dlsr + lens decision

I'm wanting to buy a dslr this spring to learn photography an to get some nice shots from the boat.

I've been leaning towards getting canon 40d, with the kit 18-55mm lens, then getting a 70-200mm for the boat shots.

That would be ~1000 for the camera and ~500 for the zoom lens (not the L glass $1600 for the L).


Or

I could get the nikon d300 with the 18-200mm lens for ~2500.

I guess I've read that the d300 is a "better" camera, but probably in areas that it would take me years to get to. i.e 51 spot metering areas vs 9.

So I guess I have 2 questions. Is either route going to allow me to take both wakeboarding shots and lifestyle boat shots? or do I need to look at different lenses?

and second, is the d300 combo really $1000 better than the canon with both thoese lenses? I mean, I could get the 70-200mm 2.8 L glass, and still be matching the price of the d300. Where do you put your money, the body, or the glass?

any other ideas out there?