OK thanks so your replies! Unfortunately we just can not afford more than 500 on a canoe right now and I don't think I will get something very large for that price. We might just go with a 17 ft and take turns, maybe see if all 5 fit just for a short jaunt down the lake to picnic. I am not worried about it being dangerous as we will not be taking it where there is moving water like a river, just out around the lake. I will teach them capsize techniques if the canoe will capsize. We can always get a small one now and then get another one down the line when we have more cash so then we will have 2. I think I will head down to Cabela's and see if they have canoes out so I can see them in person.