Ever considered a nice stable small flat bottom. I have a nice 14' flat extra wide flat bottom that is my river hunting rig. Easy to handle by myself in the dark, very stable and safe. I have a Briggs 5 hp aircooled on it and it is a lot safer then being in the cold november water with then a tippy canoe. You can also paddle these; especially if you get a narrow one. Flat bottoms rule for river use in the fall as far asI am concerned; especially loaded down with expensive bows, deer stands, and your dead deer. You hit a log in the river with a canoe in the dark and you and your archery gear are likely to take a bath.I know you said you will only hunt a lake, but plans can change.HCH