We are very happy with our Pelican 140. We have used it for both two person trips on both rivers and flatwater, and one person trips for fishing, and it works great for both applications. It is light and easy to steer, and paddles relatively fast. The lightness means that one person can put it on the roof of the car with no trouble. In addition, it rides nicely with only one person; the bow up gives it a nice wave taking ability that is really useful in chop on lakes or sounds, and the extra seat is great for a cooler or fishing equipment.
With two people, it is responsive and easy to maneuver, and has plenty of leg room. It paddles well in both river and lake environments, and the rudder helps keep it straight so that there isn't much side to side movement from each paddle.
I would be careful about using it in rougher or rocky water; I don't think the plastic is built to take a lot of impacts or scraping. However, you'll make up for lack of whitewater capability with smooth paddling in open water chop, where it really excels.
For the price, very hard to beat.