Size?

Too many personal variables.

Performance?

The two areas your most interested in are static stability and dynamic stability. They are completely interrelated thru the geometry of the hull and it doesn't have to be a trade off. There are some really stable boats at rest that run out really well under varying loads. Some of these are on craigslist cheap. Most can be refurnished without blowing the bank. By comparing hulls with great characteristics to those that you are looking at, you can gauge how much you will enjoy running that particular boat.

Your ride and comfort level is effected most by your helm position relative to the center of gravity of the boat and basically dead-rise angle on a planing hull. The rate at wich the deadrise changes along the length of the hull is called dead rise progression and is no accident. Having a helm position shoved all the way fwd or having a low dead rise is asking for poor performance in the sound.

Final note: Most guys havent run enough boats to know if there boat is running out well. If a guy has owned 5 or 6 different boats in the length your interested in or is paid to run boats (testers) than you can probably use his opinion. Everyones comfort level is different so take em all with a grain a salt and try and actually run the boat you want.

Dave