Re: Very new noobie here..
I would look at a tri-hull or deck boat. They draft very little. A few years back I "walked" my tri-hull from one lake to another by a connecting stream in the Adirondacks. Some spots had to be about 6" - 8". Those boats have a very large open bow too. It was a great family boat. If you're concerned with gas, you can get a smaller motor. My 16' '72 Glasspar tri-hull was rated for 115, but it ran comfortably with a 65hp on it. It was stable enough that I also used it on Lake Ontario. You can find lots of tri-hulls for under $2k. Just make sure you buy one with the strongest transom. Good luck.
I would look at a tri-hull or deck boat. They draft very little. A few years back I "walked" my tri-hull from one lake to another by a connecting stream in the Adirondacks. Some spots had to be about 6" - 8". Those boats have a very large open bow too. It was a great family boat. If you're concerned with gas, you can get a smaller motor. My 16' '72 Glasspar tri-hull was rated for 115, but it ran comfortably with a 65hp on it. It was stable enough that I also used it on Lake Ontario. You can find lots of tri-hulls for under $2k. Just make sure you buy one with the strongest transom. Good luck.