Pete,

I have a Lowe 1448. The stability on this boat is great. I've had two people in it several times and never felt like it was unstable. I just had it in the bay where I hooked a bat ray and had no problems with both of us hanging over the side of the boat to un-hook it. The stability is so good that it's just not something I even think about.

As for the length... I would go with the longest boat you can get away with. Everyone needs a few redneck traits :) Especially if you plan on having two people in the boat often. My boat is perfect when i'm fishing alone. With two in the boat, it's comfortable, but a few extra feet would really help. I really think you would be happier with something at least 14ft.

Here's a pic of my boat I took on its maiden voyage a little over a year ago. And yes, the front deck is big. 6ft by 5ft to be excact. I figured i'd say that now since that's the first response I get from everyone who sees it for the first time.

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/883.jpg