For Aluminum it's Willie. Look long and hard for a used one. If you are lucky and find a non-abused boat for a decent price, act fast. Their re-sale value is very high, and they sell like lightening. You'll see lots of every other brand out there for sale used. Not Willies though. I've been looking for 6 months for a deal on a used one. I finally gave up and ordered a new 17x54 last week. I would have ordered the 17x60 for $200.00 more but the trailer won't fit in my garage. My opinion on the new rear seat option - I don't like it. I use this space for entering and exiting the boat as well as for netting fish. I like it open. Options I have had on my old Willie and ordered on the new one:

Dropped front seat with storage - this helps you see over the passengers shoulders for negotiating rocks and keeps the center of gravity lower.

Fish box

4 pulley anchor system

Coat it on the bottom

Clear Kote the interior - keeps the egg juices from staining

Scrap the Sawyer oars and buy Cataracts

Galvanized Trailer - one trip down a gravel road and the painted trailer will be rusty.

Heat - for passengers, you won't need it rowing.

P.S. I do know where there is an 18x60 Willie absolutely loaded with every available option. Diamond Plate floors, UHMW, etc. For around $5000.00. Too big and heavy for me though.