I haven’t used the other style but for solo journeys I actually like a sit on top. They have holes which let a little water in, but the point of them is to make it more stable. I found mine to be excellent for fishing and just cruising the canals. I’m not sure where Indian River is but there are gators where I live. I haven’t had any close encounters yet though. Now with the holes, your butt and feet do get wet. I found a couple of ways to get around it. I put a big pad on the bottom to sit on. For my feet, if its a nice day I don’t worry about them or I will prop them up at the top of the sit on top. It’s kind of an attack stance, rigid legs and back so I can kayak more forcefully. The other thing I have done is wear water proof high boots in cold weather.

I asked a question about this a few days ago and someone said get a used cobra, hobie or ocean kayak

"http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApKPbDx4UDXX6Am3LzdbMMbty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100117155031AAs12Qt"

I can tell you I have seen a "wilderness tarpon" brand/model kayak up close and I would buy one of them in a heartbeat.

By the way, various publications will have maps and articles about where to kayak. I have a scrap book where I have accumulated a nice collection with the names of all the creeks and rivers in my area. I even have an article about a group that does a group snorkel once a month.

I am going to ask about kayak speeds because I would like to get another sit on top if its not a speed issue.