Re: FREEBOARD ?
 

I went fishing on my Step' for the first time last week. IMHO gunnel height is fine for kids. Even adults are comfy unless it's really rocking. But if you're releasing fish and constantly bending down to the water there's not a lot of gunnel height to lean your thighs into when the boats pitching and rolling. Keep your center of gravity (aka your a$$ ;D ) inside the boat. For the other 95% of the time the gunnel height is sufficient.

Just my two cents...

Re: FREEBOARD ?
 

My 85, Old School is a full transom and the gunnel height is good even for six footers plus. Where I do see an issue is in footing. The point where the wall and the floor meet (toe kick) is just slightly inboard from the gunnel so if you get in some rollers and are fighting a fish you better have some good anti slip shoes or you just might go swimming. I plan to add the gunnel pads on mine soon. It will give you leverage to place your thigh against and fight fish and balance yourself in general.And change that angle of toe stop and gunnel. I got spoiled with the Robalo CC I just sold it had them. After a day of fishing they made a big difference in comfort.

Re: FREEBOARD ?
 

Fishmaster, been takin' my kids out in the V20 for last almost 7 yrs and other boats since they were in diapers...now 14 & 16...never a problem w/anybody goin' over the gunwales...

Rule #1...kids have on PFDs when under way...no compromise!!... ;)...I've been lucky no doubt, but your kids in the boat as w/any other situation are as safe as YOU make 'em...NEVER assume anything...count heads BEFORE you crank the motor, every year, kids lose life and limb because somebody started a boat motor w/out knowing there was a kid too close to the prop... :'(...keep your eyes open and use good judgement... ;)...

And God help the MORON who takes the kids out for a day in the boat w/a cooler of beer or any booze... >:(...not sayin' it's you, but some who do... ;)...

iRe: FREEBOARD ?
 

reel, i couldnt agree more. i have been on boats since i was born. my pop had a boat since he was 16 and hasnt been without one since. my guys are 3 and 7. they always wear pfd's when under way. as for drinking and boating, well i dont drink and i take boating more serious than most. having seen the changes in boating over the last 40 years you must take it seriously. my father has 2 sayings for as long as i can remember...
1. water is only soft when you drink it.
2. boat breaks down you cant just get out and walk.

Re: FREEBOARD ?
 

FM63, sounds like you were ''raised right''... ;)...

Re: FREEBOARD ?
 

willy, you could add toe rails if it is a problem to you.