first of all welcome to the boards and this is a great way to get in i see your in the AV hello neighbor
i am on my second boat and have 4 kids and i feel if you got 5 kids and a lil lady go with something that mid performance and wont kill your pocket. high performance stuff would be nice but reliable is better it better to be on the water with your boat than on the shore with the easy-up..open bow would be best for you or a deck would be great with that many family members you will need a 502 or a 496 to be able to get where you want to get in the same day. since its your first boat go used and learn the in's and out's first dont listen to your friend on this subject cause its your pocket that will have to pay for it in the end eliminator is what i have but there are so many brands out there take you time and look after christmas is a great time to buy good luck