Get a boat you like. I would stay with the good old inboard. You can set on it and stay dry. It is out of your way when you are fishing. Outboards stick too far out the back to get tangled in. Less moving parts. cheaper and good gas mileage if there is such a thing. Had many boats and helped build a center console. I have a 23 sportcraft i/o that does the job 302 duo prop volvo. If I would change boats I would go with a baha or sport 25' inboard. Your are spending the money so get what you like and buy from a good dealer that can back the warrenty work and most important they must have people who know what they are doing. If you go with hard top you can stay warm and dry. That is important to me for lake erie. good luck