I currently have a SV27 and have been looking at the Hammer and Blast too as a second boat. I like both boats but I think your right in the long run the Hammer is the better way to go for adustability and hop ups its a simpler set up with the direct drive shaft vs steerable outdrive. Even though you been in RC for 20years, thats longer than me I thing for your first boat a new one might be the way to go I don't mind buying used wboats/good deals/other peoples problems but not if its my first or only one. Just my .02. After reading your post I think I'll buy that Hammer now