I too am pretty dang cautious in my pontoon boat. I have a 9-foot Steelheader and I think you would have to be going through some pretty dang nasty water to flip one. As for anchoring, I just don't, unless it almost frog water.

I have dropped anchor in some relatively quick water and it was scary. If the anchor holds in fast water you will have a problem on your hands. I use a round 10 lb downrigger ball for an anchor. It’s not too effective, but I don't want it to hold in quick water, and the round ball isn't as quick to wedge in the rocks, which can be a real problem, if you are in a pontoon boat.

Buy one you will love it. If doing unfamiliar water do what I do, have a young reckless friend go first and give him a walkie talkie. That way he can tell you if he encounters any problems.

Of course, if you do that you need to give him time to get well ahead of you. One time on the Gold my buddy come on the walkie-talkie and said "I think this next run is pretty snotty, you better walk it around this one. " By the time I heard that I was already committed. It was exciting, but I try to avoid that kind of excitement anymore.