In another thread, I mentioned that I am very seriously considering pulling thr trigger on a Privateer 24 center console. My wife was on board till I showed her photos, when she commented on the low sides.

we have a 4 year old, a 1 year old, and one on the way. I have been on a Privateer many times, but I never thought about the low gunnels (they are only knee high, like a Twin Vee). I want to have this boat a long time, and I want my kids to enjoy themselves and be safe.

To those of you who boat with little kids...would you hesitate to get a boat with really low gunnels, if you liked everything else about the boat?

Thanks for any suggestions.

I take my 3 year old grandson and 1 year old granddaughter out on my 21' Hydra-sports CC, which has pretty high gunnels for the size of the boat. I would definitely think twice about the low gunnels with children on board. Think about when the boat rocks and rolls they be leaning against the side and if it is loiw they could go over. Also with the higher gunnels you and your wife will be able to enjoy the time on the boat without having to always worry that little bit extra that they may go over.

Depends if you want to keep the kids....

How important is keeping the kids in the boat?
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I love Privateer boats, no nonsense, well built and only need a few inches to float. My kids have been playing on a 21ft privateer since the gunnels were shoulder high to them, I don't think 6 - 8" is going to make a huge difference, your either careful on a boat or your not, and if not, that's why kids have to wear life jackets.

I've got better "sea legs" than most; fished a friends smaller Eastern that also has low gunnels (and also flat bottom & pounds like a hammer) and made sure I was holding on good whenever we were moving. I don't believe these boats were designed for "family" use; they are designed with the lower gunnels as working boats. If you're considering an older rebuilt boat I would consider an older Seacraft, Mako or Grady. They had the best construction of older boats (Seacraft being the best...of course) ; very thick hand layed FG hulls etc. Before you make your decision check out Classic Seacraft or Classic Mako...lots of deals on very good boats. My 71 SC is still as solid as a rock.

I think the Classic Mako's had low gunnels too. I remember looking at one that was perfect, but I didn't buy it because the gunnels were too low and my dad isn't so great on his feet in a small boat. I ended up buying a 21 Wellcraft that had nice high gunnels. I now have 2 kids and the gunnels on my SeaCraft are nice and high for the old man, the kids, and my black lab who looks for an excuse to fall out of the boat whenever she has a chance.

A-lot depends on the type of water you travel in. If you are in small flat calm bays and you keep a close eye on your kids it doesn't matter as much. If you plan on running in open water, I would have high gunnels for the extra piece of mind. When running I keep the kids right next to me, or on the front seat of the center console with my wife so I can see them at all times all the time.

You will only be taking the kids when it's flat calm anyhow. Slap life jackets on them and pull the trigger on a nice boat.

I take my 3 year old grandson and 1 year old granddaughter out on my 21' Hydra-sports CC, which has pretty high gunnels for the size of the boat. I would definitely think twice about the low gunnels with children on board. Think about when the boat rocks and rolls they be leaning against the side and if it is loiw they could go over. Also with the higher gunnels you and your wife will be able to enjoy the time on the boat without having to always worry that little bit extra that they may go over.

looks like we have the same boat.

I feel better with the high gunnels but agree with Sea Dangles. I only take the kids when its very calm so Im not sure if it matters.

A couple of years ago my Dad and I took a neighbor out to 3-way some eels through the reefs at night. It was about as nice a night as you can ask for but somehow in a split second the neighbor was in the water. Luckily I was fishing the same side of the boat and heard him go in and we were able to pull him out right away but it was an eye opening experience. I still have the boat (Cobia 194) which has pretty low gunnels but if I ever upgrade I will be looking for something with at least thigh high gunnels.

High gunnel's preferred. My boat has 26" or 28" gunnel's and with the eight and ten year old grand kids on board the high gunnel's are a plus especially if you are running the boat, them little suckers running and jumping around and the wife enjoying the scenery, who is paying attention, "You."

When chartering I show people how to put their knees aganist the gunnel's. You have all types of people on a charter and some will not go near the gunnel's, some are more secure sitting even on a calm day.

This is something I used to stress about with my old skiff. My son went with me alot of the time and I was always on high stress. Go big on the gunnels.

You will only be taking the kids when it's flat calm anyhow. Slap life jackets on them and pull the trigger on a nice boat.

