I replaced my console steer Tracker with a 16.5 ft Duracraft stick steer. It is a bigger boat than the Panfish so the ride is not as wet in rough weather, especially for the back seat. It will pound you in the front, so I research the weather before I go and I may drive 10 miles further to launch near where I plan to fish to avoid running in bad weather.
I love the convenience of not having to move out of my seat and the passenger is really set with all his gear right there and not having to climb up and down raised decks. That was one of the main reasons I switched to stick steer. Couple of my buddies are not steady on their feet and I was afraid they would one day fall overboard trying to get up on the rear deck.
It is fun to fish out of and long as you are careful with the weather you will be fine.
I will say that if you are caught in really bad weather with wind and white caps any boat in the size range of the Panfish or mine is going to have a white knuckle ride, so it's not like you are the only one getting hammered.