Believe it or not you have many options for $300 . I bought a used 10 foot john boat for $125 . This is still my favorite for jumping around to small little fishing holes. Keep it simple at first . All you need is a set of oars and your off. Another aproach is to go to the boat dealers and look out behind the place. If you are willing to put some work into a boat they will almost pay you to hull off one of their "junk" boats. But don't let this fool you. A new paint job, some new seats, a little love and care and you will be on the water in no time. I have actually proffited from this approach. Good luck on your search, you will get lots of enjoyment from your new boat. I started with boats at about your age and have been through about 12 of them by now. Be smart about searching. You need not spend alot of money. I am at the stage now where I am in the process of building my second boat from a pile of wood and a set of plans. It has become a passion with me. Again have fun with it and be safe.