I was very blessed when I bought my small boat. It's only 15' but will fish 2 people fairly comfortably. I use it a lot early in the year when using trolling motor and casting is the main pattern. Once it warms enough that vertical jigging is my main technique I switch over to my 24' pontoon boat. I bought both boats used and managed a good deal on both. My live wells are to small on both boats but I see you have found a solution for that. I'm still wanting to build a 18' aluminum boat but I don't weld aluminum so I am looking for an aluminum hull to start.

You seem to do well with your small boat. They are a lot less expensive also.