Thanks for the replies. Keep 'em coming.

I can mootch rides with the best of them, but I want to have a boat that I can get out in when I don't have a partner, and it is always nice to be able to share a ride with someone who doesn't have a boat or doesn't know a river. Maybe the perfect boat doesn't exist. Pitty, I might just have to but two boats.

I plan on traveling somewhat light, a vest for gear and one rod if I use a pontoon. That will usually get me through a full day.

I also saw a fiberglass DB shell in Hoquiam today that was selling for $1750. It had oarlocks, and seats, but that was all. No anchor set up, and the side rails were not reinforced. The shell was brand new, probably home made, and it looked pretty good. It was 15' long.

What are some of the limitations of the pontoon boats. I know I need a turnaround for both, but traveling light, all I need to leave downstream is a mountain bike for a solo trip in the pontoon, and a good lock for the raft at the takeout.

Sorry for not being active on the board. New job and a major home landscaping job have kept me pretty busy. Earning my kitchen passes for summer.

Andy