Jeff,
I agree with everything Wouter said about the Getaway. And as you said, this is a family experiment for you, so I still recommend the Wave. Find a used one. And they have very good resale value when and if you are ready to move up to a bigger boat. I don't know why you would be concerned about the seating area for the three of you on a Hobie Wave. As I said before, it has more seating area than a Hobie 18. I know, because I measured both. I have had two adults and four grandchildren out on my Wave, and nobody was sitting on top of anybody. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Also, it would be a good boat for teaching your wife and son how to sail, because you can let them take turns on the helm, as long as you have the mainsheet.