Help looking for a 14"ish" foot Aluminum boat

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67Dart273

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The little 12 ft Crestliner simply does not have enough freeboard, 'specially at the stern. I will likely keep it, but I want something with either more freeboard and or a stern splash well. I've been looking AND SUDDENLY realized the other night::::::

Found say, a few older Starcraft and others. THEN I realized that many of these boats MAY SUFFER from the same problems as fiberglass boats.........that is, some have a wood floor "sealed" to the sided of the hull, fastened to stringers below, and with flotation foam underneath. THIS IMPLIES that water can ingress under/ in there, and corrode the hull, and at the very least add unwanted weight. Some of these floor areas cannot be easily inspected........without destroying the floor.

Any thoughts as to boats NOT built in this manner?

I'm looking for 14', or not much longer, fairly lightweight within reason, and "simple" within reason. If I could find a similar crestliner with a splash well that MIGHT be enough. Runabout/ decked front or some sort of side console steering. I need remote steering, I don't want to argue with a tiller.

I'm looking for ideas, boats/ brands to lean towards or stay away from
 
img_2186cs-jpg.jpg


The present 12' Crestliner, with the fuel up front, (Since this was taken, I built a shelf for the tank under the bow) and if I have to go to the rear to tilt the engine, etc, so me, the trolling motor, the battery, and the 35hp back there, ONLY HAS about 4" of stern freeboard in calm water. That's a "short shaft" engine the stern is ?? about 17" tall I think
 
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