#1 18-20' Super V is a very good "production" boat. They've got different models depending on the type of options (i.e. money) that you'd like in the boat.

#2 Super V, Willie Predator (great boat also) or Raptor (haven't ran one of those), Wooldridge, and various smaller size boat builders

#3 Yes, they do it all the time

#4 I've seen open sleds at Astoria in all the types of slop-n-chop that can be experienced on the Big C.

#5 6" on step..I know they'll go shallower but I get a little nervous when it's shallower than that, especially when I'm not sure how much water is ahead of me

Lots of guys here know more than I. You'll get some good responses. You could also call 3Rivers Marine and they'd answer all the questiosn for you.
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..."the clock looked at me just like the devil in disguise"...