Nice write up!
I have a boat (at one time 3 but the wife says only 2....now down to 1....) and three years ago I bought a sit on top Perception Pescador Pro 120 12' kayak. It is designed as a fishing kayak with tracks for rod holders, a FF mount and battery holder, scuppers and tons of storage. Buy a different life jacket, a good quality paddle and a few odds and ends and you can be fishing.
I am strictly talking freshwater as I am a long way from salt and only get out there once a year.
I now reach for the kayak more than the boat as I can be on the water in half the time as getting the boat ready. It is light weight, stable, easy in and out, catches fish just like the boat, can get into small lakes that the bigger boat has trouble with and I get some exercise from it!!
Biggest plus is that it make a pretty good duck hunting rig and I wouldn't hesitate to pack moose quarters out with it.
They are fun and addicting, especially for freshwater and smaller lakes
Cheers
SS