Back in the halcyon days of r.b.p, your question would have kicked off
a multi-day debate, with some people urging you to go right out and
buy a WW kayak and learn to roll (because you would want to do that
eventually), others telling you to go for a sea kayak capable of off-
shore work (because you would want to do that eventually), and some
others bemoaning the notion of a "beginner kayak," because your skills
will certainly outgrow the capabilities of that boat, so you might as
well go straight to one of the first two options.

That was then, this is now. I'll suggest you visit the websites of
several of the major kayak companies (Dagger, Perception, Wilderness
Systems, Current Designs, Liquid Logic, etc) and visit your friendly
Local Boat Shop. The term of art for the type of boat I think you want
is "day touring" or "transitional touring." There are several nice
boats in the 14' range that will do what you want. Here's a page to
get you started: http://www.wildernesssystems.com/wil...tional-touring.
My sister-in-law just bought a Tsunami 140 for precisely the type of
paddling you're interested in, and she loves it, but of course that
doesn't mean you will.

The usual caveats follow:
Don't be too concerned about tippiness. You'll get used to it quickly.
You WILL grow out of a very stable boat.
Budget for a good paddle. Expect to pay over $100.
Budget for a good PDF and WEAR IT.
Buy used if at all possible. Paddling.net has some good classifieds.
Find a local paddling club, for a lot of good reasons.

Good luck, and don't be a stranger.

Steve

On Aug 5, 11:04 pm, kc0kbh wrote:
Hi,
I've been wanting to get into kayaking lately. All I really want to
do is go around on lakes and some local slow moving rivers. Now that
I have a vehicle and roof racks to haul stuff around (an '82 vw
rabbit), I'd like to buy a kayak in the not too distant future. I've
never been in a kayak before, but may be going on a little kayak trip
thing (we'd rent) with some friends. I'd probably buy a kayak next
year, but am would like to get started researching. I'd like a kayak
that would be good for a beginner, but, that I wouldn't "outgrow" in
ability really soon. I'd buy something used. Anyone have some
suggestions of any models or categories of kayaks to look at? And,
how much would a good used beginner (sorry, I don't know the correct
term) kayak cost?

Thanks.