We went for size instead of numbers, and I was thrilled with the turnout of this DIY trip. I took the Xpress into the gulf, and it handled it very well, granted we didn't go very far. We had it out on big lake, and we had a front push though and some wind picked up. It rode the big waves better than I had expected. Washed it down and ran water thru the engine soon as we got to town. Got a buddy down here that's asking for one of these boats for Christmas now! Btw, the spot lock on the terrova saved out hind ends when the anchor wouldn't hold us in the gulf