At 18' I don't know what Whaler makes. The 17' Montauk is a great hull. The Unsinkable Legend with the cathedral hull is stable at rest for its beam. The sacrifice is the pounding. In 20' the cost of the Whaler eclipses the V-20. I love the 20' Wellcraft for ride and function. Did I mention I have a Whaler FOR SALE... Neither a classic nor under 20'.
I really like the old large Whalers, like the 27' Full Cabin. Put a couple outboards on a bracket and that would make a serious Grouper Boat, if we were allowed to keep Grouper that is.
Interesting thread.