Andy-
I am sorry but I have to correct you...I have no idea who was quoting you over $800 for a South Fork...but if they were, they were seriously trying to rip you off.

jeff'ed-
The retail pricing of a South Fork is $600...the package that Andy is referring to runs about $690 retail (anchor system $60, oar rests $30...both of which are totally unneccasary for running rivers).

Plus avoid the discount online retailers like ourdrs.com and others...they wont be there for you down the road when you have warranty issues and they sure as Hell can not help you when you need advice for running rivers and directions to put-ins and take-outs and the such.

The South Fork is an excellent boat for the money and has probally been the best selling pontoon boat for a good 5 years or so. It is a true 8'er, comes with a stainless steelh frame and an excellent warranty.

Plus most shops will throw in a double action pump when you purchase one...which are about $40 retail.

Avoid the Fishcats which are just a bit cheaper then the South Forks but of much worse quality. They are made oversees with single stitched pontoons and the bladder within the pontoons are absolute crap. The warranty is 1 year and you will be lucky if do get one year out of the boat...especially if you are running it in rivers.