Newer Lake Boat???

You will not be sorry with any of those choices. I have a 20' Wellcraft (older model). I keep it docked at Lampe so trailering is not an issue. I would keep a closed bow in mind, it keeps water out of the boat when it gets a little rough. A V8 is a good choice if possible. Gas prices always hurt but the power is nice to have. Think about trim tabs (help you get on plane a little quicker). If you are going to trailer, be certain all axles have brakes, the fish police and State police have been getting writing cramps with tickets for that very issue. Trailers over 3000# will also need inspected every year. Best of luck. PM me if you need anything more specific.

Look at a Carolina classic. My buddy has one and it's probably the best 25' boat I've ever fished on.

I have a Starcraft 22' Offshore hard top that will be up for sale here real soon. Trim tabs, 4 electric downriggers. Humminbird GPS fish finder, lots more stuff.

ORIGINAL: mikethehelopilot

I have a Starcraft 22' Offshore hard top that will be up for sale here real soon. Trim tabs, 4 electric downriggers. Humminbird GPS fish finder, lots more stuff.

what year?

Even though the law reads "An external inspection of a trailer over 3,000 pounds registered gross weight", you may find yourself in an argument with the police if the vin tag on the trailer says 6,000# and it's registered for less than 3,000#. I used to register my one ton trucks as 3/4 ton, can't get away with it these days. Either way, inspection is around $20 and is money well spent for the peace of mind...

If you buy a boat that has wood in the hull (stringers, and / or transom), be sure to have it checked out by a surveyor.
 
I went from an '86 18 foot Starcraft Islander, to a '94 Proline 220 Cuddy Fish, to an '03 Grady White 226 (sold it in '09). All three were good to great boats IMO. The Grady had a 20 degree deadrise and 8 ft beam. It was by far the best riding of the three boats. I would not recommend anything with less than 20 degree deadrise. The '94 Proline had an 18 degree deadrise and 8 ft beam. The Proline would pound (come down harshly off a wave), where the Grady would land softly. The one thing to watch on a Proline is that they floor right over the fuel tank. So if you ever have to remove the fuel tank, you'll be cutting a big hole in the floor. But it's not often you have to remove a tank and the floor can be fixed. From what I understand, Proline has greatly improved as far as ride goes. I would certainly consider owning another one. I did own an '02 20 foot Hydra Sports walkaround briefly, in between the Proline and the Grady. Almost forgot about that one. It was the "lightning" series of Hydra Sports. I would NOT recommend one of those and a confidentiality agreement prohibits me from saying anymore about that boat. Hydra Sports makes two lines however. The lightning series being the low end line. The "Vector" series is the other line and supposedly real nice. 
 
If you've never had an I/O, get ready to learn about what maintenance they require. Don't get me wrong, I/Os are great, but if you've never owned one, you need to know that there are items like "bellows", "U-joints", "Gimble bearings", "Couplers", manifolds, risers, etc. But I've seen I/Os last a long, long time when used in freshwater. And mechanincs are readily available and parts can be obtained at a reasonble price.
 
'95 and new Prolines are woodfree.
 
Proline is in court and nearly filed chapter 11 (but from what I hear they are not going to now). Not sure if Wellcraft is still around. I know the parent company (Genmar) was having issues.
 
Another brand to put on your list is Seaswirl.
 
Trim tabs can be great to have when things get rough.
 
I just saw a nice Grady 228 for sale on Craig's list Pittsburgh today. It's got a hardtop, aluminum tandem trailer. From the pics, it looks beautiful. It's the identical boat to the Grady I owned, except mine had the "notched" transom, where as the one on Craig's list has the outboard on a bracket. Definately would want to get it surveyed though. Pre-98 Grady's used regular wood in their hulls ('98 and newer had lifetime, no rot Marine XL).
 
Been hearing alot of reports about gel coat cracks and crazing on Polars.
 
There's probably a bunch of other brands out there that are worth looking at as well.
 
I got boats on the brain 24 x 7. I should probably seek help.

The only surveyor I know is in the Pittsburgh Area. Ed Gibson.