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After owning a number of boats (1969 13' Whaler, 18' Yamaha Jet boat [gasp], 20' Donzi), the closest to "perfect" one (design) I have found is the 1981 20' Aquasport cuddy walkaround I currently own.

I got the boat for $1,000, put about $500 into the engine, and used it nearly every weekend for the past 3 years (I keep it moored in a harbor off the Long Island Sound.).

Dry storage in the cuddy is great, throwing a couple passengers at the bow is nice for fishing... makes boat seem a lot bigger, the ride is very nice going over to CT, and the outboard is easy to work on.

Ideally I would like to look into something a little more modern looking with nice interior, rounded corners, maybe one of those alum. frame fiberglass top bikini tops, 4-stroke outboard, etc.

The Grady White Overnighter 20 is prob the most common WA I come across, but my used boat sales friend says they are made up of a whole lot of wood (can absorb water if some gets in the hull).

How does the BW 20' Conquest stack up to other brands available?

A quick search gives me some listings of 1998-1999 21' ones ranging from $20,000-$30,000. I do have to look into this a lot more, but any info you guys have for me would be great.

BTW, here is current boat, the smart $$$$$ thing to do would be to slap some white paint over the brown-turd color and get new cushions for the cabin, but for something I use so frequently updating may not be an awful idea. especially if I can get an exceptional deal in this "economy".

http://oimg.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../Aquasport

Thanks,
John

EDIT: Links to photobucket for more than one photo, as shown above, is preferred.

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John, cuddy options for the Whaler brand are Conquest, Revenge, and Outrage (with cuddy option). Look at the different styles of these three models as to features you want in deck area on a cuddy cabin type Boston Whaler. The hardest to find would probably be the Outrage with cuddy. All of them are Whalers so they all use the foam unibond construction. Which means additional safety for you and your family. However, if you found a deal on a used boat it will also come with a used motor. So if the Aquasport meets all your needs, is in good shape structuraly and is already paid for then I would consider getting a good quality paint job and a new fourstroke for her. For around 15k you would have a nice looking boat with new power and I think you would come out ahead.