I did a family of five on a 15' for a while ... that was tight. After that I had two 19' (one is technically 19.5). We fit fine. It wasn't spacious, and you couldn't invite a lot of friends. But the family and the dog did fine on it.
Got any rentals in the area? Probably pretty easy to rent a...
I think the BR 1950 is pretty close to what i have. So, same assessment. The Merc 4cyl isn't bad. I like the economy on it. But it's a loud little mug. My old inline 6 was so quiet that you could hear the exhaust bubbles more than the engine. The Merc in the Bayliner sounds like a helicopter.
In '02 they weren't wood free. But I know that the construction methods had improved by then. My 02 started life as a dock boat up in Michigan, but it's been garage stored since I moved it to Tennessee.
For me, it's been a fine boat. Fit and finish is what you would expect out of an entry level...
As I've understood it "ice melt" is easier on concrete and mortar. It's not as corrosive as salt is and has different freeze properties. That's the only reason I use it as opposed to salt.
Middle Tennessee is pretty icy. Lots of folks to the North and West of me without power.
Dog is super excited to go play in the snow ... but can't figure out why it's completely solid.
Got caught in about 8' one time on Lake Huron in a small sailboat. Fortunately got off the water fast and easily, but it was enough to teach me a lesson.
