I'm looking for some advice from you seasoned boat owners.

I joined a local bass fishing club, as a non-boater, a few years ago and think it's time for me to plunge myself into more debt. The wife gave the ok to buy a boat, as long as it's family friendly. Have two 3 yr old kids she's afraid will fall out of a typical bass boat. I know my buddies already told me, put a life jacket on them and keep a rope handy. BUT what if I hook into a big one and can't get to them right away?? just kidding .

I like the features of the ranger 619, but don't like the price tag. And from what I've read online, most of that price is the name. I'm not asking for debate on rangers. I know they're a good boat, just looking for other options. I'm looking for a low fishing style - like all bass boats, high 18 feet to low 19 feet, lots of rod storage, sits more than 2 people comfortably (4 stools or bench in the back), like the casting platform for the back, dual console, and not brand new. I'll give up a few years to save thousands.

I've looked online at the Gambler, Allison, Skeeter, Triton, all the big names. What boat/model would you suggest?

I went to a few dealers and of course they all said THEY had the best boat.

Thanks

The higher sides of a Bay Boat are well suited for kid patrol 

Given what you want, I'd personally look at those big water V hull aluminums that Tracker and the other tin boat makers sell.  Sometimes called multi - species boats or Walleye boats.  Individual seating and a more open floor plan than a typical bass boat.  Avoid the Fish and ski fiberglass boats, they suck for storage.  You will get more boat going aluminum than fiberglass. 

Check out the Pro Gator line of boats. My buddy has one and it has very high sides. I feel like I'm down in a well when i'm out running it. Catt has been in this boat and I'm sure he noticed it. They are built in Shreveport Louisiana. They are tough. First time out in this boat was a night tournament on Rayburn. My buddy cut down a 5" tree running up on plane and it only scuffed a spot just to the right of the TM. He bought it new in 2000 and it has never been in the shop.

Skeeter, Triton, BassCat, Ranger, Stratos, ProGator, Nitro...cant go wrong with these.

Gambler, Allison, Bullet, Sterling...thats a no no for kids.  These boats are too fast for kids and not really built for fishing comfort.

Catt has a good point on the bay boat.  High sides, plenty of room for the kids and is much less that a bass boat of the same size.  The down side is you will loose storage space.

If you can keep the kids in the cockpit area, the Tracker TV-18 is a nice option. It has high sides in the very roomy cockpit and plenty of storage space elsewhere.  No dual console, though.

I went with a Ranger fish and ski back in 99.  It was a great boat for the family, for about 10 years, at which point we needed something bigger for days on the water with family and friends.  If you want your family to spend time on the water with you, don't try to have them make due with a pure bass boat. I had a Ranger 392 prior to my Reata.  Make them comfy and you'll make a lifetime of memories with them on the water.

Get the bass boat. Keep the kids in PFD's which you should any way. If the kids are too young to take directions they are too young to be in a boat and not be on some ones lap.

Get the bass boat. Keep the kids in PFD's which you should any way. If the kids are too young to take directions they are too young to be in a boat and not be on some ones lap.

Agree with this. I got 4 little ones. I will take them out 1 or 2 at a time. If your kids won't listen (as well as you'd expect from the age group) or are going to hang off the sides, etc then they need to not be out there.

My youngest does not go out with me because of this. My others are fine. Really the only concern (and it would be with any boat) is that you need to be a little more careful on how you take wakes, where they sit, etc.

My dad had a nice 18ft open bow boat growing up. I remember we did not let anyone less than 50 lbs up there cause if you took a good wake WOT, you could bounce them out of the boat.

The Bass boats are also AWESOME for the younger ones to fish. I would sit 2 of them up front with me, made it easy to do their hooks, etc and the high position let them easily cast out and catch panfish and catfish. Was good fun.