PEDALER
Hobie Mirage Outfitter
Best For: Beginners, or anyone who wants to give their arms a rest.
Why It's Cool: It's a pedal boat for grown-ups! Sure, you can paddle it just like any sit-on-top kayak—it's stable and predictable—but what distinguishes the tandem Outfitter is its unique hands-free propulsion. Dubbed the MirageDrive, the system slides into the hull in seconds, and your pedaling motion powers a pair of underwater flippers. You steer with a tiny joystick that controls the rudder. It's so simple that my inexperienced parents were cruising around North Carolina's Banks Channel right away. The Outfitter is designed as a tandem but can be paddled solo, and thanks to its 34-inch beam, even beginners will have no problem staying upright.
Before You Buy: The MirageDrive needs water at least 12 inches deep, so landing can be tricky. And it's heavy for a 12-footer. 12'8" x 34", 72 lbs, $2,199; hobiecat.com

HYBRID
Mad River Synergy 12
Best For: Paddlers who want a stable flatwater cruiser with enough storage for weekend kayak-camping trips.
Why It's Cool: The Synergy is among the best of a new breed of kayak/canoe hybrids that deliver ultimate versatility. With its high sides and low seat, you'll feel like you're sitting in a bathtub—but not like you're paddling one. The 12-footer I tested cut through windblown whitecaps and tracked well, thanks to a sleek kayaklike hull. And you get the stability and ample cargo capacity you'd expect from a canoe. Mad River offers a 14-foot model with an optional rudder, but unless you plan on doing gear-heavy, long-distance trips, choose the more maneuverable 12-footer.
Before You Buy: Check your stroke. The grab handles protrude a bit from the hull, so some paddlers may scrape their knuckles. 12' x 30.8", 60 lbs, $750; mad-rivercanoe.com