Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?
Most boat builders sites will list the draft of a boat's draft (drive down) with both a single set-up and a twin engine set-up. if the hull has a deeper vee, the draft of the two set-ups are within inches of each other.
Now, if you go with a flatter bottom shape vee, the draft will be less.
If you go with an extremely light boat, the draft will be less.
Both will not ride as well, in most cases, on the Chop of the Chesapeake Bay.
Take a ride and see this for yourself.
There is a pecking order within boat brands. Some make it very complex. I do not. Think Chevy, think, Buick, think Caddy. Or pick three offshore brands of cars. In the last five years or so, all brands have marched up somewhat which may confuse the order but there is an order.
Most dealers will try to spin their brand to be alittle bit better, but nail them by asking the question if their brand is at the Cobalt level or Grady White level if its a fish boat style. Most will be honest and answer yes or no, with a long explaination. May I suggest that some of that is salesmanship.
One thing, if you intend to finance your boat, dealers sometimes do have finance programs on their leftovers that make the monthly payments lower versus used. They are in the trade, it stands to reason that they will know how to get the best finance deal if it means a sale that otherwise would go to a private party. If you are a cash buyer, the private party may very well be the low cost deal.
I do not know if you like warranties, but new comes with one, used does not and is you try to get one on a used boat and motor, most will be from an insurance company that has some extra limitations that a new boat and motor would not.
Again, test all of this for yourself.