I am looking for my first boat. I live in Seattle, and there are loads of
lakes, the Sound, and large rivers to do boating in.

I am looking for a small inexpensive lightweight boat I can pull with my 4
cylinder Volvo wagon, something that is very "seaworthy", and something
comfortable, and with good resell value. I would need about a 40 HP engine
on this, and I would prefer a side console.

I am not a fisherman. I like to explore the islands and rivers around
here....

My ideal is a 13 or 15 foot Boston Whaler - I love these boats.

Are there other similar models I should consider? Thanks for your ideas....

If you're going as small as 13-feet, consider a premium quality inflatable.


small inexpensive lightweight boat I can pull with my 4
cylinder Volvo wagon

check


something that is very "seaworthy",

check

and something
comfortable, and with good resell value.

check

I would need about a 40 HP engine
on this, and I would prefer a side console.

a number of power and steering console options available.



I am not a fisherman. I like to explore the islands and rivers around
here....

Perrfect. If you want to do a lot of river running, I just yesterday came
across an inflatable with a hard bottom and a jet drive. It's second hand, but
appears to be well cared for.

Good place to check out inflatables is a company called West Coast Frogs at
Chandler's Cove. Tim Bolen owns and operates the firm. He carries several
different brands so he is in a better position to actually recommend something
that will work best for you, rather than simply repeat the factory pitch about
why *everybody* should own a brand X,Y, or Z.