I went through a very similar process last year and ended up with a 32 Silverton Flybridge. Couple of things I’ve learned over the last 5 boats:
1. $25k boats have the same problems as $15k boat only the technology is much easier to work with on a $15k boat, usually no fuel injection or computers. My current boat is as easy to fix as a riding lawn mower
2. I get lower gph on 2 small blocks than I did I one large block, no idea why.
3. The most important thing to look for when buying a boat is how much the previous owner loved it.
4. Old boats with low hours can be a problem
Hopefully this helps
Justin