Center console is where it is at for what you want to do.

I second the deck boats. If the 215 isn't for you then you can also look into the 195 from tahoe also.

I believe a large center console 22-24' would be what you want. you don't want to underpower your boat, I would certainly look at different brands, if you want something to handle rough water don't get a tunnel hull.

Tunnels will handle rough water well. I run a tunnel and it does fine even in 2' waves.

My 2007 Tahoe 195 I/O might be for sale soon.

I would also suggest a "fish and ski" boat. Plenty of seating, set up for fishing as well and they can handle moderate rough water very well. Like all boats, you pick your days to go out when things are favorable and you will enjoy owning a boat.

Man, there are lots of great boats that fit the bill. I've always been a fan of champion boats but that's just a personal preference. I'm currently running an 18' champion bass boat. I haven't spent much time on Towakani but have spent plenty of time on Toledo Bend, Amistad and several big lakes in between. Pretty much any reasonable sized boat can handle pretty much any reasonable sized lake. The most important thing is getting one that's comfortable for you be your family and learning how to operate it safely in different conditions. I'd rather be on a Jon boat in the hands of someone who knows how to handle it than a bigger boat driven by someone who's uncomfortable with it.

i ll do a center console boat i think they are great for family and fishing....if i buy another boat, it would be a center console.

Given your budget and the comments so far, look at a Tahoe 215 CC (center console). I have one with a 200HP outboard and a 70Hp trolling motor. It has higher sides than a fishing center console which I think you will want with a 2 year old. Also handles rough water pretty good and can draft about 16" - 18" as long as my 240lb son is in the front... Actually might sell later in the year due to going from a wife, two sons and two daughter-in-laws when I bought it to also having three grandchildren now. It's rated at 9 people I think but six adults is about the max amount to make it easy to move around.

Make that a 70 ft lb trolling motor instead of 70hp. My redneckedness was showing. Back to the forum this is posted under, has anybody had much luck at Hubbard? Taking my grandson tomorrow evening.

I have a 20' center console Robalo Cayman bay boat with a 150 four stroke Yamaha it's super reliable fuel efficient I do lots of striper fishing and pull kids around on the tube has plenty of room and lots of storage by far best rig I've ever owned!