How important are high gunnels for little kids in a boat?

[sokinwet]

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.

[Rip Runner]

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.

[Sea Dangles]

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.

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

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.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

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.