best family boat

[agallant80]

I currently have a 1978 21' Glasstron, I am getting kinda sick of working on it, one problem after the other not to mention that we don't feel like we can enjoy being on the lake because we are always worried about it breaking while it is out there. I am looking to buy a new boat here are the requirements:
20-30K price range
New or used but not very old
Honda like reliability
Bowrider

I just want something that I can spend the day on the lake with and not worry about it breaking. I am open to suggestions, i like the Yamaha boats because they come with dual engines and pretty much every option. I would love to hear opinions on this.

-AG

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: best family boat

Well the best family boat is one that doesn't have you crossing your fingers every time you want to leave the safety of the docks.
You 78 vintage rig sounds like a handfull of ifs and maybe's.
I bought a used 1990 for about 3500 bucks 3 years ago and after a couple rough beginnings She's now depedable as my daily driver car, I can flog ski all day and idle after dark all evening without worry.
I prefer the extra sitting of a bow rider with a nice tall 8' bimini, with little ones 2-7 you may consider a cuddy, but for older teens it's bow rider for sure. you budget could buy two decent boats, or one you relly like then money left over to trick it out with how you want it. I like I/O myself but outboards are less maintainence.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Re: best family boat

The best family boat is the boat you have the most fun in. I've been in every kind of boat there is and still prefer the 18 foot runabout.

A few examples.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: best family boat

26' SeaRay Sundeck!

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: best family boat

Personally I think your selling yourself short by wanting new, In the price range you want you could have any number of boats with limited hours I mean seriously the world is your oyster if you shop around and this time of year is the absolute best time to buy. You can get a low hour high end boat easily in your price range, something that new would cost double your price range. Also do you have a family, what are your wants and needs. more info is what we need!! I got my 2000 Crownline 248BR Bravo III 454 MPI with 240 hours in your price range and I kid you not it looked like it just came off the show room floor when I bought it last year and it didn't have armor all or any of the quick detail stuff either, the previous owner was anal and that's what your looking for in a used boat. I have my wife our lab, three daughters and a son all teenagers, I have plenty of room for friends, family and toys. It is the perfect boat for us and when the kids move on I have a perfect ego boat for me, the wife and pooch, so its important to determine what you want then start shopping its your market for the taking.

 

[Dave Barnett]

Re: best family boat

Depending on what type of recreation you and your family are into. My brother has just bought a Striper mod 1905 center console. It is a really great all around family rig. It is a great fishing boat and it works just fine as a ski rig also. If you just like cruising the water and enjoying a more relaxed boating experience I would recommend a pontoon. They are great for fishing and cruising and just drop anchor and have a nice swim.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: best family boat

The best family boat is the boat you have the most fun in. I've been in every kind of boat there is and still prefer the 18 foot runabout.

A few examples.

Those sure are some cool ol' SK boats
That guy on the wake surfing board, He's staying over to the side of those monster pipes cause he hasn't got a gas mask LOL.

 

[robert graham]

Re: best family boat

Lots of options for you, but check: Sea Ark Boats, the Big Easy model, 24' long, lots of room, durable, etc.