Ditto.

We have a Key West 23 CC with pretty high gunnels and I've almost gone over while plugging in some pretty bad chop. My 6 yo son stays sitting down and holding on when we're moving and when we stop to fish, he understands that he has to be careful because the boat can move suddenly. I don't think it would be any issue if the gunnels were lower. It's all about teaching them to be safe and keeping an eye on them.

I would go with high gunnels, even if you only take the kids out on flat days you still have to worry about other boat wakes and the fact that some days start flat but don't end that way.

I thought it was spelled gunwales.
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Another thing besides the low gunwales on a Privateer,
They are wet boats.

You will only be taking the kids when it's flat calm anyhow. Slap life jackets on them and pull the trigger on a nice boat.

What Chris said. Common sense should prevail.

A couple of thoughts. A low gunnel is really a problem when the top of the gunnel is below the knee. To me, this is more problematic for seniors or guests that are not use to boats.
Second, I think you should take the nature of your kids into consideration. If they tend to be mindful and watching them isn't a big problem then it may be OK. If they are high energy, and tend not to listen, then its more of a red flag.
Been fishing a low gunnel boat for about five years now and to me its just easier to fish.
I do know of one guy with a boat that has low gunnels, takes clients out etc., and IMO goes out in weather he shouldn't. He has had clients go over.
Privateer makes a nice boat.

A couple of thoughts. A low gunnel is really a problem when the top of the gunnel is below the knee. To me, this is more problematic for seniors or guests that are not use to boats.
Second, I think you should take the nature of your kids into consideration. If they tend to be mindful and watching them isn't a big problem then it may be OK. If they are high energy, and tend not to listen, then its more of a red flag.
Been fishing a low gunnel boat for about five years now and to me its just easier to fish.
I do know of one guy with a boat that has low gunnels, takes clients out etc., and IMO goes out in weather he shouldn't. He has had clients go over.
Privateer makes a nice boat.

Thanks, and thanks to everyone. Well, it seems that 50% of you think low gunwales are inappropriate for little kids, and 50% think it should be OK, so that really clears things up!

I want to get thisboat, my wofe is starting to say "maybe we should put the $$ into the 529 plans, which are pathetically low", and she has a point.

We're not wealthy enough to have it all, so like most people, we have to choose one or the other. I will start posting photos of the re-build if we pull the trigger.

i've got a bay boat that i have my kids and nieces/nephews on once in a while. with the low gunwales it crosses my mind from time to time. with little ones on the boat i drive pretty slow and it's only on fac days and you just watch them like a hawk. if it's the right boat for you and you can afford it - do it up. if not, go for a more modest boat and put some money in the fund

Boats are simply financial compromises. If I got every feature that pleased everyone, I never would be able to own one.
The girls want enclosed potties, not that I can blame them. Clients wanted this or that feature. Spend what you can to catch the fish the way you want to catch them. Used boats are a bargain, take advantage of it and make sure the stringers are solid, and the motor is reliable.
Good luck man.
BTW, I have two kids, my son hates to fish. thats ok. He'ld rather I tie him to the front and drive the boat as if it were his own extreme ride. My daughter, when she spends the time will fish and catch. She's a gurly girl too, but more than that, she's stubborn as hell (wonder were she got that trait from) and will catch fish.
Have fun man, thats what is all about.

Thanks, and thanks to everyone. Well, it seems that 50% of you think low gunwales are inappropriate for little kids, and 50% think it should be OK, so that really clears things up!

I want to get thisboat, my wofe is starting to say "maybe we should put the $$ into the 529 plans, which are pathetically low", and she has a point.

We're not wealthy enough to have it all, so like most people, we have to choose one or the other. I will start posting photos of the re-build if we pull the trigger.

Boats are simply financial compromises. If I got every feature that pleased everyone, I never would be able to own one.
The girls want enclosed potties, not that I can blame them. Clients wanted this or that feature. Spend what you can to catch the fish the way you want to catch them. Used boats are a bargain, take advantage of it and make sure the stringers are solid, and the motor is reliable.
Good luck man.
BTW, I have two kids, my son hates to fish. thats ok. He'ld rather I tie him to the front and drive the boat as if it were his own extreme ride. My daughter, when she spends the time will fish and catch. She's a gurly girl too, but more than that, she's stubborn as hell (wonder were she got that trait from) and will catch fish.
Have fun man, thats what is all about.

