I would go more with a deeper v boat. A pathfinder is fine on the calmest of days offshore but you could look at a used proline or I even saw a used ranger in the Dallas craigslist that would be great for both. Like you said, you can use a yak for the shallow stuff. Even a 24 ft proline deep-v will get you to a ft and half of water or pretty close. It could be used to drift shell beds and at the jetties. I have been offshore in a bay boat on ice cream conditions and an unexpected squall roll in. beat us to the jetties by a half mile. Before we could get to the yacht basin we were in 8-10's and almost sunk. woulda been dang nice in a deeper boat.

I have a 20' Mako bay boat (1974) with a Yamaha 115. I've had it out over 20 miles and it is fine in 4-5 foot swells. Could handle more but it would be rough. I usually try to go when the waves are 3' or less. Just do not push past your comfort zone, learn as you go and be careful.

Also don't forget that if you go past 9 miles you have to be familiar with the federal regs.

Where do I get thje federal regs? USCG?

Yes there is a link on the Coast Guaed site.

For federal regulations, go to the gulf council site:

http://www.gulfcouncil.org/

There's a link on the left side of the page marked 'fishing regulations'; it includes both the Federal regulations as well as each states regs, so you can print them both out & have them onboard.

Thanks!

I have a 23 ft seacraft. it gets shallow enough in the bay (under 2 foot) and have had it out to 45 milesand was like a dream. just stay on top of the conditions