Family starter boat - Recommendations please

baradcc

Recruit
Joined
Sep 28, 2009
Messages
1
I am looking for advice as to which type starter boat would be the best for a family. We are living near a large lake in Ireland and want something that could give some shelter if weather changes and also, for kids skiing etc and fishing. I would be grateful for any recommedations of what is the best to buy and also, what boats to avoid!
Thanks a lot
Baradcc
 

rbh

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
7,939
Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

I am a big fan of any cuddy cabin style boat as it give you and the family a place to get out of the weather if it gets bad, or someone needs a snooze
A larger boat will give the family room to move, nothing worse than a crowded boat, but you have to be comfortable handling it.:)
rob
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

Typically a 17-19' bowrider would be my recommendation for a family starter boat as bowrider do most activities adequately to well. However, your requirement of providing shelter from inclement weather leads me to agree with rbh above and saying get the largest cuddy cabin you feel you can handle as a beginning boater.
 

scutly

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
368
Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

i went with a decent size cuddy for my first boat and its not to much to handle for a beginner boater like me. 17-19 footers have a small pup tent for a cuddy you have to crawl into. once you get up in the 20s the cuddy gets bigger and more comfortable to hang out in. 25 foot and above and you get into full galley with full baths but you start top get wider in the beam. length didn't intimidate me as much as width when i bought my boat.
 

jeffnick

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
695
Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

18' Cuddy...

mermer.jpg


Easy to tow and launch. The 115 HP is plenty of power even for water toys.

She's a pleasure to maneuver in tight quarters.

IMG_0947.jpg


Sleeps 2, has porta-potty.
AllNikoTrip335.jpg


Great all around boat (for 4 or less); she's a Seaswirl 1850.
 

SeanT

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 8, 2009
Messages
661
Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

Okay, where the hell is that second picture? That's awesome.
 

concordsteve

Cadet
Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
21
Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

Those are great pictures. Wish I lived closer!!!!
 
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