Starter family boat recommendations

[1airfix5]

Any suggestions for a first family boat, preferably with a cuddy cabin or some kind of shelter if the weather changes.
It will be on lake use only, also something we can use for watersports for the kids, ie, tubing, skiing etc

What should I look for and what should I avoid.

Also, what about engines, I have been told diesel is the best option.
I'd be grateful for any recommendations / suggestions.
Budget would be about 10k
Thanks

 

[Firestone]

Check out www.apolloduck.com for boats.

 

[rafiki_]

There are lots of cuddies, 17ft to 24ft is. With a family, you can never be too large. All will tow behind a decent 4x4 (not softroader).

We started with a 22' Searay cuddy, but quickly moved up to a 25ft sportscruiser.

Frankly, the cuddy is only useful for sleeping. You cannot sit/eat/anything else, so you may be better with a bow rider that has more deck space, and head back to the marina for anything else.

 

[Mymobo]

Searay 215 great cuddybboat. If you find a bit more you could pick up a sea ray cruiser 24 foot. We just sold out 220da great first boat the Sea ray 230 is better if you streach that far. The samller sealines are great boats to. There was a recent article on them in mbm a few months back.

 

[geardownthreegreens]

Well if you want shelter then yes you will need a cuddy,otherwise a bowrider for lakes.

I can recommend Bayliner 2052 year 99-01, Rinker 212 and as stated by Mymobo, the searay range with the 215.

Take a look on www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk

Simon

 

[DavidJ]

I made a reply earlier but it seems to have disappeared with a number of other excellent replies.
Have a google on "Sealine 195 attache" It was our first boat and was an excellent family boat with good sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities. You can have fun towing a tube but it's not a watersport boat if that's your proity. Nomatter what size boat you have it's all just a compromise but the tricky bit is knowing what will keep you boating in, say, a years time.

 

[lovezoo]

David; your reply is on the other thread:

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225943

Its the usual forum problem when a new user posts his first thread it doesn´t appear immediately, so he posts it again. Then they both appear at once...