I have owned a Sylvan Pro select 19, for 15 years now and it has not given me one once of trouble, and I use this thing in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and the Kawartha's and I can't say enough good things about this boat. Sylvan and Smoker Craft both come out of the same plant so quality is very comparable. As for towing, the best advice I can give you as a mechanic is to have a good quality transmission cooler mounted, and service the trans regularly as the transmission will be the weak link when towing comes into play. Good luck on your search and pick what boat gives you what you want for features and layout.