The 17 footer should do just fine -- in fact its probably exactly what you
want. There are a couple of places in the marsh where it might be a little
tight, but most of your paddling will be on the Hudson so you may have a knot
or so of current, some wind possibly and perhaps a barge wake or two. It's
probably three miles south from the put in to the south end of Kreuger (sp?)
Island, and a mile north to the lighthouse. It should be very pleasant in a
couple of weeks when the leaves change.

Enjoy your paddle,
Honcho1