What is your view of the ideal size for a beginner's boat? For some semblance of focus lets assume our beginner has zero boating experience, will run his boat on medium size lakes or sheltered inshore waters, and has unlimited budget. Vote for more than 1 choice if you feel appropriate.

Kelly

I picked the 18 to 20 foot range with a 4-stroke outboard because that size is easier to handle and the outboard becuase it is safer as it is not in an engine enclosure.

I don't like having to choose a size, but I said 22. It depends on the waters. A smaller boat with a beginner in the wrong water will lead to disaster. A too big of boat would be difficult to handle. I don't like having to guess at that one.

I had a human powered rowboat about 52 years ago.

I did say medium size lake or sheltered inshore waters for that reason.

Kelly

Yeah, sail would have been fun too

small boat w/inboard
it should be as close as possible to a long maneuverable aluminum canoe except with a good motor and stereo

Yes, and that was good. But everything is relative and some medium sized lakes can be a little less forgiving than others. I'll stick with my 22.

I picked 192 to 205 class with an I/O. Easy to learn with and will give a good experience on waters you have talked about.

I suspect that many of started out in the 18 to 20' range with I/O and think it worked well. Still is in my case.

I chose the 21'-26' class, not because I really believe that length is best for those circumstances, but because of the cockpit designs in most current models that have taken up so much floor space with sun pads and other upholstery that I wonder how many people can buy a 19' boat and be happy with it for any length of time.

No Agenda, haven't seen you post in a while.

18-20ft.

deepv, why is an O/B safer than an I/O, IYO?

Well, personally 18 to 20', but, I also agree with "anyhting from 22' and under".

No big boats for newbies IMO, to drive on the lake OR to trailer arround.

You won't believe the jet-boater said Inboard/Stern Drive, would ya?

I did.

I just have a lower opinion (justified or not) of outboard reliability as compared to the reliability of a car engine.

4-stroke Jet otherwise. :-)
BIG 4-stroke, small jet. LOL