My suggestions would either be a canoe or a flat bottom john boat, neither sit low in the water. So if you have to go through shallow as well as deep water either because of the dept of the water or because of obstructions you'll be able to. They make some hard bottom inflatables but they are expenxive and you still run the risk of puncturing the inflatable sides. You can pick up canoes and john boats pretty cheap, if you can't find either a V or Semi V will be better than nothing.

You can pick up a used canoe or john boat around here fairly reasonable, I have seen them under 200.00 all depends on bells and whistles, thats probably the exception to the rule, expect to pay anywhere up to 1,000.00 which might also get you a small motor either gas or electric.

If you do decide on a canoe I would suggest attaching pontoons to make it more stable, any dealer would have the kit.