I'd go with the V-hull if you're looking to get on some bigger water. Also, the trick to getting into shallower water with a V-Hull is to put more of your weight/gear in the front. The back end will drag bottom first, mainly because it's the widest and therefore the heaviest part of the boat. I duck hunt with a 16' V-Hull and get into water ankle deep, and that's with a 35hp motor, two batteries, a fuel tank, and an onboard charger all in the back. However, there's times when I'd like to have a wide flat bottom because it is more stable, but I like the way the V-Hull cuts through the waves, especially when Ky Lake turns into Ky Ocean!