[Paddlewise] binocs vs monocular

OK, the "which binocs should I buy" question has been done several times 
but I'm asking for some opinions:

Looking for on-water use but also casual in-camp use (e.g., wildlife 
watching although I'm not a "birder" is the true sense of the 
word!).  On-water would be primarily scouting navigational landmarks or 
checking campsites to see if they are empty (e.g., BWCAW trips).  Being in 
Wisconsin, I do primarily inland paddling with the exception of places like 
Apostle Islands although this is maybe a once a year trip.  These would 
also be the only set of distance optics in our house - so I could possibly 
see them being used in other ways too.

Here are 3 diverse choices:
http://www.kayakacademy.com/catalog/BMonoc.html (6x30 monocular with 
neoprene float, $135)

http://www.binoculars.com/products_v7/Bushnell_8x25_H2O_FRP_Compact_5640.html 
(compact 8x25 cheapie binocs, $40)

http://www.binoculars.com/products_v7/Nikon_8x25_Mountaineer_II_ATB_165.html 
(compact 8x25 quality binocs, $185)

Recognizing that price dictates quality in some regards - how bad would the 
$40 pair be?)  Disposable? :o)
With the neoprene float, I'm guessing the monocular isn't really THAT small 
(6" long)
The field of view for the above are (at 1,000 ft):  340, 370, 330 feet

So...can someone explain why the 6x30 would be better than the others in a 
moving craft?  It would seem that they all view the same amount of area - 
so it isn't as though one is incredibly more powerful than the others.  I 
recognize that I'm displaying my ignorance of optics at this point so feel 
free to educate me in that regard.

Thanks very much for taking the time to share your knowledge!
Keith
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