[Insman]

LorenB,

My suggestion, buy all that you can afford. You dont want to do this twice (and your wife will probably not let you live with yourself if you wind up making a mistake)

I have a '99 21SC with an 03 Merc 225 Fourstroke. I love it, my wife loves it, my friends love it.

You cant go wrong as long as you buy a 1998 model or newer. I would just look around for the one that you and your family can agree on.

PS. These boats weigh a lot, be careful on the flats. If you get stuck and the tide is going out you could end up spending the night out there.

Tight Lines!