You will be very surprised at what that boat can handle given its size. I also fish off the NJ coast & have been in stuff I would have hated on my old 24’ boat, but felt perfectly safe in my 2006 1801. Just this fall I was coming in Longport inlet with 5-6’ rolling following sea, and while again I was impressed with the handling. You won’t break any speed records in these boats, but you will know you will get there & back safely.
Good luck & hope to see you out there this year. I fish the entire NJ coast.