I currently have a small Sea Ray 180 sport. I live in Louisville, KY and we take it out on the Ohio. Have lots of fun with it. But... I am always seeing these larger boats and I want one so bad. Very interested in Carver boats, specifically the 396 Motor Yacht and the 360 Sport Sedan. Though I am open to others. I am also looking at smaller (not much) cruisers like Sea Ray and Chapparell.
First question is general. Just any suggestions? I am looking at $150k or less. The primary users are myself, wife and 2 kids(occasional friends). Youngest kid is 11. Long term (retirement so a while from now I am 45) I want to have a place in the Tampa St. Pete area and have a boat that travels between there and here(maybe even do the loop). That's probably a few boats away.

Second, where should I confine my search. I find lots of boats in Florida. What would the cost be to bring it up here? Is that a silly idea? Can I just pilot the boat up here? Would that cost a similar amount in fuel? Time? Should I stick to closer boats?

Third(related to the second) is fuel. I know each boat and conditions will be different. But, for example I read in a forum of a Carver model similar to what I am looking at would cruise at 20Kts and consume 22 GPH. But if lowered to 10KTS only 3.5. That sound right? I ask because I have also read people who say you actually need to be closer to cruising speed to get max fuel efficiency. Something about pushing the water out of the way.

Fourth, generators. How much fuel do they use? Do they also draw from the main gas tank or do they have a separate tank? How good is the heat and AC? TV? Just use a digital antenna or can you use like a direct TV satellite?

I'll have more... Thank you so very much in advance to any one who answers.