Dan if ya check the vancouver craigslist ...click on "boats" then at top of the page type in: Arima boat
After checking those boats ya can type in: Double Eagle
".............".........."...................."type in: Hourston
Ya should see some interesting boats come up. EDIT IN: also type in : campion boat...a few interesting boats...listed.
I'd go with min. 16-17 ft boat for the area you will be in. Of course always check out the Marine forecast before heading out.
Yrs ago we had a 21ft Bellboy inboard at the Lions Bay Marina (Howe Sound) We went out 3 of us...Doug my dad & myself. We got into 7-8 fters. & the waves were steep & close together. Waves were from the SW. When we made our "turn" it kinda reminds me now of that PERFECT STORM movie when they made the turn. (ha)
On high tide days & low winds ya will have a safe day. Great if ya can get a reliable kicker also because ya just never know when your main engine fails. (whatever boat ya look at really check the hull/transom/outboard & trailer because many used boats have problems....go for a test run before buying & see how it performs. Look for any water inside boat..take engine cover off after a run & see if it looks clean & dry) All the best in your searching.
I've found also that there is lots of debris...drift wood small & big logs etc... in the sound so keep a sharp eye out.
Boating in the Pacific NW is fun as long ya put safety 1st.
We have an 16 Arima boat & have been into steep 6 fters. & though it was scary (ha) we got into calmer waters.