Jeff,
You might want to check Jamestown Supply,they have a very good technical staff . They have a lot of good products just tell them what you are trying to do.You could also look at Hamilton Marine Supply.
I saw quite a few brant this year,a couple of times had groups of 20-30 birds tolling to the goose decoys, didn't pick up the gun for fear of dropping more than one bird.( Limit is 1)
There is really nothing that I can add that hasn't been already said. Over the years I pay a lot more attention to the wind and weather. Really depends on where I am going to hunt for the day.
I too hunt long Island Sound, when hunting the big water 10-15 is my cut off. When hunting the Marsh...
I have a 13'6 Boston Whaler that I converted to a duck boat. It's a 1969 hull. As Carl stated you have to be careful with the older models. I use it for hunting in the marsh.