I have been looking at boats. Being new to boats, it's all a little confusing. For the last few years I have been using a home made jon boat. While it has got me on the water, it's a bit uncomfortable and I am not going to spend money to upgrade a home made model when that $$ could be spent on a nice aluminum boat.

My question is; I see panfish boats and bass boats, low platforms and elevated casting platforms. When in a boat, I fish everything. I'll tool along the banks looking for bluegill and crappie, but if I see bass, I switch rods and fish for the bass for a while. I'm in mostly lakes (dammed up streams that are narrow and long). Rarely any moving water. I have been looking at Crappie Jons as well as boats with elevated casting decks and low casting decks like the War Eagle 648LDV. What's with the different levels and what works best for what? Looking for reasonable prices and would rather put my money in quality rather than extravagance.

Thanks,