I say "forget new"....huge waste of money. If you buy a good used 17-19 ft boat you can fish just about everything and power it reasonably. It's a small enough size that a guy can handle it by himself, yet safe enough to drag a couple of buddies out as well. It also is easily towed with just about any type of vehicle and you won't have an arm and leg into it.

Since you apparently are in no special hurry, I would guess you will find a gr8 deal in short order.

I've seen Stam's trips....save your money and go with him once in awhile.