I like the big boat as well.......whole lots more flexibility should the wind come up......which it usually does right at 2 PM.

Here is something to seriously consider. When I tandem we fish out of a Bell northwoods which is also an 18 ft boat. Bill Connors point about the wind blowing you around is valid......we beat the wind very nicely with a small drift sock, worked perfectly. Give it some consideration. Remember, you have to retrieve it so if you tie it to bow or stern you might have a tough go getting it back in.

We tied off near the stern seat and didn't deploy in whitecap conditions......in a moderate chop it will pin you in one place long enough to fish very well indeed. Never tried it off a solo........