New to the salt (and the site!)

[Cajunchuck]

First post here, what a great forum! I've got a few questions maybe y'all can help me with. Just bought a new boat for the family. It's an 18 foot aluminum center console with a 60 inch bottom. 90 four stroke on the back. We have been fishing mostly freshwater but not having much luck lately. I'd love to try for specks/reds mostly in VB/ Big Lake. Is this practical based on my boat? Of course I know not to go out there if it's too rough but I'm not sure of my boat's limitations. I have been to BL before in a friend's similar boat and had fun. Ride back was a bit wet/rough though. Any advice is welcomed! Sorry bout the long post!