15' Viper vs...
I was in a similar situation to when considering a smaller "all round" boat and found this...
A 16' Hydrostream Ventura II, lots of cockpit room, good hull design, can be powered with modest Hp, note the turned down rear chine and notched transom. I'm told the turn down provides lift for heavier motors, makes sense.
The deck design is an acquired taste, you either love it or hate it but that's what Hydrostream did in 77.
I believe Action Marine boats were based off this hull. They stretched it 2' and gave it a more appealing nose. Take that for what it's worth, could be correct or not.
Like you I was going to go with a 90 Hp something but ended up with a 2.0 V6, still small enough to run efficiently, big enough to tow a skier and cheap to maintain.
This one's sitting in storage awaiting minor refinishing and rigging after Murph re-cored the entire floor (typical). But, that's not likely to happen this year as I'm up to my neck in motorcycle racing prep, and we'll be away at least 6 weekends this summer so...
She'll be there when I'm ready.
