My .02 on shopping for a boat.
1st know what you can afford. Don't go out there thinking it's all about features etc etc. it's important to ensure whatever you buy is within your budget. Many times I've seen people over extend themselves on a boat then end up having to work so much they can't use it!
2nd once you know what you can realistically afford go out and look at every single boat you can find in your price range both new and used. Don't be in a hurry and shop with your brain and not your heart.
That out of the way here is what I look for. I fish with my wife and kids so I need a '22 boat at a minimum. My next boat will prob be '24. I like a liner boat I think they look better and the storage is better. I prefer Yamaha motors because I've had good service from them. Some people say to put the Max HP on the boat possible i go for what will suit my needs. I have a 150 on my boat and it does everything I ask it to while siping fuel. It will run 53 when I need it to mostly I cruise at 35 I'm not in a race I'm out to have a nice day on the water. My next boat will have a bigger motor because it will be bigger boat. Build quality, this is a big purchase I want it to last. If you buy new you spec out the electronics etc the way you want. If you buy used you look at what's there had determine if it'll suit your needs on a boat by boat basis. You can always change that.
Just my opinions.
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