I am considering the purchase of a boat and would prefer to get a drift boat rather than a sled. It seems I would be able to go on a larger variety of rivers with a drift boat. I have a few questions if you guys don't mind helping me out.

First,How difficult is it to learn to handle a drift boat? Starting out on the sky.I have been fishing for salmon and steelhead since I was 14(33 now) but have always fished from the bank.

Second, I have a wife and two kids (both under 6), and would like to be able to take them with me from time to time, what is the capacity a person can safely have in a drift boat and does the drift boat allow for kids to move around safely?

Last, I have read post here on certain types of drift boats being easier to row and handle, What is it that makes one drift boat easier to handle/row over another.

also,thanks in advance for the help