Family starter boat - Recommendations please

[baradcc]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

18' Cuddy...

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.

Sleeps 2, has porta-potty.

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

 

[SeanT]

Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

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

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

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

Lake Powell

 

[concordsteve]

Re: Family starter boat - Recommendations please

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