How about one of those smaller sit on top kayaks they sell around 8-9 ft that weigh little and can't fill with water and are really stable? Figure a system where you can pull a rope and disconnect the POD in case of trouble?

How long is you Poke boat, I forget? I know they make some smaller PAK type canoes people use for fishing/duck hunting. Holds a lot of weight and very stable. Something like the Wenonah Fusion canoe?
Wide/stable, even has a ruder option if you want it.

I'm sure you'll figure out something that works and is safe.