I own two boats. One is a Kirk matherne mudboat and the other is a 24' carolina skiff. I wouldnt recommend either boat for what you are wanting to do. If you have the money to spend I would recommend an 18'X 60' wide Gator Trax Hyperdrive boat with a 35 Vanguard With or with out the steering console. These boats can easily be outfitted with a trolling motor, they can easily handle a 2-3 wave chop, and they can get into very shallow water. It will carry three men w/ cargo easily.
My Kirk Matherne boat is great for running trenasse and can carry two people. Gets crowded with three trying to hunt from it. My Carolina, I bought to hunt Pass A Loutre, great boat for running the river. Can handle fairly shallow water, and can carry one hell of a load. I load it down with pirgoes, tents, generator, ice chest, and 5-6 people. I even have a small flat boat w/ godevil i put in the boat. So hope I helped.

I hunted Biloxi WMA last year out of a 14ft alum. boat with a 25 merury on the back of it. I hunted 3 people with gear several times with no problems though it got a bit crowded. Of course, if you can afford it I would go with a surface drive and a bit bigger boat with a little more range.

I caught a pile of trout and shot plenty of ducks out of that thing though!

A surface drive or a nice fishing boat with a pirogue would be perfect. I am a diehard outboard believer so that was my choice. (not to mention the price tag on a surface drive)

Hope this helps