Family of 4 needs advice

[Smart555]

Hello, Sea Turtle and welcome!
We understand you concerns because only in last year were in the same position we were looking for a boat for our family of 6 not having previous sailing experience in Florida... and now we’re happily living aboard and have been sailing the Caribbean for last 4 month everything is possible! All attractive boats were over our budget but we went on searching and finally get our Mana Kai in Antigua
Speaking about marinas our favorite in Marathon is Faro Blanko but they have a bridge there about 67” height. Another good option is Marina Del Mar in Key Largo. It’s not so fancy and comfortable but the neighborhood is nice, they have a school there as well. Also it’s great that you don’t need to pass any bridges to get to the open water. And there are one of the most famous and beautiful reef park there.