I'm debating between the 12' and 9' Skookum Steelheader Cataraft. I thought it would be nice to have the option of having a second seat that the 12' model has. The 9' is 1 man only so you have to go w/ someone else anyway to work out the shuttle. Would the 12' pretty much handle the same for 1 person as the 9' since I would still be fishing by myself most of the time? I was wondering about the balance of the 12' if I'm by myself on the river? The 9' isn't exactly the lightest cataraft so I figure the 12 can't be that much heavier. Can the 12' hold in the river with 2 guys on an anchor? What are your thoughts? Which way to go?
Thanks,
Jim

Any boat will hold under anchor if you have the right size anchor.

I'd go with the 12' boat. It's not as big as you may think. It will be fine with one man. Heck, my 16' cat is setup for one man whitewatering for BIG water. It'll hold fine, just get a DB anchor (You'll probably need about a 30# anchor for two). You'll have to experiment with what works. I use about a #40 on my 16' cataraft. I've owned the 9' and have rowed the 12' steelheaders. Am going to build a custom boat on a 12' set of steelheaders soon. So I'd say you'll be fine with a 12' steelheader. A 9' is fine, but only if you never plan to fish with anyone else.

I went thru the same dilema years ago,go with the 12'er.
It's way more boat,handles tons better,hauls more and has the room for second guy if you want,I fish solo 90% of the time.good luck...Os