Family of 5, 19ft or 21ft?

[Newbie@boats]

Been a while since I’ve been on the water, never been on the water since having a family, now that the kids are older it’s something I’m looking to get back into. I’ve had all sorts of boats when I was younger-so not technically new to boating but new to boating as a family.

I can find 19ft boats a dime a dozen in my area 21ft + aren’t as readily available in my price point-looking at used not new. I’m looking for something that easy to trailer and easy to unload and load up at the boat ramp.

From everyone’s experience would a 19ft boat be comfortable for 5 people? Or should I coomplety steer clear and looking for a 21?

 

[southkogs]

I did a family of five on a 15' for a while ... that was tight. After that I had two 19' (one is technically 19.5). We fit fine. It wasn't spacious, and you couldn't invite a lot of friends. But the family and the dog did fine on it.

Got any rentals in the area? Probably pretty easy to rent a 19' for a half day and feel it out.

 

[mr 88]

21' is going to be a much better ride in any sort of chop . You'll have room for coolers and gear , not so much in a 19' . Two feet is a huge difference when your talking a 19 vs 21 ' hull . I would be sticking with a 21' , something will show up , be patient.

 

[Scott Danforth]

depends on the boat, the size of the people and the water you are boating in.

I had 2 younger daughters that would bring their friends on my 19' searay. 2-3 in the bow, 2-3 behind the window, its doable.

however not in rough water, or in inclement weather.

I can find 19ft boats a dime a dozen in my area 21ft + aren’t as readily available in my price point-looking at used not new.

if you are looking at used fiberglass, take a look thru the restoration forums to know that with a used fiberglass boat, you may be getting something that needs work, even if it looks good

 

[Pmt133]

I used to do 6 on the 4 winns no problem. Before the repower. 4 was comfortable. 6 doable but you had to get creative with locations of things.

Not all 19 foot boats are created equal though as was said.

 

[Ifishmuskie2]

Boat layout!
With 6 people I would like at least a 150hp.
I could do it with a 19’.
If you get a wide boat then it’s not much different towing a 19 vs a 22’.

 

[airshot]

I am an aluminum hull fan, glasses are to much work and after 25 years, no one wants them. Aluminium m boats carry a much higher resale value and require less HP and fuel to operate. Keep in mind, people don't like riding in the bow in a chop or on a cool day. Also the danger of burying that bow on rough seas. I had a 22' ' Islanders that my family loved, the cuddy cabin made space for all the stuff people bring along, and had room for 6 seats.
Neighbor has same 22' hull but in a bowrider model, his family loves their layout, but rarely use the open bow for riding, there are 6 seats not including the bow. Both boats are easy to tow ( 2500# max) and easy on fuel. These 21-22' aluminum hulls are very popular. Don't be afraid to open your search area, when I bought my current boat, it was a 200 mile drive but well worth it. I know folks that have traveled far longer distance to find the he right boat !

 

[redneck joe]

Where do you live and what body of water will you be on

Age of the kids and do they have friends

All day or just a few hours

Are you doing shore time or all on the boat



With wives and family a big challenge will be to not over pack stuff. For a day on the water not much is really needed. Wife and I do not use towels, we use a large handcloth so about 70% less space than two towels. Just enough to dry hands and face as needed and they dry in the sun quickly. A gallon jug of lemonade or whatever, half frozen take up way less space in a cooler than a case of something in cans for the kids, and cheaper, less watse in a trash sack. Chip bags have lots of air in them, crackers do not. Girls do not need to bring a purse with all that crap that purses have in them (other than chapstick). No makeup or hair brushes.

Be thinking about the above and decide where you want to go.