Been looking at some rafts and wonder what you guys that run them think. The outcast pac800 and the skookum steelheader are the 2 I've been thinking of. Thanks.

I bought a pac800 three years ago and I can't say enough good things about it, very fast across the water, light weight, easy to assemble, the anchor system works well. The pac handles fast water well and is easy to control in the wind. I was also looking at the stealheader but the price differance was quite a bit. For me personally the pac was a great choice. Hope this helps.

Well, my signature says it all. I've owned outcasts, I've also used quite a few different brands of pontoon boats. First, you have to decide what you want to use it for. Do you plan to actually fish from it while you drift? Do you plan to stand up while you're anchored or pull off to the bank and fish? Do you plan to drift mild flowing streams/rivers and lakes, or do you plan to run class 4 rivers?

Well, now my input before I hear what you want. I've owned around 5 to 6 cats in the last 10 years. I currently own my 16 ft Aire cataraft and a 9 ft Steelheader. With catarafts you get what you pay for. There is no such thing as "a good deal" with something brand new. When I say good deal I mean a steelheader quality boat for $500. There are some advantages with an Outcast (lighter weight and price) but over all the Steelheader is the better buy. You can anchor up in a heavily moving slot and standup securely and fish. You have a good sturdy boat that was souly designed to fish by a fisherman (Bill Day at Skookum is a good guy and loves what he does). Plus you have an extra sturdy frame that is designed to do some serious whitewatering if need be (the outcast will buckle, there is only two crossbars securing the older outcasts, maybe three now).

I know some will criticize my response as arrogance, but I've had alot of experience with cats. Unless you have to have new, you can find used cats for fairly cheap. I know a guy had a Steelheader on sale here for around $850. I'll say this though, when it comes to hitting hard water, you'll want a steelheader/aire/wing quality craft. Wing is alot more expensive, but worth it (they're a bit out of my range at this time). Good luck, and any questions email me..

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you haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

Welcome to the club jig man,once you row a decent cat you'll never go back,I row a set of 12 foot wing tubes with a frame designed and built my me,it's a class 5 boat that fishes awesome,this boat will go places I don't want to,it amazes me still.
It's a little on the large size,but I wanted something I could load up with gear and still go anywhere I want to...any questions ask steelie 69 or myself we are always exchanging ideas happy shopping

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

[This message has been edited by Osprey (edited 10-11-2000).]

I'm looking for something to float small river and the Green river gorge. Hope to get something by Feb.

remember the gorge has some pretty serious whitewater. My brother in law whitewater and says the Green in winter condition is not something for less that a 9ft because of the nozzel.

Tight lines

Kevin

p.s. still doin good for summer runs was up by the head works last week nothin but salmon

Some areas require that you walk the boat around or rope it through. I wouldn't do it in the winter, too cold if you take a spill. Planning some 2 or 3 day floats from headworks down to geyser in the summer.

When you say 2 to 3 day floats, do you mean on the river for one long float, or making the same float 2 to 3 times in 2 to 3 days? If you plan long floats with camping gear, you seriously want to step up to at least a 12 ft boat. My 16 ftr can be loaded up with a weeks gear and a couple passengers. Actually, if I remember right on the Green, as long as you have a good boat, you shouldn't have to walk a thing, as long as you handle the boat right. My 9 ft Steelheader has been on some solid class 4's, though I've had to really watch my step. My big boat has a lot more room for errors. I've yet (and I knock on wood as I say this) to flip a boat due to my mistake.

I'd say for you to go bigger and shop around. Sounds like you may want a 12 foot boat.

Email me or Osprey with any questions....

PS, Hey Jax, need to get together to build my frame, and also need to get a float in. I'm on disability and have some free time.

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you haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

how hard is it to haul a cataraft around. does it go in the trunk of a car or do you need a trailer for it.

I am thinking of getting 2 9' (one for the wife) and don't have any idea on some of the logistics of these toys. Any info on this subject will be appreciated



[This message has been edited by Desertdog (edited 10-13-2000).]

Just to put in a "plug" here.....
The pontoon boat that I am selling is still for sale. I just got back from 3 weeks in Alaska and took down all the ads for it while I was gone. It is on this PP board under "Classifieds" originally posted 8/18/00. Do a 60 day search back and you can read the full ad or e-mail me here. Price is down to $650. Built better than an Outcast (I have never seen a "Skookum Steelheader" in person) Thanks,
x

D.Dog,I just haul mine assembled on the back of my pick-up it's 12 footer and it sets perfect on the rails of my truck with the smaller 9's just put them in the back or on top of the rig,just stack them on top of each other.Good luck

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

Well, depends on the rig you have, depends on if you're gonna be able to put two boats on it. I have an 85 full size Blazer and can put my 16ft (inflated and put together) and my 9ft Steelheader stacked on top. I won't now though. I bought a driftboat trailer and converted it to a flatbed. It's much easier. But, if I'm only taking my 9 ft, I stow it on top of the rig.

Hope that helps...

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you haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.