I started fishing the sound in a 12 ft sears gamefisher my dad gave me. Common sense kept me in close to shore around the Mukultio area so I could scoot back in if it got rough. On occasion I would shoot across to possession if it was flat. When I moved up to a 14ft valco I was able to take on a little bit heavier water and on occasion shoot on out to the outer bar at possesion. I now have an 19ft center console that I wouldnt hesitate to take anywhere in the sound or even out into the ocean under favorable conditions. Something to keep in mind if your looking at a boat for the sound is that you "WILL" eventually take a wave over the bow and an open bow will greatly aggravate the situation as all that water that comes over will be in your boat and you'd better have a humongus bilge pump or a big bucket if you dont have a boat that is self bailing. Another suggestion is to get a boat with as big a fuel tank as you can afford as these days of area closures you've got to be able to cover some ground just to get to the open areas. good luck!