You ever see a livinston cat.
Not gonna win any races, not super blingy, but durable, versatile, stable and with a cult following.
Off the hook boat works makes real cool accessories...
One of those smaller whalers looks like it may fit the bill as well.
Arima sea pacer has more casting space (bow access) but still doesnt have the deck like a bass boat. Comes in a 17' variety. Very versatile and stable. Plenty capable for inshore and some more froggy times too. Good on gas as well.
@Nick Clayton - any issues with the low freeboard on the ranger? When do you call it a day inshore? I imagine a bit of wash over the gunnel if it gets a little snotty... but have no real experince with a ranger other than lakes and delta.
Haven't had it out on a day where that was an issue yet, so I can't really say. Ive had it in maybe 2' of chop at max so far, and it hasn't been close to an issue. Naturally I try to avoid those real nasty days but inevitably it will come along unforecasted one of these days and I'll get to find out.
Honestly though I'm not real worried about it. This thing was built for Inshore salt, so while at first glance I understand the thought, it's nowhere near as susceptible as it may appear.
One of these days I plan to just go dunk it locally during a snotty day and really test its limits, just out of curiosity.
The areas I fish the bulk of the time are quite protected for the most part. When it comes to bad water it's usually a case of being able to get to and from. While fishing those sort of conditions aren't generally a factor. So far I have had zero issue running in chop, though again I've yet to have it out in anything more than maybe 2'.
Guiding wise I just dont usually go on those nastier days, as it's just not a lot of fun for most people. I have been known to grab @Irafly or other adventure minded buds and head out on some of those nasty days and have had some really fun times. I tend to be willing to go on days when many others won't though, so maybe I'm just a little sick.