We bought a '01 Striper 26' w/a last winter up at the boat show in Boston, love it. As mentioned, some boats don't have all we want in lay-out, and I am increasingly surprised at the lack of use, or even poor use of space in some of the boats out there, but each to their own. We run the 26' out 25 NM from the north shore of Ma. and have confidence all the way out and back. It may be a bit light, but full of gas and a few guys, and work the trim tabs the way you should, it has no handling problems at all, and is a pleasure to be in. If you want ultimate deck space look at the 26' w/a outboard w/bracket and full transom, I'll bet it has as much deck space as most 30' footers out there. As most know, OMC went under last year, and they use to produce both the boats and outboards. Seaswirl went to Genmar, good thing, and OMC to Bombardier, good thing. We powered up with a 225 Johnson Ocean Pro, and unfortunately had two lower end problems that really bummed us out. The warranty covered it 100% which was great, but to pull a brand new boat twice the same summer is a killer. As I spoke to more and more people, I feel we were the exception, not the rule, so as of right now, I still feel no ill will towards Johnson. Anyway, with the Bombardier thing going on, there was a lull in engine production for a short time, and I guess Yamaha stepped up to fill that gap. So there is a good chance whatever model Seaswirl you chose, you may have a choice of power plants, either a Johnson, or Yamaha. You won't find more of a boat out there for the $$, and feel confident that in saving a few bucks it will not be costing you either safety or comfort.