Type of motor boat for an inexperienced boater?

Question

Have 3 young kids,low budget, fresh water and want to start taking the family out on the lake

Answer 1

You didn't mention how much of a budget you have, but power boating isn't exactly cheap.  A small, open deck boat with a under 15 hp. outboard can be had used for about $750 - $1500 such as this one: http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/6/...

but stay away from ones that need engine work, a new outboard is going to cost some serious money.  Some good places to look at what's available would be http://boattraderonline.com or your local http://craigslist.com or perhaps Ebay.  An electric motor is cheap to operate, but you wont be moving much faster than 5 mph.  A two stroke motor is fairly cheap, but uses twice the gas as a four stroke motor will, while a four stroke is expensive and heavy, but is good on gas mileage.

If you're very inexperienced, I'd suggest you try and see if there's a  Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron flotilla close by, they offer some good boating classes and are a wealth of information, and pretty much specialize in helping new boaters.