for what its worth, my buddy has an aluminum boat that he was trying to give way. It may need some work, but he said when he took it out by himself last, it worked okay. its only like 8-10', and definitely good for one person only. we took it to 11mile this summer, but never pushed off. we had all of 550lbs loaded, and we wouldve tipped it. But im sure 1 avg size person w/gear would work.
Anyway, we live in security (he lives about a block from me), we could arrange a time for you to look at if interested.