Pythons Vs Boa for beginners?

[Machala2012]

So i had a Ball Python who was quite aggressive, took her to the vet who said she was severely Mal nourished, the people i purchased her from said she had been eating fine, and after all of my research it didn't seem too odd that she was off feed. Anyways i found a breeder that took her in [my vet gave me their name they do a lot of work around here for the zoo] So to the point of this posting is i still wanna get into the hobby, the right way this time by buying from a reputable breeder. Ive been researching and i found the Hog Island Boa, i know they are smaller then most of the subspecies in the family and was wondering compared to a Ball Python how are they for beginners? Im kinda nervous about being bitten but not enough that i would be afraid to deal with a few snaps if need be but i do have kids and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this? Any input would be appreciated!