I have three solo canoes I consider solid keepers: Wenonah Advantage and J-201, and one strip-built, a Northwest Canoes Merlin. The J-boat is a USCA C-1 racer so we'll put it aside, but the Advantage and Merlin are more like high performance solo trippers in the 29" beam zone.

Chief features I like are excellent all-around performance, and low profile for minimized windage. I think the windage problem with canoes is greatly overblown, a proper full body forward stroke and single blade allows me to handle gales without undue difficulty. The Advantage is more stable than the Merlin, but as you can see the Merlin is by no means tender. I would stay away from graceful swoopy designs with upturned bow & stern; they're sure pretty, but so are sailboats if you get the drift.

I am probably more of a "fitness paddler" than anything (fast & furious), so a racer style seat arrangement works well for me: sliding tractor seat on pedestal, plus foot brace. I use the Advantage and Merlin for fishing all along the Texas Gulf Coast, so I believe that should satisfy the "bay" requirement. Have never tried toting child or dog, but would expect no trouble doing so. Plans are now free, Google NWC Merlin. Lovely boat!

http://ngc704.home.comcast.net/~ngc704/merlin/