I've been lucky enough to own a bass tracker pro 17, a charger 19vf (high performance bass boat) and recently picked-up a used Four-Winns Quest 217 center console.
The bass tracker is primarily used as a jon-boat for running crab traps and a trotline on the Wye River. It's light, has a 40hp motor and is easy to trailer. Put two fullsize adults in this boat and you run out of room really quick. It's was manufactured in 93, and really takes a bounding with any kind of chop -- which has resulted in a number of loose rivets, so the boat takes on a fair amount of water. But the bilge pump is doing its job. The other problem with this boat is you get soaked in any choppy water.
The charger bass boat is a 1999 with a evinrude 150 ficht. This boat has a modified v-hull and is a very dry boat. Its also very fast with a top speed of 65 mph. Has a large casting platform in the bow and stern. Being 2' longer than the tracker it is a little roomer with a wider beam -- but this boat still gets crowded pretty quickly. It would be difficult for three fisherman to cast.
In buying a fishing boat you need to decide what type of fishing you will be doing. Will you be limited to freshwater lakes, in-shore or within 3 -5 of land or farther.
Who will you be taking fishing -- only adults -- or will your kids/grandkids be going out with you.
Are you going to troll, chum, use downrigs...
My personal preference for fishing is a center console in the 21' to 23' range with a deep v and high gunnels. You can easily fish 4-6 adults, you can troll, chunk...have many more options. There is room for storage, live wells and a large bait well. The seats or more comfortable -- the bass boats are okay, but they tend to have limited leg room and they sit low in the boat. Put on a T-Top with rocket launchers and there's tons of rod storage. I've had my center console fishing the Chesapeake, the back bays up and down the coast, 5 miles off shore, the flat water around Boca Grande and Fort Myers and out in the gulf. I may not be able to pole in a foot of water. But I can anchor in slightly deeper water and wade up to shallows.
My guidelines in purchasing a fishing boat:
Buy used, there are a number of good quality used boats; Angler, Palm Beach, Sea Ox, Century, Robalo, Mako, Pathfinder....
More important that the make of boat -- was the boat well cared for and maintained. Are there any soft spots in the floor? Do all of the gauges and electronics work properly? Does the engine sound and run okay? Burning to much oil? Have a mechanic give the motor a going over -- measure the compression of the cylinders. Find out how many hours are on the engine. What is the history of the boat; has it been involved in an accident, major repairs, ever take on water?
My preference is an outboard instead of an I/O.
A dual axle trailer vs a single axle.
You should have no problem finding a boat/motor/trailer within your price range. Make sure you have a vehicle that can tow the rig safely.
Below are some links that may be helpful:
www.tidalfish.com
www.boattraderonline.com
boatingandfishing.com
dwk