I have a 20' Bayliner that I tow with my 85 F150. I have just over 240,000 miles on it and still going strong. The only thing with the SC is the turning radius. From what I have seen from shopping for new ones is that the extended cab and especially the crew cabs SUCK for turning radius. My boat carport is pretty tight, so I couldn't get it in with one. So, I kept the F150, short bed no less because it turns on a dime. Instead of a new truck I traded the "far better half"'s car in on a 98 Explorer. It also turns on a dime, is even shorter and can seat 6 when I want to take some beer providers..er, I mean "friends" along to go fishing. I would say if you can live with the turning radius, I would say you probably found a pretty good truck. You would do fine with a 17 footer, no need for a diesel, but they do get great mileage and power. My little Explorer handles the 20 ft with no problems.