No smaller than a 15 footer, it don't take long to fill one up with rods cooler and gear. 16ft with a live well is the way to go for a beginner boat. I have had Lowe and Alumacraft and they were both tuff boats. You will have to spend more money to get a console steer than a tiller steer. Be smarter than me, I had 5 boats in 5 years untill I found the perfect boat for me. Besure to go on Craig's List and compare boats. Look at the price and see what you can get for the money you have to spends. Learn what a boat is worth, then you will know a good buy when you see it and never buy before you drive. IMO