The tried-and-true deep V of the Palmetto 33 Adventure laughs at a 2- to 3-foot chop and can run 5-footers at 20 knots.

Most fishermen know whether they want a completely open boat—a center console—or a vessel with a cabin. It depends on whether they strictly day-fish or head offshore for overnight trips. (If the cuddy cabin isn’t knee-deep in scales and guts, it can make a decent overnight getaway for a couple, too.)

The cabin- or no-cabin decision has been around for a long time. But in recent years another dilemma faces the fishing boat owner. Should I stick with the tried-and-true deep-V monohull or get one of those new cats? …