When fishing just for the day the ride could be a little bumpy like any small boat, but with extra ice ,coolers, gear and full tank on a weekend trip it would ride great, could cut the chop.I liked mine but got stupid and greedy and moved up to the 21 ft DE , more headaches with all the bigger stuff,motor,trailer and such. 18.5 is good boat rides ok ,flexible for the weekend outing , good for the day fish, easy on gas , easy to trailer.