Newbie searching for an easy, child friendly, small boat.

[lovethesea]

Hi!
We are looking for a small or compact boat to just cruise in salt or sweet waters, just big enought to fit 4-6 people. We have two very small children (less than 5) and would like to spend around $5,000 or less. We are a military family who are always moving so we need something easy to put away when on the go or while not in use. We have no idea what brands or styles should we be looking at. Any suggestion will be appreaciated!

 

[haskindm]

Re: Newbie searching for an easy, child friendly, small boat.

Small/Compact boat + 4-6 people + saltwater = Impossible Scenario.
You will need to be looking at a boat at LEAST 16' and preferably 18' - 20'. Even they can get VERY small with six people. My first boat was a 16 foot with a capacity rating of 8 people, but that is extremely unusual. My new 18 footer is only rated for 7. Even the 4 of us found the 16' to be close quarters. You need to decide how you will be using the boat in order to get meaningful advice. Wiil you be cruising, skiing, fishing? Where will you be using the boat? How fast do you want to go? Perhaps you should rent a couple of boats to get a feel for the direction that you want to head.

 

[danond]

Re: Newbie searching for an easy, child friendly, small boat.

Something in the early 90's, between 17 and 19 feet long, made of fiberglass, open bow/bow rider, 100 to 150 horsepower outboard engine made by a manufacturer you recognize (mercury, yamaha, evinrude, honda are all good engines).

They are sometimes called runabouts, bowriders, open bow, sport boats, speed boats, ski boats.

The reason I suggest an outboard is that they're easier to maintain (in my opinion) for a first time boat owner than an inboard.

You will need something rated to tow around 2500 pounds. A strong v6 will do fine.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Newbie searching for an easy, child friendly, small boat.

Look for a used Boston Whaler or Carolina skiff...both these boats are unsinkable...easy to trailer...a breeze to handle..require little maintenance..and will use an outboard motor,again easy to maintain,cheaper to run than an I/O and trailer & boat can run under 5K, Dont jump on the first boat you see..look around,theres tons of them out there. Good Luck,and..hey,from A former USMC grunt...for all you do...Thanks Amigo.