"G" nailed it above. Everybody likes the boat brand that They own. Go look at all of them, and don't look at the name on it. Choose the boat that's best for YOUR style of fishing, and the one that YOU like the best. Everyone has their opinion, but YOU are the one paying for YOUR boat. If you are fishing big waters, be critical about the hull design you look at.

The 17' Xpress you have sounds like the Mod-V hull. The Hyper Lift pad hulls are the ticket for the rough stuff. They are built like a glass boat, but being aluminum, are MUCH less expensive.

Good luck in your search, and if I can be of any help, don't hesitate to give me a shout. I'll be glad to show you any of the brands, and styles that I have.

Xpress, Excel, Ranger, Havoc, and Alweld.