Why fiberglass? Fiberglass and lightweight don't go together real well. There are a lot of good aluminum boats that would fill the bill.

 

I typically have to cross open bay and it gets really nasty. A boat under 1000 pounds is no trouble for me. Need something that can carry a good load and knock down chop. Nothing against aluminum I just think they are way overpriced for what you get.

 

Well it depends on the aluminum boat not all tin boats are created equal. Lots of options, I couldn't comment on any of the boats you mentioned never heard of either. But a good welded aluminum bay boat of 18ft I think would fit the bill pretty well. I prefer tiller hulls more open and roomy, since your considering smaller boats 16-18ft I would be thinking of tiller to open it up more, but that's just me. Be willing to travel, it wasn't too long ago a guy on the tin boats forum was selling a deep v 16ft side console start craft that he fixed up real nice for a good price. If your handy the old star craft deep v's can be redone into nice ducks boats and handle rough water well. If your not handy, can't work on an engine, fix basic wiring, or do basic maintenance on a boat I wouldn't recommend having one.