Hey All - thanks for the responses. For some reason I had myself convinced I needed a boat in the 24 foot range for the big water. It sounds like lots of good choices in the 19-22 foot range, which translates into less $$$ and consequently buying sooner rather than later.

I've got a 1980 21' Bayliner, soon to have a 9.9 Johnson kicker to make it complete. Usually just take it out here in the sound with no problems what so ever.

I'm runnin a 1995 20' Wooldridge Deepwater Plus w/cuddy & hardtop. Has 115hp Evinrude Oceanpro, and 6hp kicker.
Boat handles great w/up to 6 people and fishes 5 just fine. It is an extremely fishable setup, but cruises well too.
This boat has been everywhere from Lk Wa, to Barkeley Sound, BC. Has made the run to Barkeley from Neah Bay, has fished the west side of Vancouver Is., has done extensive time in the strait at Sekiu and in the sound.
Cruises in the SJs is great. Handles big water w/out any trouble. Is a very dry ride.
As was said before, aluminum is a bit noisier, and has a slightly stiffer ride due to the lower mass, but it also requries less truck per foot to tow than glass overall. (I have towed with a 4-cyl Nissan 4x4 in a pinch)
Loaded with gear, fuel and trailer, the setup comes in at about 4100lbs (and the trailer is 950lbs of that).

Hey Rick68,
Nice meeting you last night. I hope that kicker of yours works out. See you out there
James

I took my 16'drift boat out in the salt once. The ocean was nice and calm that day. We went out about a mile trolling for salmon......... I wont do it again......................

It's good to have friends.
It's better to have friends with boats!

RatherBfishin - 32' Grand Banks "The Amy Lynn" We will be in Sooke! the 11th - 19th. YEEEHAAAW!

The Smurf - 19 foot Campion

Fishslayer - see above. (Where is that boy, haven't seen nor heard from him nor shutandfish. They were heading out of Westport Sunday??)