Tough as a 2 bit steak
For many years I owned/used a 12' Mirrocraft. We beat the snot out of that boat and couldn't make it leak. Never did make it into the salt but some fairly big water in Alberta. I haven't seen one of these around for many years so I don't know if you can get them new any more but this boat was unreal. Very deep and wide (wider than some 14'ers) and good for 25 hp (per the DOT plate).
The tradeoff of weight and toughness is obvious. I wouldn't recommend buying a light boat unless you are good at swimming. Heavy gauge metal, double rivetted or welded hulls, lotsa crossmember ribs and high sides are all high on the list.
Zeke
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