For general use, I'd recommend a Touring yak with a rudder. My favorite is the Perception 17' Eclipse Airlite. I also like Wilderness Systems Cape Horn 170 Pro.

I like my current Recreation-type yak, but I believe they are discontinued and no longer avalable. It is a 9' WIlderness Systems Victory Blast. A wonderful, stable, fast and forgiving yak. It's even rated up to Class III water in case you get in trouble (I have gone through Class IV and V water in it by accident. It made it through fine, but I'm not going to make a habit of it). If I hadn't found this one, my money would've been on one of the Pungo models.

Just my opinion, for what it's worth, but any Yak is better than not having one at all!

Semper Fi!