I think GaryM summed it up.
I am 25 - I can take the pounding. Do I got far in 2-4's...depends on the wave period and wind....whether it is going to chop or rollers....I check out noaa, fishweather, buoyweather before preparing for a long run - on any boat.
The worst that I have had happend was coming back from Nantucket. We absolutely got slammed as we were trying to make our way to Cuttyhunk to meet up with the "mother boat." Got into some real nasty stuff....5-8s, legit (not the ones most people think are 5-8s). Without an auto pilot it was a real problem but besides worried about my buddy falling over board, I did not once worry about the boat...it took us 2.5 hours halfway from NKT to Minemsha to get into Minemsha...then it cleared up and we made it to Cuttyhunk.
There are only 2 "dissapointments' of the 23 se which I view as positives.... lack of storage and pounding in chop. Depending on the level of chop, you can trim it out to be better, but you'll get wet. However, that pounding translates into excellent range/burn and great stability on the drift. The boat is perfect for my evening runs to the Race for stripers/blues, or for drift fishing. The lack of storage is a different issue...items you would like to permanently stay on the boat - cannot. However, the amount of room you get for a 23 foot boat is ridiculous....the dance floor up front can fit anything you want. I have a small boner box I put up there for offshore. All the gear stays on top of the ice on the run out, then comes out while trolling and/or sharking...then we put it back away for the run in.
For the needs, the 23se is perfect. The price is right and the fuel economy cannot be beaten. Don't get me wrong - I think I will get a DV for my next boat, but that's just because I would like my girlfriend to step foot on it more often.
