It depends on what you want to do with your boat. I looked at Bayliners (actually Trophys since I like to fish, they're made by Bayliner) and what turned me off is that you can only get one with Mercury power, since they are made by the same company. I looked at numerous others, comparing features and prices, and last spring bought a 23 foot Sea Fox with cabin and 14 HP Suzuki outboard. I loved it unitl....I went to the boat show last weekend and saw the 2006 Sea Fox. They have made so many nice changes this year.
I had a 17 foot before this. Dad bought it in 1970, and it is still in good shape. A friend bought it from me. It just wasn't big enough for trips out on the Chesapeake Bay.
If I were you, I would go to one of the boat shows. Compare the boats. Do some on-line research. I started looking for the boat I bought last year about 2 years ago. Got a 15 year loan on it, so I better be happy with it, I'm stuck with it. You get good deals at the boat shows, too.
having the cabin is great. We are planning some overnighters this year.
Good luck and remember - A boat is a hole in the water into which you pour money, and BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand.
Been looking at Bayliner for a couple of years. Also, Sea Ray, which I think is too expensive. Bayliners seem the most reasonably priced so far. The boat I mentioned would be about $14,000 w/trailor +tax and destination.
We live right on the Mississippi, so have plenty of opportunity to use it in the warmer months.