boat advice with young kids

I need some advice!!!!

I am looking to buy a second hand dinghy to use in Poole harbour. I have a daughter who will be 3 in the spring and 1 year old twins. i would like to get the toddler on the water this year, however, will also be looking to get the twins out next year or the one after. When we are all out there will be 5 of us incl the missus. I am looking for a boat to meet our needs, that I can sail single handed and will be suitable for with the kids. I would like the option of a spinnaker for when i have an extra set of hands or am able to sail without the kids but have a crew. I'm also thinking that with young kids, something that has a transon, or that I can fit a transom to, so that I can have a small outboard for safety would be ideal. I am also looking for something that will have a bit of life (for its size), and is not an old barge - i think i may be asking the impossible!!!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

thanks!!!

If you are after a boat that they wont fall out of then a Wayfarer may be suitable as it has more a seating arrangement for the younger ones and is really safe and "barge" like. They do have kites/spinnakers for that extra sail area.

The Laser Stratos is a more modern cruiser boat that has the facility to take families and offer a safe seating, unlikely to tip but can go over if the enevitable happens.

The RS Vision is a more tippy boat but made of "plastic" can be beached if required.

Of the above, the RS can't be fitted with a small outboard, if I was after one, I recon the Stratos will provide more a "Thrill" factor for the family and when with another adult. All 3 of the above are used as teaching boats at RYA centres.

Chris - You can't fit 5 people in a 200, it will be a squeeze. Even a L 2000 will be pushing it.

We have 2 Stratos' that are used for teaching/joy riding our cadets in the Summer. They prefer that boat over the Comet Trio or Wayfarer we have out.

RS have a Demo centre located off the M4 motorway. Laser also do them as Chris said but you may find someone more local or at the Sail Laser centre in WPNSA.

Any further questions just ask.

Edit - The Laser Stratos can be sailed single handed if conditions are right. With a reefing Main and furling Jib, make it easy to handle. It is just a big Laser (Standard rig). The only downside to any of the larger boats is their landbased weight.

Wayfarers are popular in Poole harbour:

http://www.parkstonewayfarers.org.uk/pyc-main.shtml

They're a friendly lot and will certainly fix you up with a go if you get in touch.

Certainly one of the safest boats around (except the 'World' version which turtles enthusiastically), and capable of embarassing boy-racers in some conditions. nice feel on the helm, too.

Otherwise, how about a Miracle? - much lighter to manhandle on land but still very stable. Roomy for its size; not quick but feels lively.