I would steer clear of a whippled (or any type of boosted) 496 unless the owner has a pile of receipts for internal engine upgrades and professional installation and dyno tuning.

The Aggressor would be my choice if it's clean, half the price and the right hardware, assuming it was properly built.

496 HO is a good motor in the stock form, But not the greatest if tinkered with.

The 288 is a great boat! I searched long and hard at most mfgs before making my purchase. There are distinct differences pre '05 vs 05+ hulls. They handle water conditions great. On plane quickly. Outstanding rigging and not to mention factory support.

Don't be gun shy to take a look at one or even take one out for a sea trial if you're interested.

Still today, if you put a PP in front of me and a Sunny, I'd take the Sunny. I like chevys but i drive fords. It's all in what you like and what meets your individual interests and/or needs!

I would say get a stand up/bolster boat only around here. Unless it was a big cat I can't see a sit down only boqt being fun in these parts. Nothing against them but it seems like a lot of the fun and enjoy is lost with them.

those pistons are going to explode...

I definitely wouldn't get a 25' sunny over a 28'. They are pretty well built, but are very small boats. They have flip up bolster seats but you will stick out like a hard on in sweat pants if you are over 5'6" and standing up. They ride good for a 3000lb 23' boat, which is what they are. Even a 24' outlaw would be a better choice. The outlaw is twice the size and will ride better than the aggressor. The build quality of the baja isn't even close to the sunny or PP though.

Judging by your avatar, you have an open bow, for what you're doing a PP or similar boat would be overkill. If at any point in your boating someone could safely ride up front get a stepped/pad boat w/ amenities and space for sure.