I'd sure give some consideration, if you can, to bumping the length to 18' and think about a windshield. You'll get a better ride and be dryer, too. My experience in PS and the Strait is that the wave frequency is such that you can get pretty wet in a 16'-17' boat.

Boat shows are coming up. Might find some deals there if you can wait a little.

If you're stuck with the shorter length, I'd buy a different brand of boat with an off-shore bracket to expand deck space.