I've been on Lake Erie crossing from PA to Ontario in a 40 footer where I kissed the ground when I got ashore. Wished I was home safe in bed when a storm hit off The Bahamas on a massive luxury Ocean Liner. Asking the best size for a boat is like asking how long is a rope? It all depends on conditions boating in. I pick my days here on Erie in a 19 foot StarCraft deep V with a 115 and a 15 kicker. I seem to get pickier the older I get picking good days, I don't need anymore adventures at this point in my life and pounding 3 foot swells hurt where it didn't a few years ago. With all the marine weather information in your hand it is easier to predict weather and waves. Personally I would want no less than a 24 foot deep V. A centre council for fishing would be ideal for me saltwater fishing. Check out the Key West line up. Very nice and very stable, I was impressed when I went out in one Walleye fishing here. Someone else here recently said a 14 footer is fine going off shore. Say what? I find when someone says only a mile out it becomes 2 then 3 and if the fish are biting 8 miles out we go there. here