wind at iceout makes for one really cold and wet ride in a whaler, they perform better at sea than on a windy lake with 33 degree water
my exprience was in an older montauk, it took in a good amount of water heading into a heavey wind. most of the year im not to worried about that but iceout and heavey wind would be my maine concern. it doesnt cut thru the water like a deeper vee lund. now that was an older boat, have not been in a newer 17. i like to be comfortable, i fish an eastern lobster boat with full cuddy and roof.