Designed for kids and wife?

[Busbey]

Long story short, downsizing quite a bit from a Hurricane Deckboat and a SeaPro Center consule, both 21ft... Going back to my JonBoat roots.

Wife and 3 little girls under 7. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND

This time i want to get something that all of the family can fit on for some river runs while me and a couple of the kids can take it out bass and bluegill fishing. But here is the kicker... I dont know what to get based off how i want it to end up!

Crappie setup, i love the stick steer and troller both in the front which means no moving around as much from front to back at each spot we go to. storage under seats, seams a little too confined though.. i have the feeling though with me up front, it will not be as much room for the kids to move around and also the wife to enjoy her feet kicked up somewhere... am i wrong?

Utility type, i feel i would enjoy the wide open area for them to move around, but seats would be a big concern and not too sure how i feel about buying a few beanbags for them to sit. dont think it will work out too well..

not looking to build a big front deck or anything, i believe a couple seats at the right height will allow both a relaxing and fish-able option.

here are a couple i am looking at.. please let me know your thoughts

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/836279843231108?surface=product_details

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/652112951808921?surface=product_details

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/170924670170618?surface=product_details

this last one.. would i be able to take out the center seat pretty easily?

 

[Shaugh]

With a wife and little kids on board I'd want a boat with higher sides on it. Something that feels stable and secure but not too big. My current project is a 1981 StarCraft Mariner 16'. Big, open, flat floor... high sides... wide and stable..... for the same money you could easily pick up one like I did for $400... rip out the last owners carpeted mansion and just put a flat bottom in it....

 

[Busbey]

i like this one a lot but not sure about it not having a motor.. thats going to cost me a pretty penny..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/412155882172569/permalink/1811800448874765/?sale_post_id=1811800448874765&comment_id=1812421992145944&notif_id=1527565538082858&notif_t=group_comment_reply&ref=notif

 

[LDUBS]

Well, since you asked, I'll pitch in my two cents. You are talking about 5 total on the boat. I would think at least an 18'. An open utility with benches has a lot of room. Maybe a simple side console. Just toss in the ice chest and a couple of duffles or backpacks with the other stuff you might need.

 

[surfman]

I think I'd go back to the deck boat. 5 people in a boat is a lot, I would go 18+ as well, you are going to be tripping over each other, IMO.

 

[jethro]

I got a 21 footer I like to fish 2 people in! And even solo! I would imagine something like my Sylvan would be perfect for you. 2100 Sylvan Profish. Just realized, don't have a lot of great pictures of it...

 

[Busbey]

Thats a nice boat for sure!

I have made up my mind on the below, picking it up tonight or tomorrow morning! I see a (cough cough) sick day coming..

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1677493769001988?surface=product_details

 

[Bateman]

That second boat is a WeldBilt. The largest dealer in the nation is Backwoods Landing here in Huntsville. They have the best prices I've seen. Can order it however you want it. Probably going to be my next boat.

 

[Shaugh]

You did good... that's a good boat at a great price.

 

[DaleH]

You did good... that's a good boat at a great price.

Ditto ... deep gunnels too ... and those will keep the kiddies aboard!

To me, at least for my use (maybe due to saltwater rips) ... one cannot beat gunnel height!

 

[Busbey]

Thanks guys, ya i am going to be pretty happy with it!

and of course, that was the "asking" price

 

[lugoismad]

I think you will be very happy with that. We recently upgraded from a 14' to a 16' boat and it was like night and day. Used to not be able to stand up because it was so tippy feeling, and there just wasn't enough room to take the kids out. With the 16' foot boat, you can stand up and move around, the kids have the bow to themselves, and there is just plenty of room for gear and stuff.

 

[thedude]

You need a swim ladder! That boat will be worth $2700 in five years. Never knew evinrude made trolling motors. Keep us updated!

 

[Baby John]

I've got just the boat design for you Busby. I had the same issues. Here's my rig which is an 1856 Alweld Marsh series tunnel hull with some minor customization of the seating done by the dealer.

 

[Baby John]

Uh oh...jumped the gun...didn't read the whole thread but now I see that you've already bought a boat.

Sorry.