Tracker vs Lowe

[robtheplumber]

I am new to this forum and need a little advise. If anyone has some input on this I would sure appreciate it.

I am looking for a boat for my son and I and I can't make up my mind on which size and brand boat to buy.

It is my first boat and I am willing to fork out the $ for a new one so I don't have spend allot of time fixing up a used one. Not oppsoed to a newer used one but just don't see many available in my area. My son is growing up so fast I want to be able to spend as much time on the water with him as I can.

We like to fish Bass, Trout, Catfish in local lakes and some coastal kelp bed fishing for Calico etc... Ocean along the coast where we are is generally as calm as a lake.

Typically it would just be he and I in the boat but I want one large enough to be able to take at least 2 adults and 2 kids.

I have been looking at the Tracker V-16 SC or 175 SC and the Lowe FM165 and FM175. A friend recommended getting an 18' but they are just a little too big to fit well in the garage and little over the budget. Thoughts on an 18'?

Any and all opinions are welcome.

Thanks.