Hi Gerorge,
i am not able to answer all your question, however i just purchased a 2009 yamaha Fxsho for the same reasons you mentioned. What i can say is that on Saturday i took the Ski over the Southport bar accompanied by 2 other skis for 15 mins, the seas were very big and in my boat i would have turned back, however the ski was brilliant and handled the conditions with ease i felt more confident on the ski than in a boat, the manouverablity of the sk, turn on a dime, & rapid acceleration if you need it are a real advantage. I intend to rig for fishing and reckon it will be ideal. Can't comment on 2 people fishing as so far only on my own. still working on what clothing to wear to be protected from the sun. I am 59 and i had a ball, it was more fun than i imagined. I've been boating for more years than i care to count. My son bought a jetski at xmas and i commented to him "why in the world would you want something like that what a waste of money, stick with your boat" boy am i now eating my words.
regards terry (jetski convert)