I would suggest a sit-on-top.
But after that, the right boat depends on SOOOO many variables:
Boat speed (ease of covering distance) is primarily a function of boat length. There are some technical reasons for this, but just accept it. If you want to cover a lot of water, at least a 12' boat, 14' is better, 16' is fast, but most 16' boats are not built for fishing, meaning not particularly stable.
Stability is primarily a function of width. Many think a wide boat has to be slow. But a wide, long boat is stable and still reasonably fast. It also drafts very little if that matters to your application. A wide boat that floats high does have more wetted area than a more narrow boat that drafts more, but wetted area is second order to boat length.
If you want to stand to fish, you need stability.
If you want to stand to fish, but are not young/flexible/nimble, you need to sit up a bit to easily transition from sitting to standing.
Sitting up high is a bitch in the wind. When you are the propulsion, windage matters WAY more than in a power boat.
Your legs are way more powerful than your arms. If you want to cover a lot of water, a leg propulsion system is huge. Hobie is the gold standard. They are expensive.
All boats are trade offs. Kayaks are no exception. In fact, you will notice the trade offs EVEN MORE with a kayak.
The advice of others is NOT USEFUL unless they use a boat the same way you do, and are about the same size/build/physical shape. That said, well meaning people who know can tell you if a boat paddles well, is stable, etc. But that doesn't mean they need the same things you need.
Reading/research/education is a huge help. A dealer who carries a lot of brands helps. Yes, they may push a certain brand based on profit, but not as much as a dealer who sells only a few brands.
Demo (demonstration) days are great. You can try a lot of boats in a short time. Renting is also an option to figure out the right boat. Some dealers will deduct recent rental fees from the price of a boat if you end up buying.
Car topping is a pain. Especially if the boat has a lot of accessories to remove before loading. Back of truck or trailer is much better. Remember, there is a big difference between a trailer that needs a ramp to launch the boat vs. a trailer you only have to get near the water. You need to figure out how to get the boat from the vehicle to the water.
I know that is a lot. Sorry. Hope it helps.
Gun Doc
Last edited by GunDoc7; 06/08/19.
