Well I have a 5.4m Quintrex with 90 Suzi 4 stroke. Best damn boat I've ever had. Plenty of deck, comfy seats and removable rear bench seat. I guess you just need to hunt around but I reckon you could get something similar for $25K

I've only had two boats, and am still relatively inexperienced, but here are some of the pit falls I've had.
Both boats had been re-engined, and both to higher HP. Both boats were (are) stern heavy because of this. The first boat made hard work of getting on the plane, the second present boat goes on the plane with ease but slams down hard, not good for the passengers.
The first was a real handful when coming in to dock, no steering at low prop RPM. the second is great at low RPM and docking is easy. This is important if you're new to boating.
I would go to inflatable life jackets (Stormy is my choice)(look at my past posts on lifejackets), and make it a rule to wear them while on the boat. When shit happens it can happen very quickly, so wearing the life jacket, especially the little ones is the best way to be.
Practical storage, yes there are pockets and shelves etc, but I have found most of the time they just collect junk.
Consider easy access to emergency equipment.
One important factor, being able to get to the "anchor well" hand rails, wide gunnel, walk through windscreen etc.
PS more info on your profile (Account).

 I've had a couple of boats, the first was a lemon and everything that could fail did. The most recent boat is a 5.8 m FRP or glass boat and the shopping list was similar to yours (keep the mrs and kids happy, river cruise occasionally and try to get fish blood all over it often with mates).

A trailer boat package consists of three things (and insurance is usually calculated like this also); trailer, boat and engine. It is wise to consider each item and look for something with all in good or better condition because if one is cactus it will cost you money, keep the boat out of the water, piss the mrs off and make you think of doing an insurance job on your boat.

Trailer: sturdy, no to minimal rust (the axle usually has a bit though), tandem is not necessary and can make reversing into tight spots a bit more difficult. On the flip side, if you intend to travel a tandem adds a bit more safety due to the second axle. Replace the wheel bearings yourself when you do buy it and you will know that the bearings are fresh and you will also learn how to change the bearings which will save you c

Boat: endless options, I am biased to glass as I like the softer ride but both Ali and glass boats can have either a hard or soft ride. If you do take your kids out often, the cuddy can will get used as kids, mine at least, always have a nap a some time and if you have any mates that get sick, this is where they wil end up (at least it's out of the way). Some have a head or dunny in there which is a winner with the mrs just don't tell your mate that's been on the turps the night before, had two pies for breaky and washed it down with a beer that it's there. Deck space is important if you are having a few aboard, gunnel height if you are heading out wide. Shade or shelter is a necessity, hard tops rock but add considerable cost to a boat and more difficult to fold down if required. A nice tight, new bikini, er bimini looks great on the boat and is also easier to fold down or take of, especially if you intend to overnight with the mrs or travel.

engine: get it checked by someone competent. Twice. Do some research on the motor of the boat you like as some have crappy production years, short life span if not treated correctly, expensive parts or oil or faults in electrical or oil systems that throw up nerve wrecking alarms constantly or when your 30k offshore. Basically, late model engines say 2006 or newer, black silver or white in either 2 or 4 stroke are the most common and are all reliable if good motors. 

Haines Hunter 565L with a 115 suz 4stroke for about $25 atm, but you wouldn't want to buy it and spend any more on it, like new canopy, decent electronics etc...so negotiate

A bit of advice also is not to buy a glass boat that has had the bottom of the hull painted and not re gel coated

definately a four stroke some people say you get a softer ride with glass but I prefer ali and its more durable and less pitfalls look on places like boatsales.com.au and boatpoint gumtree you may find what your looking for your right something with a cuddy cab would be good for the youngsters at least they can get out of the sun and have a sleep if need be happy kids means happy wife which means you can all go out and have a enjoyable day on the big blue

 cheers all :) 

Ill keep all this in mind. I guess now its just searching all the sites til we find what we are after. Sooner I can get my line out the better I

had a 5m freedom sport for around 12 years , easy to launch and retreive on my own , only down side is some of the support ribs crack which i get welded up once a year ( mainly from miss use going out in weather that i shouldn't)

only hesitation with a cuddy is i know alot of blokes that get seasick when in the cab  ( small room with limited vision rocking around )

i'ld personnally go a 4st cheaper on the juice , quieter but more expensive for services

They say theres the boat you want , and then theres the boat you need, two different things.

After lots of years of boating , I say keeping it affordable, and as simple as possible will go a long way

to make boating enjoyable and long term. The used boat yards are full of near new rigs that people

ending up finding suit none of these things.

My humble advise is; size, your on the money , 5-5.75 m is safe, garage friendly, and affordable, do anything boat within reason.

                             ; material, ali or glass, depends on use, ali , hardwearing and tough; glass , in general softer ride and easy fittout.

                             ; trailer; single axle, simple , easy to reverse, only 2 tyres, hubs etc.

                             ;motor, because you have not gone too big , a 4 stroke, 60-90 hp is super economical and afforable to service.

This hyper-thetical rig can be towed near anywhere without too much strain, can crab, troll, limited deepsea fish, pull a tube

cruise a river, and provide years of family fun whilst not re-morgaging the house.

Putting my money were my mouth is , I am starting to research this same type of boat for myself.

good luck.

I pretty much went through the same process you are about 6 months ago.

I needed something that we can go for a cruise up to the Ravo and crabbing in the estuary but still head offsore when i wanted to.

I was initially leaning towards Ali for the easy towing and less HP needed but then decided that he ride was more important.  I can't see the point of shelling out $25k on a boat then sacrificing the ride for the sake of $25 worth of fuel.

I done a lot of research,reading and test driving before settling on the Ocean Whaler 5.56 centre console. It already had a stainless targa and i have since fitted two of the 4WD type roll out awnings for shade. They're really good cover nearly the whole boat if neded and then pack up if your just fishing. I have had this boat out in some pretty shitty conditions and i can't praise it enough. Even had the Mrs out in the sound chasing snapper on a stormy winters night and didn't get a single complaint. It's not a wet ride as some centre consoles can be.

They are a nice light hull due to the construction method but still give the nice "glass" ride. 

It is powered by a late model 115 Etec which i can't be happier with.

I have a mate with a 7.5my Ali and he even commented on how good the ride was saying that his rig would've been a rougher ride than mine.

If you want any more info just get back to me. I'm more than happy to take you out for a ride if your down Rockingham way sometime.

Hope this helps some.