Always get the newest, largest, boat you are willing to afford. With the young kids and really with anyone the comfortable areas out of the sun should always be a priority. I have never met a mom with young ones who did not want a microwave on the boat. The small kids they will not care. All they want to be is close to you or at least your wife.

If your group is new to this? The smaller the distance from the bow stem to the water will make the mooring ball process easier.