Step 1: Identify what you are TRULY going to use the boat for 95% of the time.
Step 2: Come back here once you have that info and ask this question again.
An offshore boat and a boat that the family will be extremely satisfied in are most often two different boats. Don’t be swayed by personal opinions; take your time and seatrial as many different boats as you can. Rushing in to a big purchase like this is a mistake. Take your time.
There’s nothing wrong with deepVs or bayboats. Both have their strong suites and are great at different things, but until you personally figure out what you’ll use the boat for 95% of the time, don’t buy a boat.
If you are seriously considering purchasing a new boat based on seating, I think you have your answer. Family is more important. A bayboat is usually a more comfortable setup for accommodating the things you’ll be doing with the wife and kids.
If I get murdered in the city, don’t go revenging in my name…
23sailfish…good response…Yes, agreed. Speaking from experience…I purchased a brand new 30’ cruiser for the lake, MUCHO DOLLARS…kept it a few years and sold it losing my A$$ because now we do salt water fishing. Now we have this offshore boat and sometimes, I like to crab, and do some shallow fishing…This boat wont really do that. So, point is…you will never be happy but…at least you can be satisfied 80% of the time. …Family 1st.
This was my boat. 22’ family friendly. I sold it after my second child was born and a business I had started kind of found its groove. I was too busy to use it, but when I free up, I’ll be replicating this boat.
If you haven’t yet, go see the Robalo 222 and maybe take a test ride before you buy. Awesome boat with awesome seating features that fold away for even more room fishing. One of my selling points was “where is the bait tank”? The tidewater lxf has it below the seats on the transom. I personally wanted on on top of the gunnels or in the leaning post. The Robalo has one in the leaning post. It’ll eat waves like its nothing with very little bumping or jarring.
We were in a similar spot last year. I agree with others: wife/family are #1. If momma ain’t happy…
Anyway, if you haven’t, take a peek at the 235 Ultra. Family friendly, but a bit more room in the back for kids/stuff than the 225. It will also run in skinny water if you need to get in/out of a creek. I’ve been offshore several times in it. I pick my days, but so far it’s been great. Finally, it’s still a single engine, so that saves some bucks (just get seatow and a tall antenna… just in case!).
Anyway, just my two cents. I’m still new here, so I’ll defer to others with much more experience. Good luck!
…Family 1st.