I can see it being a tad wide, but I would gladly exchange that for more stability. I have had it down most of the water in NW Ark and a bunch in SW Mo........a tiny creek maybe to small, but the Elk, Indian, etc took it fine. Also, you lost me on the gear thing?? It has a capacity of 400lbs......thats about 150 more lbs than I am. I have been able to carry more gear on this than I did in a kayak or canoe.
The oars add a bit of work and are sure different than paddling a kayak or canoe, but I have never really run into an issue. Also never tipped it and lost my gear.