Last trip we were 2nd row from water, if we didn't have kids, I would have been fine with it. That said, we have 6 kids and the 4 and 2 year old tried many times to wander over to the water (they couldn't see from where we were since they are shorter). It would have been way more relaxing for DH and I if the 4 and 2 year old could have been in the seat next to the water. Then they could see the water and watch the boats going by.
I'm going to try for the first PS of the day on a weekday to improve our chances.

Thanks for the help and sorry hope you didn't mind me intruding on your thread.