Hi Andrew
There is no way, IMHO, given what you want to do with it' that the original boat you asked about is the one to buy. As one of our learned fellow AFs pointed out, warranty will issues pose too great a risk. Plus you do need shade and as a GOM you deserve a softer ride and to be able to run a smaller sized motor than 80 or 90.
So what to buy? Your choice but have a good look at these as even the flash one come in at about $35K . The ones they sold in Aust originally gave a great ride and often i wish I'd kept my 5.6m one. http://www.abetterboat.com.au/home.html
Hope things are going well up there, see you have yet to organize a Northern GOM M & G.
All the best
Cheers
Chimo