Used an Old Town 164 canoe when our kids were young. Wife in the bow, me in the stern and the kids in the middle. When they were big enough we bought them their own little paddles. Of course they were never in sync but they were having fun.

Eventually we outgrew the canoe and I got tired of J-stroking so I bought some kayaks. We have two doubles and three singles so everyone can paddle whatever they want. It's gonna be hot in SoCal this weekend so we'll be out in the local harbor.

And no matter what, the doggie always rides on one of the boat's bow.