seeking feedback on marinas

[DLBIV]

I agree that you should consider at least a 24'. Even on the most perfect conditions the lake can be rough because on a perfect day implys a tremendous amount of boat traffic leading to rough water due to boats. I have been boating on Winni for around 16yrs and have seen the traffic increase expontentially. Ten years ago a 18'-20' would be ok but not now if you want to have a relaxing day with the family you should go for the 24'. What ever you end up with remember buying a boat is a very personal purchase. Make sure you test drive before you purchase that is the only way you will know how it rides.
Happy shopping!

Captain Ron "DLBIV"

[NHBUOY]

Hey GLOVE...Let me know when you are back in town... ...Jay

[Rinkerfam]

Glove,
I wish I had seen this post before today, but my laptop has been out for service for the last two weeks (major winni.com withdrawal). I don't know if you have made your decision(s) yet, but I thought I'd throw my two cents in anyway. First off I'd say go with a fuel injected engine. I've had both, and in my opinion fuel injection means better fuel economy and better throttle response. I know the newer carbs have a no prime feature that means instant start-up, but I still doubt that they can compare within the two categories I've mentioned.
Secondly, I think that you can get by on Winni with a 20 footer as long as it has sufficient freeboard. Simply put, greater freeboard=dryness and security (a must with little ones). The only catch here, is that with little ones you have a lot of "stuff" to bring on board and you can feel pretty cramped on a boat that size.
Third on my mind has to do with brand. All of the boats you mentioned are nice, but I'd say check out Rinker (no bias here ). Dollar for dollar they offer more features and they consistently are among the top choices in testing.
Lastly, I have to say that Paugus Bay Marina would be my pick hands down. I purchased my boat at Silver Sands and have it in valet storage at PBM and they have treated me like a v.i.p. since day one. They would even notice me pulling into the parking lot and have my boat out of the building by the time I got to the dock. They also went to bat for me with an outdrive problem that was outside of the manufacturers warranty and got it covered. Another time they fixed a fuel leak that was covered under warranty and billed Silver Sands so that I didn't have to worry about the logistics of getting the boat to the marina where I purchased it. I can't say enough good things about the guys that work the valet service. They were willing to do whatever was necessary to get us out on the lake. One time a low gear lube alarm went off when I first started my boat and the valet guys ran and got me a quart of gear lube and poured it in and had me on my way in less than five minutes. Another thing worth mentioning is that they always have a mechanic on duty on the weekends to help out with the valet customers.
Good luck, and let us all know what you decide to do.