I have a 19ft star craft that I use in the sound all the time and it does have its ups and downs. the up side is its light. the ease of use and less weight which equels less gas. I can launch all by my self in even the rough stuff. I can run in pretty shallow water for a prop boat and its easy to tow. the down side is that its light. it bounces off waves and getts tossed around pretty good in the chop. you cant stand two people on one side with out making the boat turn or start to roll. all in all my boat works good for me around the north sound but i do wish it cut the waves a little more and had a higher top. I would not go with a boat smaller them 16-18 unless it was a c-dory or a arima. both glass boats. also look a A.C.B. boats in bellingham. I went for a test ride and would buy the 23 ft boat in a heart beat if I had the money.