I would shop for a good used 18’ glass.

Get a good stable aluminum platform like a ranger RT series, or Xpress and put a spot-lock trolling motor on it and have fun.

I would shop for a good used 18’ glass.

I remember about 15 years or so ago I switched from a 18.5 tin tracker to a 18.5 glass boat and it was like going from a ford fiesta to a Cadillac.

They hold in place much better, quieter, more stable. You can fish any small lake comfortably all the time, and can easily fish big water too in most conditions.

I would never buy a job boat for a lake, bass fishing, that looks like a lot of frustration, not fun.

I agree with nfhbass. Unless you plan on spending all of your time on a very small lake, you will be happier in the long run taking your kids out on something that is safer.

This is the route I would go if you can afford it, if not go with whatever you can afford. G3 makes a good aluminum boat too, they are basically Skeeters tin series.

How old are the kids?

Don’t know how young those boys are but this would be my vote … something for you guys to grow plenty of memories in.

Do it, they won't be young forever.

Lots of variables:

Are you in the windy Amarillo area or only gets windy sometimes in the spring and fall Longview area?

I thought you were moving to South Central Texas?

Do it, they won't be young forever.

What is the budget?