The hobies with mirage drive are the go if you want to keep your hands free. Also it alloows for easier movement in the water (leg power opposed to arms). The draw back is price and like you point out restricted with making sure you dont run aground. You can remove the drive and use a paddle if needed.
I suggest you try before you buy. Me personally, i cant justify the price of the hobie plus i love fishing in real shallow areas for flattys so my peception swing is perfect for what i want. Join up to AKFF and read up on the forum there for a lot more info.
Good luck with it mate, yak fishing is highly addictive!!