Yea, they are like a sponge.....that is, of course, only if you allow water to enter thru the fiberglass/foam/fiberglass hull. By patching any cracks in the hull, you can prevent water from coming in.
They give a rough ride, but can handle ALOT of water, bigger water than another boat of comparable size can handle.
With the 70HP on this baby, and on a calm-average day in the bay, theyll be no problems.....
I was told the best fishing/cruising boat of this size range you can buy would be a Boston Whaler, Grady White (starts @ 18') and Maritime Skiff. Found an excellent deal on this BW, $5800 and talked em down to $5200.
she is soon to be named Silver Bullet
Mike, when are you getting an engine for Striper Sniper (that is going to be the name, right?)?