Nothing like a bit REAL life experience to sober up an idealist.
After reading your postings I think I will explore a CHEAP inflatable raft or Kayak and dust off my old fish'in pole....I will still try my marsh/air boat if the plane lands (dead motor) within 20-40 feet off shore.
I still believe a lake setting, even with possible retrieval hassles, will provide more enjoyable flights compared to a crowded AMA airfield with new 2-4 folks who don't know why a frequency board was invented.
-Kevin