It really is about guidance and standards. My first kayak purchase was a 9’6" x 30" Perception Swifty. I overloaded it like crazy, but I understand its limitations an would still use it today if not for better options that I own. I plan to take the 125 Tsunami out again to reasses it.
The real draw for rec boats is the lightervweight, easy of transporting and storing, stability, and the low cost.
At one point I considered a tandem, mostly so I could take out kids who wouldn’t be able to keep up. Then I realized how versitile a canoe is, and many are already configured as a tandem. Canoes typically also carry more weight and are easier to get in and out of.
Although canoes are very manueverable, they don’t always handle open water as handily as sea kayaks. Still, the canoe is suitable for many rivers and lakes.
100%. I enjoy canoes and kayaks for different reasons. But when you start adding live non-paddling cargo (kids, dogs) I generally prefer canoes. For us I figured there would be a point where our kid would be too big to sit in my kayak with me but too small to reliably paddle solo. Having a canoe and two single person kayaks gives us way more versatility than getting a third kayak. So now we have both!
Plus if we get another dog two adults plus kid plus dog will easily fit in our canoe.
If you get this boat, put some seat time in it before you take your camera gear out on the water. I think you will be happier in a longer boat. Find the most comfortable seat you can even if it costs more. You won’t regret it.