A few thoughts. I have a 2 yr old 20 ft. sled with the kodiak 350 package. The boat has been run in water less than 4" many times and does great.......at 50 mph or more. If you plan to go onto the smaller rivers do yourself a favor and take a very hard look at a open tiller type boat no more than 16'. I have been very impressed with both koffler and thor built. The willie, thunderjet, ernie duckworth (heliarc I thnk...one off customs...$$$) and boulton are all very good boats. Mine is boulton and I am happy. I view the north river as a "B" line boat but that is only an opinion. As an aside, I can drive my boat well and have a lifetime hull warranty and would NEVER EVER even think about trying to get on the nooch. I'm not sure I would want to in a 16' boat, don't go fishing for perch with a halibut rod. If you are going to have buddies with you most times go with an outboard as the doghouse only takes up space. If you plan on lots of winter fishing (perhaps east of the cascades) spend money on a top and heat. Ride in or test drive every serious contender as they all handle differently. If I didn't have a wife and kids I would trade down to a smaller boat for ease of operation and river size.(and I still wouldn't take it to the nooch!!!!!!!) Feel free to e-mail me if you would like to drive mine or try to fish from it. Another thought.....there is a reason that the guides that pitch bait all have open, tiller type boats.