Hi Damon,
You are right,boats are getting smaller, narrower and less free board, at the same length. That is one way to build a lighter weight boat, redude the surface area at the same length. The only problem with that is it reduces the weight carrying ability of the boat. But hold on,there are some big boy boats out there. You just haven't heard about them in Tennessee. Check out the website Aquarius-Sails.com
There you will see 21ft and 22ft long beach boats that will carry your weight and an equal size crew very nicely.
Bill