You're all right, of course, that it's going to be hard to make it
happen economically. I still think there may be a way, so I'm not
giving up just yet. I'm now looking for a 16' open fishing boat with a
raised floor (self-bailing) and positive floatation that will do ~25
knots on flat water with a 30-40 hp four stroke. If that's not
possible, I may have to pack it in.

Thanks for your feedback!

Chris