Jay Kay ....
I have only been into boating for the last 2 years, in that time I have bought 4 boats, an inflatable, 2 kayaks and numerous engines.
I have lost a small fortune in wasted purchases, but have learned some expensive lessons along the way.
A few of these lessons are ...
I am NOT a boat builder, so don't kid myself that I am.
Buy rubbish, buy twice (or more in my case).
Get the best and more importantly the most reliable engine you can find.
I would seriously suggest you get out on a few boats before you decide on the boat you think you want as they all have different deck spaces, handling, performance and characteristics, speak to owners at the slipways and see what they think of their boats.
I had a couple of displacement hull boats, which were great cutting through rough seas, but rocked like a pendulum at anchor and took all day to reach the marks.
I now have a 17ft dory type boat with a virtually new 15hp outboard which i use very occasionally within the harbour (or just outside). This is great, very light to launch and has masses of deck space, but very low sides so I wouldn't take it out of the harbour if there were any waves or swell. I also now have my bigger boat for use outside the harbour, which I use much more since I have had it at Rockley.