IB, I don't remember, was a good 8 years ago or so. I know I got report from my buddy it was prime. He was the guy I used to run cargo hauler for on his multiday whitewater excursions. He did all the planning, I ran the spare boat.

Actually Mooch. I didn't do upgrading several times. You have to realize, that there were BIG whitewater catarafts, then they about a decade later the first fishing "pontoon boats" came to the market. Like Salmo, I used to have an old bucket boat that we used to run. Ran all sorts of water. But, when catarafts came out they really became the sportscars of the whitewatering world. But I was never pleased with the pontoon boats I bought. I wanted a "cataraft" type boat, but I couldn't find one. I tried uprgrading outcasts, then tried out quite a few of the different makes out there. None satisfied me. But met Bill at the sportsman show at the old Kingdome and fell in love with his boats. BS'd with him awhile, and found out he was an old whitewater guy like me (well, he's a bit older lol, I'm only 33, but started whitewater before I hit my teens). More I talked to him and more I studied his boats, the more I realized how well they were built and how he built from ground up to be true fishing/whitewatering boats. So no matter where you want to take them, you have a better chance of making it out. Plus, they have a heavier carrying capacity. Making them safer when you have a load on them. (including tossing a couple big kings on the back ). But Bill started it all in the hardcore boat scene. The rest of the boats in it's class mentioned and not mentioned are pretty much following up what he perfected. Nice thing about Skookum, they've constantly improved their boats. A big benny.

Oh yeah, Mooch. If you go with your top notch Outcasts, they are virtually the same price as the Steelheaders. I mean like the Pac 9000 series. I do believe they are running about $1400 with nothing but the boat and oars. That is the top of the line. And still they don't compare to the Steelheaders IMHO. Compare any boat out there that is made by a pure "fishing craft company" and the steelheader is made of heavier oz material and one of the best frames on the market. So something to last you for quite a few years. But, most people base too much by price, or the looks. There are a few boats out there that are knock offs of the steelheader. But most have tubes made overseas of lesser material. Look similar, but lesser materials at almost same price. Where as the Steelheader is made here in Woodinville with better materials and frames are built here too (except on the Osprey series). I guess it's flattering to be copied I guess. But I still hold the Steelheader as the creme dela creme of these boats, and I've tested them hard and have come out pleased.