Buy a used boat, with a good trailer, I got a baker trailer and went 12yrs until I had to replace an axle, well worth the money, theres other great trailers out there. The reason I said buy a used boat is I've had friends buy new driftboats and after a couple of seasons they didnt like rowing, and got rid of them. A driftboat vs a pontoon most pontoons are 1 person maybe 2 where most DBs are can hold 3 people with the gas prices on the rise splitting costs can make trips more affordable especially going to the OP. also your first boat you will put a dent in it. big or small . Be patient that right boat will pop up. good luck