Great post, and thank you. Are you a charter captain? I saw you reference "clients". If so, where do you fish out of, what's the name of your boat?

I believe in living for today, but at the same time, planning for tomorrow. Especially when you have kids.

I like investing in family fun time. When my oldest was born, we put in a pool. I have dreams of coaching his little league team, and having all the little guys over for pool parties and cookouts. I view the pool as an investment in "memories".

I view boats the same way, but even a little more so, because I have saltwater in my blood, and owning a boat is almost a spiritual thing with me, as I'm sure it is to a lot of folks here. Those days when I try to convince myself to get this Privateer, I tell myself, well, if it means I have to postpone retirement for 6 months or so, fine, it's worth it.

Also, I did some time in Iraq with the USMC, and at the end of the 3 or 4 toughest days, I swore to myself when I got home, I was going to treat myself to a 23-25 foot center console, regardless of my financial situation.

On one hand, I cannot imagine that I'll regret getting it on my deathbed, but I can see regretting it on my deathbed if I don't get it. On the other hand, it would sure be nice to put another $25k into the college fund. Especially since (1) we have 3 little kids, and (2) we live 50 miles away from southeast CT, where I like to boat.

I wish I liked lake boats, where $10k goes a long way! Those of us who like the saltwater, of more accurately, those of us who are chosen by the ocean to always be drawn to her, have an awfully expensive additction!

I would look hard at a boat that has already been restored and someone is selling. You will do much better financially. You can't go wrong with an older 23 SeaCraft that has been restored. High gunnels and if you get caught in a storm she'll get you home. Another boat that I would take a close look at would be a 239 Hydra Sports. It's a very solid boat and family friendly, much newer than the Classic SeaCrafts but there are good deals to be had. Just make sure you don't have an old Ficht engine, has to be a 2002 or newer.

I agree on the memories, I have friends that sold their boats when they had kids. All I could think about was getting my kids on the boat. If I don't have charters on the weekends, my family and I will be doing overnights in Cuttyhunk, or MV, can't wait.

There is a recent thread on THT where a guy wonders whether or not he should buy now and finance, or wait a year and pay cash.

Someone gets on and makes the best point as far as I can see;


" . . . I don't know how old you are but lets say you have 20 years of boating left. You wait 1-year, that is 5%-gone forever."


Oh yeah, low gunwales, no problem. You gotta see the craft in other countries/3rd world countries where they are just on rafts. Teach the kids, protect the kids and it should not be a problem.

In all my years, I've not read any instances where kids have fallen out of boats and gotten into trouble because of low gunwales. I think that because parents are more vigilant with their young-ones, the number of times it happens is very low.

I'll have my 1 year old out with me and I'm glad I have both a full transom and high gunwales but would not hesitate to take him out in anything so long as he is in a PFD and I or someone is keeping an eye on him.

There is a recent thread on THT where a guy wonders whether or not he should buy now and finance, or wait a year and pay cash.

Someone gets on and makes the best point as far as I can see;


" . . . I don't know how old you are but lets say you have 20 years of boating left. You wait 1-year, that is 5%-gone forever."


Oh yeah, low gunwales, no problem. You gotta see the craft in other countries/3rd world countries where they are just on rafts. Teach the kids, protect the kids and it should not be a problem.

In all my years, I've not read any instances where kids have fallen out of boats and gotten into trouble because of low gunwales. I think that because parents are more vigilant with their young-ones, the number of times it happens is very low.

I'll have my 1 year old out with me and I'm glad I have both a full transom and high gunwales but would not hesitate to take him out in anything so long as he is in a PFD and I or someone is keeping an eye on him.

Thanks Bassyius.

I love Duskys. If $$ was no issue, I would get one of the 23 foot "Fishermans Cuddy" model. To me, that boat is ideal. Small cabin in front of the console for litte ones to take a nap (or for storage), and a massive casting deck/sunpad above that cabin.

