Ditto others comments - the best advice I got when beginning the selection process for my sled was to make 2 lists - one of the "Must Haves" for what you'll be using the boat for the majority of the time and a "Nice to Have" list for additional uses.

Mine went something like this. My "Must Haves" included running up to 3 large people up rivers like the Skagit, Sky, and Cowlitz. Another was to have a boat that would handle Neah Bay (in reasonable ocean conditions) out to Swiftsure. I also wanted as small a boat as I could get away with 'cause my garage space is limited.

My "Nice to Have" included a boat I could pull water skiers with, that would be maneuverable with oars, and that was easy to launch, and ideally under $20,000.

After looking at many models, talking to friends with boats who like fishing similar to what I do, I sat down with the Bryan @ Three Rivers and spec'd out a boat to meet my needs as closely as possible.

You can buy used and save a bit of money. I knew what I wanted and was (and still am) certain I'll have this boat for awhile. Since some of my "wants" weren't available on a used boat, I decided it was worth the xtra $3-5000 to get exactly what I wanted.

I'm very happy with the Alumaweld SuperV LS 17' with 90/65 Yammy 4stroke sitting snugly in my garage. There are probably other 17' sleds out there I'd have been very happy with too, but customer service is also a big part of the equation. I've added (or had to replace ) a few parts and 3Rivers has always been well-stocked and helpful.

And remember - you probably won't get all your "like to have"s 'cause some might be mutually exclusive. My boat can be used at Neah Bay, but the weight and beam that make that possible also make it impossible to control with oars. There ~will~ be tradeoffs??

My advice - make your own list. Get some recommendations on good dealers and go talk to a few. Either used or new, you'll be seeing them more often than you think (ever hear the expression that a BOAT stands for Break Out ~Another~ Thousand?)