Re: First time buying a boat. Please help!
Hey daddieo5 - two points to help you look for a boat: With a 14MO kiddo, consider the boat what you want for the next 4 years. Once this kiddo (or the next, or the next, or ...
) hits about 5 or so, things change up a little bit. (That's a random age figure based on proposed physical abilities of a 5 or 6 year old, and how my kids did on boats - your experience may vary):
For now:
1.) High gunwales - you want a boat that has side wall (inside the boat) so a toddler can't climb/fall/otherwise-propel themselves over the side
2.) Stability - width (beam) of the boat will help with stability. It'll make it heavier and affect other things too, but stability is something you're going to want. It's not the only thing that will affect it but it's a biggie. Two boat styes that are great for stability are Pontoons (big wide platform, not real fast) and tri-hulls (older style of runabout: need to watch yourself buying 'em).
Take Mrs. daddie05 and little daddie05 to the local marine dealer and climb up on a couple of boats (doesn't matter that you're not buying new). Just get in and get a feel for the boat. Climb on a pontoon and see, climb on a runabout and see, etc., etc ...
In 4 years or so, your "boating" will take a dramatic turn where the munchkin(s) will be able to start thinking about going on a tube, skiing, fishing, etc., etc. Your boating needs are likely to change then.
