I had a used 2000 Xpress 17ft with a 90 Yamaha power pole and great electronics. I built this boat to fish locally. I am an old guy and loved this set up. It was a 'flat' bottom, Rough on windy days and was limited by the small 10 gallon gas tank. I sold this boat to a guy who wanted to fish with his young son. I searched for nearly two years for a Ranger RT 188 (used) finally found one in Tennessee. It has a 115 mercury and so much more storage and walk around room. Very good in rough water, huge 21 gallon fuel tank, and best of all easy to pull. I have upgraded the electronics, trolling motor and added a jack plate. I have set this boat up for me to fish bigger water and rough water. As stated I am an old guy ( 72) still love to fish; this newer an bigger boat makes me fee much safer. Much easier to move around in the boat also. My advise on Aluminum boat ' buy what you can afford but try to go bigger' ! This is the last boat I will ever own so I have to make sure it will be safe for me in my OLDER years.
wild bill