You could also look into an inflatable kayak. Two 2 man's or one 2 man and
put the kids in the middle. Like mentioned, a canoe is a good idea too. We
have one and take ours out in it as well.

Right now we just take our kids to the lake, river, or shore beaches. One
parent goes out on short excursions while the other stays at the beach with
the other child.

Courtney

"Cyli" wrote in message
...
On 23 Jul 2006 18:09:48 -0700, "Troy76"
wrote:

Since having kids my wife and I haven't been able to get out in the
rivers as much. We have a 2 and 5 yr old. 2 years ago I saw a pontoon
fishing boat at Sportsman's Warehouse that had a smaller seat behind
the main seat...perfect for a child. Of course now we can't find this
model and none of the sporting goods shops has seen anything similar in
their catalogs. We want something that is very portable and doesn't
require 2 people to put in or operate (sometimes we like to go out on
the water by ourselves).

For those of you with small children, how have you dealt with this
situation? Did you just quit enjoying the rivers until they were
older? Or did the kids stay home with the other parent or a
babysitter?

We want to go out as a family on the rivers rather than leave the kids
at home with a babysitter. My wife works full time and I'm in college
full time so time with our kids is important.


Get a canoe, an inexpensive, but sturdy one. Something where at least
one of the adults can watch both of the kids at all times. You can
sell it after the kids are grown enough for their own kayaks. One
person, not even athletic (trust me on this. That was me.) can handle
a eighty to ninety pound canoe (I recommend lighter) all by herself.

Even if that were really a seat behind the pontoon craft (they tend to
be for stowing gear or coolers), do you want a two year old where you
can't see what it's doing? I wouldn't even leave a five year old
behind my back on a river.
--

r.bc: vixen
Speaker to squirrels, willow watcher, etc..
Often taunted by trout. Almost entirely harmless. Really.

http://www.visi.com/~cyli