I'm considering buying a pontoon boat or cataraft. Not necessarily planning on floating Class 5 water, but I generally like to be "overprepared" when it comes to living to see tomorrow.....
I'm thinking about buying a pre-owned Skookum Steelheader or Osprey, but would like input from those who've owned or used other pontoon boats/catarafts as far as what they would recommend size-wise, accessories, etc. Maybe something a little less expensive that would still do the job? I'm about 6'1", 260 lbs and I've rowed driftboats in the past.
Thanks for any input!

I owned a skookum steelheader and loved it while I had it. I sold it because I thought I wanted a drift boat..Long story short, I ended up buying a cheaper 9' boat because I wanted another inflatable, BIG MISTAKE! You really get what you pay for, so don't skimp if you have the means to buy better.

The osprey on 10' tubes will get you anywhere you need to go and back in western washington provided you are proficient on the sticks. If you want the ability to take another with, then at a minimum you should consider a 12' boat, but the 10' will suffice fine for one angler.

Good Luck,

I've put more river miles than most on the things due to the nature of my old job. I completely agree with Drew about the not skimping part. As far as the set up it depends on what you intend to do the majority of the time. I prefer the 9' with almost no accessories so that I can sling it on my shoulder and get around any obstacle. I use it as a way to travel the river, but pretty much always fish from the bank. Lot of fun to have.

If I do opt for a less expensive pontoon boat, I see a lot of them out there in the $150 to $300 range like:
Columbia
Outfitter XT
Water Skeeter
Colorado
Sportsman Warehouse
Creek Company
Bucks Bags

Anybody have experiene with these brands that may hae some useful info as to which ones are a good value, ones to avoid, etc.?