Some folks have mentioned that it's expensive to get a boat professionally re-done. Well, a brand new "stock" 24 footer from Privateer costs just over $30,000 (hull alone). This guy is quoting me $17,000 for a professionally re-built hull...it would have been $14,000 to re-do the hull similar to a stock boat, but my customizations brought it up to $17,000. I figure I can get it up here, put a clean used engine on her, a mid-range GPS and fishfinder, and be on the water for around $30k.

Or, I could put that $30k into the 529 plans!

A very sincere thanks to all who responded.

Get the boat.

Put what you can in to the 529 plans.


Sure would be nice to be rich/wealthy and not have to worry about the $-numbers as much but good that you do.

I worried and had a small tinge of "buyers-remorse" when I sent my down payment in but in looking back and now, I have not one regret, especially the first time I'll have my boy on the boat this season and all the rest of this season.

If anything, the low gunwales are going to make you teach your kids better and make them be better at not falling out.

The only thing with cabins of any kind, all the way up to my brother in laws 54' Hatteras is, when one goes down into the cabin, they don't feel so good no matter how big or small the boat is, that is most people. I considered the Fishermans Cuddy but am glad I decided against it because not once did I ever wish I had it for the past 4 years and the 20+ years I've been boating.

Same with a T-Top, I have never wished I had one.

Get the boat.

Put what you can in to the 529 plans.


Sure would be nice to be rich/wealthy and not have to worry about the $-numbers as much but good that you do.

I worried and had a small tinge of "buyers-remorse" when I sent my down payment in but in looking back and now, I have not one regret, especially the first time I'll have my boy on the boat this season and all the rest of this season.

If anything, the low gunwales are going to make you teach your kids better and make them be better at not falling out.

The only thing with cabins of any kind, all the way up to my brother in laws 54' Hatteras is, when one goes down into the cabin, they don't feel so good no matter how big or small the boat is, that is most people. I considered the Fishermans Cuddy but am glad I decided against it because not once did I ever wish I had it for the past 4 years and the 20+ years I've been boating.

Same with a T-Top, I have never wished I had one.

We think alike! I do a lot of casting and some fly-fishing, and therefore I have no use for t-tops. Not when fishing anyway, maybe the shade would be nice for the family outings...

Dodger on the bow for that shade, if you'd ever need it.

Here in New England, we are thankful for the days when we can fry like bacon because we are freezing like beef the other 6 months of the year.

Kind of off subject, .... but what happens to saved 529 money if the kid decides not to go to college or college doesn't happen?

Kind of off subject, .... but what happens to saved 529 money if the kid decides not to go to college or college doesn't happen?

Good question, and I know the answer. If you withdraw that money for any reason other than college expenses, you (1) have to pay income taxes on the earnings (for which you have not yet paid taxes), and (2) you pay an additional 10% penalty to the feds...

The big advantage of 529 plans is that if you DO use it for college, you never have to pay any taxes on your earnings. You already paid taxes on your contrubutions, but your gains are tax-free if used for college.

Simple Solution and you should find it on any boat. DUCT TAPE!

Kids will be safe and you can enjoy the day. LOL

I agree when looking for a boat for fishing I want a high wall to lean on when fishing. It's the first test I do at the boat shows.

Kids are smaller, so there center of gravity is lower too. What looks low to us is not as bad for them.

As everyone has said. If you watch them, and let them know they can fall out, all is good.

Simple Solution and you should find it on any boat. DUCT TAPE!

Kids will be safe and you can enjoy the day. LOL

I agree when looking for a boat for fishing I want a high wall to lean on when fishing. It's the first test I do at the boat shows.

Kids are smaller, so there center of gravity is lower too. What looks low to us is not as bad for them.

As everyone has said. If you watch them, and let them know they can fall out, all is good.

Couldn't have said it any better myself, now for the selfish plug, I work for a Duct Tape manufacturer. We have it in all colors and patterns to match your boat. Colleges too :)

Good question, and I know the answer. If you withdraw that money for any reason other than college expenses, you (1) have to pay income taxes on the earnings (for which you have not yet paid taxes), and (2) you pay an additional 10% penalty to the feds...

The big advantage of 529 plans is that if you DO use it for college, you never have to pay any taxes on your earnings. You already paid taxes on your contrubutions, but your gains are tax-free if used for college.

Gracias.

the Duct tape sales is funny ... :rotf2: :rotf2: :rotf2:

So .... you get the boat yet????