Depending on how you use the boat would determine which engine. Personally, we use our boat for water sports, swimming and picnicking. The outboard is just in the way when using the swim platform. Yes, there is room on either side of the OB but, you can't sit several folks on the platform splashing their feet in the water. Also, the OB is exposing swimmers to the prop. I'm in fresh water and may have a different opinion if it were used in salt water.
I'll be in fresh water too. Same use, just on the other side of the state in Lake Michigan, in and around Holland. I used to go to Metropark as a kid as we have family in Macomb, Frasier, St. Clair Shores and Roseville.
My father-in-law had a 24ft sun deck with full swim platform and sitting on the back is nice. The prop/drive is still there, just a little tucked under. I think I only kicked it once a long time ago. The lack of an exposed prop has always made the Yamaha jet boats attractive, in the 230AR/SX and 242 Limited offerings.