I think the Raven I is better. Raven II has better performance at altitude but if operating at low level not much in it. Raven II fuel burn is GREATER than Raven I in real life, although both are quoted around 14gph.
Although the MTOW is 2500 in the Raven II, compared to 2400 in a Raven I, the BEM is also higher by 65lbs so you don't get much increase payload options.
Raven II is 50k more, which is not a small amount!
Pop out floats are good, but remember they take around 3 seconds to fully inflate, not much help if your photographing boats low level, but great for pleasure flights, and
I think you may have problems fitting pop outs and aircon on the same machine.
IMHO Boat photography doesn't tend to be around Vne but quite a bit slower, also you will be operating out of trim, hover OGE, and hovering backwards, for the shots. Also make sure you have a RAD ALT fitted if you're operating low level over the water.
