I'm not trying to sway anyone from Scott's boat but I have to say that a 23 Mako (if it one of the older ones) is probably one of my all-time most hansome boats. I'm not crazy about the cutout transom but the lines are sweet and it has enough shoulder up front to handle whatever the seas can offer. I have a 27.5 Cobia and it just doesn't have the flair that I would like. It is a good boat with lots of character but I prefer a Carolina flair. I keep looking at the 28 Buddy Davis's which are relatively cheap (compared to a Regulator or some other of that type). For now, the Cobia will have to do.
If it doesn't seem right you are making the wise choice. No sense in jumping in too quick on that investment.