Also, knowing catarafts (pontoons) is like trying to learn a new language. There is welded tubes over heat glue and so on. Steel frames over aluminum and so on. Costs over quality. Steelheader (Skukum Bill Day, RIP) makes a good product along with Badcat. Their tubes are imported by Maxonn in Kent and are glued, but have a shelf life of 10-12yrs +. They are really beefy. American made tubes (NRS, Aire, e.t.c) are heat welded and they feel their product is better. However, reviews have shown that the shelf life is about the same, and the costs of the Maxoon tubes are substantially lower. But the costs of the Steelheader and Badcat cats are high. An idea is to purchase the tubes through Maxoon, then purchase a Badcat frame via craigslist in Seattle. It's posted right now if you do a search--he's been on their off and on for quite a while. Having said all that, I spent four days on the mighty Rogue last October in an aluminum drift boat and it handled great. My guide handled his DF expertly and his skill showed that DB can be used in places that you would think only catarafts could go. Good luck!