Surfing Waves

I'm fairly new to surfing (about 2 years, but haven't gone out that often until lately).

I have a 10' Trident long board, and just got a 7'2 fun shape board (custom shaped to float my weight) (I'm 5'10 220lbs.).

I like both boards, but I think I'm still a little to newbie to ride the 7'2 for my size.
Also with the 7'2 not being epoxy, I'm already beating it up pretty bad after a couple sessions...

So... I'm looking for a middle of the road (sized) epoxy board with good float.

There's a shop locally that has an Anacapa bandit 7'6 and 8'0, and also someone selling a used 8' Channel Islands Waterhog

I have heard great things about the water hog, but not sure if I want go with an 8' board.

I had a 7'9 bic when i first started, and even though I know they are totally different boards then the bic, I'm still not sure I want to go any longer then 7'9

I live in New England so Most of the time our waives are mushy

Anyway what would you guys recommend ?

Thanks,
-Joe

Here are full dimensions:
Al Merrick Water Hog
8' x 22" x 2 3/4

Anacapa Bandits
8'0" x 22" x 3 1/4"
7'6" x 21 1/4" x 3"

any recommendations?

I found out that the Anacapa boards aren't epoxy, but I think the shop I talked to said it was a 6oz on the top, where as the Water hog is a 4oz (maybe i miss heard though, because he was talking fast)

The surf shop also said any board (even epoxy will ding if you put your knee + weight on it.

I'm still curious what people recommend for me.