first famliy boat to fit 6

[IcyDuck]

I'm another bowrider fan when it comes to a youngish family. We've got 4 boys and have had a 5.4m fibreglass for the past 5 years. Our boys are now 12, 14, 17 & 19. The 2 youngest are still regular crew, heading straight up into the bow seats, with the older 2 not so often these days. However, they normally all won't miss an opportunity to go wakeboarding or skiing, especially when they can bring girlfriends and mates.

They have their drawbacks but are very versatile. We use ours for fishing, skiing, tubing, wakeboarding and general cruising. Ours has capacity for 8 so we find all 6 of us fit comfortably without seeming too crowded. Taken her across to Moreton Is countless times, whale-watching north of Moreton and in Hervey Bay, fishing out to Hutchies, skiing at Somerset Dam and dragged it on nearly every holiday we have been on between Bundaberg and Yamba. You have to pick your days and location, like with any boat, as they are a bit wetter than cuddy or cabin boats. We have a bow cover, good bimini with front and side clears. This helps if things get a bit choppy on the way home.

Last year my wife and I decided we might step up to a larger cabin/cruiser model. We actually put a deposit down on a Whittley. We took the boys for a water test in it. They threatened a mutiny if we were to go ahead with it as they liked the bowrider so much. It was therefore a no brainer to stick with the bowrider for a few more years, or at least while they are still keen to be out with "mum and dad".

I guess a lot depends upon how keen the family is on boating and the water (probably hard to know until you try). We were lucky as ours all love the water. If they weren't we probably would be in a cuddy or cruiser type boat.

As mentioned previously, there are a few boat hire businesses around that hire out bowrider and other models. It might be worth a trip or 2 in one to see how the family goes.

Cheers and good luck with the search.

Phil

[Jarrah Jack]

Another thing with a bowrider is that you can keep an eye on the kids when you're going along if the're up front.

[Seahorse]

Harmy
I got a 2006 5 met runabout, Stacer bay master sports. Fully optioned with full clears and storm covers, u name it, it has it. Got 75 hp merc only 220 hrs. I bought it new.
Want 20500 but will talk.

Cheers
Greg