[Island Life]

I think the answer really depends upon how you're going to use your boat. Are you only around during the weekends, when the lake can get pretty choppy from the huge number of other boats on the water? Are you using your boat mostly for joyriding or do you need it to get from one place to another (in which case one might be prepared to put up with a bit more discomfort).

I have a 20' bowrider (chapparral) and love it. Mostly, I use it for fishing, to get to other people's cottages, and to go to shore for groceries, laundry, etc. I'm not looking for comfort, per se, but rather for utilitarian purposes. Still, I find it pretty comfortable and never have avoided going to shore because of the weather. I will go anywhere during the week, but avoid certain places on weekends (i.e. Meredith) because the chop is too big for my taste. But if you want to be one of the people going to Meredith on the weekend, I recommend something bigger.

Also, like a writer above, I would encourage you to look at used boats. Mine was a great value and because it was not in pristine condition when I bought it, I don't worry about it getting dirty or a bit scratched up. But be sure to buy it from a reputable marina - and preferably one that sold the boat to it's original owner and has serviced it all along. Ask around for recommendations about marinas; I looked at a boat at Glendale Marina four years ago and was told it was owned by a guy on Welch and that Glendale had serviced it all along. Turns out it had just been brought up from Mass. and was being used that summer as their rental boat!