RE: Good beginner seaplane
Falcon is an excellent company, I reviewed one of their planes last year (I had to choice of getting the Cessna on Floats, but chose the Aerobat instead). If the Cessna is anywhere as good as the Aerobat, it should be a winner.
Also, a 91 4-stroke will be ideal.
But I will warn you again... I don't care HOW MANY hours of car racing you have under your belt, GET A QUALIFIED FLIER to help you, or your first flight may very well be your last.