[Island Girl]

I have only had an 18' Larson and the current 20' Grady. Both very used. I am on the broad side of Rattlesnake. The smaller boat is easy to get in and out of my dock, slip and all of the ports on the lake. Though we usually take the jetskiis to the ports.

My boat has a lot of deadrise and a cuddy cabin. This means big waves do not deter travel. I will not, however, go out in very big waves. I think the boat would be fine, but I would be too nervous. I still remember crossing the broads trying to outrun a storm from Wolfeboro to Welch island in 1999. I am not anxious to do that again.

Do you folks with really big boats spend a lot of time on the broads on windy days?

If your real goal is an island property, my suggestion is to rent the various boats to get a feel for what you really want and keep looking for property. If you want the marina life style, then the bigger boat the better for comfort. Just remember the cost of fuel when you and your wife go shopping! (by the way, shopping never gets old for women).

I think my ideal boat size would be 24' for a Rattlesnake Island person.

Enjoy the process... you can always change your mind and sell what you bought and try something else.