Well, here's my .02. I've owned both driftboats and catarafts. (I still own two of my many cats, but none of my driftboats..hint hint). I like driftboats, but the few positives they have are well overshadowed by a cats maneuverability, cutting power, and overall performance. I agree with Steelieboy to go bigger. I have a 9fter I use only in conjunction with another boat (usually bigger). You try to cram too much on a smaller boat and the closer you get to maximum load the less friendly they are on the hardstuff. I have a 9ft steelheader and a 16 ft Aire cataraft. I'd personally go with a cat, and if you do buy as expensive as you can afford. You do get what you pay for. You can run hard stuff with small boats, but NOT as easy. I ran Oxbow last year on my steelheader and had a blast running the shoot, but was bounced all over the place. The extra 7 ft on my Aire made it a smooth ride (but not nearly as fun). If you're really in Puyallup, if I have the time maybe I can take you on a float trip (I'm in NE Tacoma). I'll take my little one and let you run the big one. Since the seasons are closed we could make a nice easy run uncrowded.

tight lines.....

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