I bought a year old PAC1200 model made by Outcast. Paid $1000, and got some cataract oars with it. It can be a 2 person or a 1 person since it is a modular frame. The front person has a standing deck, but don't stand in it without the guardrail that attaches to the frame. It's an all right boat, especially for the money I paid. It's 13' long (Aire tubes), but I don't like its 2' width. One day I'll be in contact with Osprey's Custom Cataraft Frames about getting a frame with a standing deck for the rower and front seat, plus make that thing wider so it will be more stable. Other than that, I'm pleased with it. For your price range, check out Outcast. www.outcastboats.com

Although a 9' or a 10' steelheader wouldn't be too bad for you either.