I have developed a similar opinion about the quality of the different boats. Even having not been in the river with any of them, the Steelheader is by far the best built and has the most features that I personally feel are important. I am an Engineer by trade and design and build stuff (aircraft/space...you can guess where) and verify that your opinions are correct with regard to the quality of the Steelheader.

I want to fish as much as I can from this boat. I want to do it all and dont want to worry about not having enough boat to handle it. I certainly will spend some time getting expereince and building up to more daring waters but am certain I will be running some higher class waters with whatever I buy.

Thanks to all of you for your inputs. I have gotten everything I wanted from this post and your experiences. I will be posting more when I have been on the water a couple times with more questions. Thanks again...SS