All you folks above are an inspiration to me. You're doing it! I hope to join you all out there as soon as I can.
I'm realizing that there is a whole world out there that we don't see by just driving on asphalt... so cool!
There are so many things to consider, style, size, age, construction, motors etc... I'm wondering if a 23 venture / sport are in the sweet spot, the most you can get in a smaller more manageable package, but not having even been in one I don't know if the difference between that and a 22 cruiser would even be appreciable... of course a 26 venture would be the roomiest, with separate head and all, (Luxury!) but it might loose some of the ease of handling while trailering, launching, easing up to a shallow shoreline etc. and Tomcat? there's something I know nothing about...Then there is also reality,(the price) and that sends me back to the 22/23 range...
there are sole old boats out there that would be easy enough to get ($) to get started,but I really worry about rot and damage that I might not be able to see
and I'm not looking for a serious project. simply don't have the time for that. I need something I can enjoy "now" without worrying about safety and loosing all value. I hope to find something by spring, maybe this winter the right one will show itself for sale at a good price.