Hi Mitchell,

Larson makes a damn fine boat. Not fast, heavy, and could have done a
better job with the electrical, but otherwise, well made and
"bulletproof". My dad owned a Larson for 25 years.
I recommend you get a 4 stroke Suzuki as near to MAX allowable as
possible. It will need every bit of power you can give it to get on a
plane with a load of passengers. Trim tabs are a must, and so is a
winter storage garage.

You may want to read my webpage about "Abandon Ship, Children & Pet
Lifejackets"

I strongly recommend you and wife take the USCG (Or Power Squadron) Safe
Boating Class.

www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks/solas.html

Regards, and welcome to boating!

Capt. Frank Hopkins

Mitchell Gossman wrote:
I'm getting my first boat, and with a family of 6 do not want to get
something too small, but on the other hand, not completely certain how
much use the boat will get, being new to it (although my wife had a
boat as a kid and loved it).

So at the local boat show in Minneapolis, shopped around different
makes, types, and sizes, and came up with the Larson Escape 214
deckboat style. Accomodates 12 according to the placard, and I believe
it. Chose it on the basis of amenities, my perception of its quality,
recommendation of knowledgable friends, and for what it's worth, the
factory is 30 minutes from here.

Anyone have any opinions on the boat?

Mitch