Last year was my first year on the lake so I feel your pain with boat choices. I ended up with a used SeaRay 230. My wife is a bit nervous on the water so anything smaller would have been asking for trouble or lots of lonely rides! (Hey, maybe I should have gone with the 17')
I have plenty of room for guest, ample power for towing and zipping across the broads, and because it is older; I don't get too worried about putting the first scratch on it while docking, etc.
Agree with SAB1, we need your budget to better advise! Good luck!