Old Chum-

For the number of people you are asking about, I would stick with a 16' boat or larger.

I used my 16' Gregor out in the sound in under some pretty nasty conditions and never felt unsafe. In a 14' or smaller boat I might have been a bit puckered.

All depends on the type of boat too. A 16' boat with low freeboard would probably feel less-safe than a 14'er with higher board.

Definately go with an all-welded boat. I have heard from too many people that say their riveted boats leak.
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