On Sat, 17 Apr 2004 06:31:50 GMT, John Smith wrote:

My wife and kids are bugging me about a boat.

I know nothing of boats and even less about which brands/models are
worth my search time.

I would take my kids tubing and fishing on a nearby freshwater lake.
The boat needs to be towable with ability to nose onto the beach.

We would need to handle 1-8 guests/crew. Guests/crew would need
refreshments and a bathroom and shade from the sun.

Towing inner tubers and skiiers is the primary use. Fishing is
definitely a likelihood, but a low priority.

Finally, for now, I can't afford the idea let alone an actual purchase!

I know nothing of boston whalers except they have a really cool name and
the one comment I saw tells me I can't afford a boston whaler.

So, which boats (for a northern california fresh water lake) should I be
looking into?

Thanks,

JS

It sounds like you really need two boats, one for tubing and skiing, the other
for partying and peeing. A little 17' runabout might fit the bill for the tubing
and beaching. For 8 people to be covered and have a potty, you might think of a
houseboat, especially on a lake.

I have a 21' with a cuddy cabin and a porta-potty. The maximum load is 8 people.
I would never try to put 8 people on it, and if I did I would never be able to
get a skier up.

You probably want to narrow the scope of what you expect your boat to do.

John H

On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!