[LIforrelaxin]

Boat are like shoes, or a car.... there are many types and flavors out there. they all fit different handle different etc. Many factors need to go into what boat a person buys.
When I read threads like this and see things like "I wouldn't recomond anything less then a 25' for winni" I laugh. For years people used boats in the 18' - 20' arena and many still do. It is only in the last 15 to 20 years that the larger bow riders have really come into being. It all depends on what you want the boat for. If you want to be able to go out and rid around and never have to worry about taking a splash and getting a little wet, then most certainly the big the better with more freeboard. If you realize, you may get splashed and it doesn't concern you then something to the 18 - 20 foot class is just fine.

I personally own a 18' Four Winns, I have never been stopped from going out except for when I have fealt that the wind was to much. And at that point, the bigger boat wouldn't have changed my mind. I have decent freeboard.... but occasionally when the wind is not in my favor and I don't have a choice I take spray over the bow. Weather I had a cuddy or a bow rider wouldn't mater, the spray would be comming over the bow... I laugh, my passangers laugh and we get on with it, and as soon as I can, I change my heading so that it stops happening.

As for the issue people seem to have with taking water over the bow... well, what most people don't realize, is that if you do the right cobination of things at the wrong time, most bow riders are cabable of this.... no matter how high there bow is out of the water. When you cut power in a boat, the nose dives.... if it dives into a big enough wave you are screwed. If you have people in the bow the effect is even worse..... How do you prevent this.... In rough Conditions NEVER LET PEOPLE RIDE IN THE BOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bigger bow riders only offer people a false sense of security in this regard.....