Swift Shearwater or Hemlock SRT for big water and big load. Both can be made under 40 pounds for a price. You want hull depth and volume in waves even though that will increase windage on the hull. The SRT is 1.5" is deeper than the Shearwater. The Shearwater is longer and wider, so it probably has more internal volume. If you're primarily a sitting paddler, don't get an SRT, for it's primarily a kneeling canoe. Of course, one should be kneeling in big blows, but if you're a sitter in calm water, the SRT will probably feel too twitchy especially with a dog moving around.
