I recently purchased a 1989 19'6" Tiderunner (from an ad on this board). I haven't had it long, but the early report is I LOVE IT!. Seems to handle rough water VERY well - I don't even notice waves up to about 2' when I'm cruising.

I also love the design - the builders devoted a lot less space to the walkaround portion of this boat, and more to the cockpit and cabin. It has the roomiest cuddy cabin I have seen in a boat of similar size. The sides are plenty high inside and out - plenty of freeboard, and plenty of height for fighting fish or for keeping kids safe. I don't know how the new Palmers compare. I have heard that they are using the old Tiderunner molds, and I heard from somebody else that they burned all the old molds. Who knows.

It does have a tendency to rock and roll a bit side to side, and is quite sensitive to weight distribution side to side. I would say trim tabs are a must.