybe some extra tackle but all the other storage places are a waste of money, and a new boat is going to ba alot of it.

Built in fish box???? I have one and still just throw the fish on the floor. Just something to look at them there, ha!!!

A spare oar is very important. One peice only is the way to go....Break an oar in a rapid and try to put a 2 peice together , ha!!!!!!!You don't break oars in frog water.

I use Fish-on seats but there's a bunch of others that are as good.

I like the side anchor system but I don't use the side rollers. I go from the back pully directly to the front roller where the clam cleat is. Much easier for an old guy like me. Keep them oiled and they work much better.

Coat-it bottom over gluv-it. Why? I dunno..

Outside paint looks good when new but if ya beat the death out of a boat like I do a waste of $$$$$ again.

Go with a galvenized trailer. Worth the extra bucks.

You have made the best choice in a drift boat.

Have fun and catch some fishies.

fp