For your price range, you could always put outrigger pontoon stabilizers on your canoe.
I have a 20 ft Grumman and with those on, it's very easy to paddle alone. And I can stand in it with no problems.
Later as money allows, you can add a trolling motor and such.
Just a suggestion. Sorry I have no useful info on kayaks
Set in Kayaks catch less wind and make it easier to paddle across open water than a canoe. A longer kayak is easier to row across wind swept lakes and open water because it keeps you going straighter and requires fewer directional correction inputs. But you want one small enough to get back into the hidden coves and tight spaces. I'm not a fan of set on top kayaks. But, that's just me. kwg
