Actually what you should do is buy Sky-Guys Arima! Then he can get the bigger one he wants

For the salt in the size boat you are talking about I would seriously look at the smaller Arima. I spent an evening on the water with Sky-Guy in his Arima and they are great little boats with a surpsising amount of room. Plus they are noted for how seaworthy they are.

I do agree that if you go aluminum you should look for a boat with a very good history. A riveted boat can work well for years but if it is abused it will most certainly have the possibility of leaking.

For 4 people I would say that 16' is about as small as you would want to go. Shoot, I have a 19' Sled and it's not big enough!