I've been trying to pick out a pontoon boat that fits my needs. The problem being I haven't ever owned one so I'm kind of in the dark.

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I'm 6'1 230 and I've been told I should go at least 9 foot on the pontoons and maybe 10.
I plan to use it mainly for lakes on the short term where float tubes are a hassle. It would be nice too have the option for slow rivers though.
I live in Alaska and shipping from the lower 48 can be a real pain for heavy items.

I've looked at the Bucks Bags Broncoe Extreme which is at my spending limit. My main concerns are that it may be more boat than I need and that the large pontoons would make it difficult to carry. Also I've heard that wind might be a problem.

Another choice is the Outcast fishcat 9 light. Its considerably cheaper than their other models despite coming with top end options and there's usually a reason for that{The Outcast PAC 9 has the same dimensions, seat and smaller oars, yet costs $300 more. 1200 to 1000 PVC}. People have voiced concerns about sitting too low in the water in certain cheaper boats and given my size and the price, I'm wondering if I might be in the same boat{no pun intended}.

Searching the archives should turn up quite a few threads.

BTW, I have a 9' Dave Scadden DLS and I'm 6'1", 230. Works for me. If you are worried about wind, he has a bimini model that is really low profile.

I bought the standard Bronco back in 1995 and used it with no problems.

You and I are about the same size so the new Bronco will keep you high and dry.

I have seen alot of info. on this website about this matter and have not heard anything on AIRE inflatables. I have a drift raft that is kinda in between a pontoon and a drftboat. it rows easyer than a drifty and is more stable than a pontoon.If you are interested in checking one out go too wwwfishcraft.com or go too www.aire.com

Salmonslammer, what type of pontoons are you talking about that aren't as stable as the raft class Aire's? I have a 16' Aire Cataraft, and it is as stable, if not more stable. They also carry more weight and are more maneuverable as well. But, if you're talking your lower grade pontoons, well yeah, anything is more stable then them. LOL. You sneeze and you'll rock. LOL j/k. But every boat has their plus/minuses. A DB/raft/cataraft all have different needs built in each.

IMHO, I'd go with whatever boat you truly like the most. Sounds like you want more of a kickboat style pontoon boat (your outcasts, bucks, skeeters, scaddens) so buy the one you like the most. The nicest one's you'll find in the kickboat style are the Pac 9000, upper end Buck's, and the Osprey series from Skookum. All are good boats, but the Osprey has a much higher handling capacity. I used to love my old Outcasts, have a few at one time or another. But, they never suited my needs, I like a mini driftboat. Which is more like your Steelheaders.

So, in the end, check them all out. Take a look at them, and figure out what you HAVE to have. Then compare all the contruction and materials used. Then, check them out IN PERSON. Don't just go off pictures. Actually look at them up close. Email me if you want any more insight.