My first boat three years ago was a 1987 Bayliner Capri 18' w/a 2.0
(sorry THREE) liter motor. I now have a 1997 18.5 Chaparral w/a 4.3.

Bayliner=Good starter boat. OK power for two adults/two kids/cooler.
BUT once you have a boat, you get friends. REALLY underpowered
w/seven people and stuff. The Chap can get out of its way loaded.

Go for the bigger engine it is really worth it. The increased fuel
consumption is negligible at cruise.

-jjj