Yeah, I've always liked the Rangers, Skeeters, and Champions best. But the only saltwater boat I really know about is Boston Whaler and Ranger makes some nice ones too. On the other hand, I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on something like a Bay Ranger or another similar boat that I spend big money on gas for it.

How does the VX Kenner's compare to the Vision series?

The Vision has a liner and the VX doesn't thereby making the same length boat lighter in the VX series. The Vision has more storage due to the liner than the VX. The Vision will be a little higher in price than a comparable VX. The liner in the Vision reduces the walkaround space compared to the VX.

one is a drop in liner the other is hand laid. Other than that the hull design is the same

I would also insist on power steering, a jack plate and preferrably a four stroke motor for fuel economy. A t-top is nice for some shade.

Ok, here's one more question that's two part.

A) Does the boat need to be a tunnel hull to be able to get up on plane in 2-3 ft. of water?

B) Can you get a boat up on plane in 2-3 ft. of water with a 4-stroke or do you need a 2-stroke?

I'd be putting a 4-stoke fuel injected or 2-stroke direct injected outboard for fuel economy either way.

No you don't need the tunnel hull to get on plane in 2-3ft of water.

A four stroke will definitely get it on plane in 2-3ft of water.

a) no
b) either, but 2 stroke is quicker

You will sacrifice ride and handling with a tunnel in rough water. I've fished all over the Texas and LA coasts without a tunnel....and some with a tunnel. I see no need in getting one....but that's just my personal opinion.

No tunnel it is then!

You need to ride in one before you make up your mind, though. You may like it.

If you fish Matagorda north, tunnel is optional.

South of there, not having one will limit your accessible water by half, south of the land cut, 85%.

The little 18' El Pescadore type hulls are pretty cool, they aren't quite as shallow as a full flat bottom scooter, but way less than a kenner or bluewave. Shoalwater, Transport, Warrior, Explorer are all about the same, if'n I was looking with your requirements, that's the direction I'd be heading.

Here's the scoop, a decent setup tunnel on a decent hull design will allow you to run anywhere there's a dark bottom, or 6" of chop on the water, you'll know there's enough to run in. Not having one will have you constantly looking for the 2' mark on a depth finder, and keeping you from a whole lot of fishing water. You'll be fine until you see someone get into country you can't and catch fish you can't get to, then you'll be kicking yourself for not going that route.

Unless Galveston or the Big Matagorda bays are your primary locations, then get something big and deep.

They are expensive, and require a large engine, but Mowdy manufactures a great boat. I know they have one model that can go out in the gulf and still run pretty shallow.

There is usually a waiting period for the boats though.

Eh, if I need a boat that run in inches of water, I'll probably just get a Kayak. I had a neighbor that had an El Pescadore that he was redoing. Seemed alright, but I guess I'll see where I end up and what I need to fish the area.