I'm considering the Fish Cat 9 by Outcast. I'll be running class III (maybe the occasional class IV, but only if the boat proves sufficiently maneuverable). Any thoughts (from actual experience) or other boats to look at in the $400 to $500 range? Thanks

The fishcat works fine, very manuverable and floats great. I'll make you a great deal on one only been used once. A present from my wife but I use my sled too much..............

I had a Dave Scadden which has similar components. I think it is well made. My only comment is to add some type of leash to the pins that can come out. The leash/string will make the pins easier to find.

I believe the Fishcat is probably one of the best boats in that price range. Class III or IV in a $500 boat seems riskly to me. Yes, the tubes are rated at III, but realistically is the boat for fishing or whitewater. You shouldn't be running III or IV by yourself, so I hope you have a partner.

If you want to run serious whitewater, I think it is too small. Most the normal fishing rivers are not III or IV, so it should work just fine.

Too small? What length is adequate? I'll be running a few class III's pretty regularly. The class IV thing would just be for fun (with an empty boat and an expectancy to do a little swimming )

The tubes are rated III. I think you need at least some margin for error. I think that makes it 11 ft with a wide frame for a IV or V cataraft. Just my opinion of course.

Good luck new guy, the fish cats I have seen are not suitable for serious rapids, like heavy III or IV. I would take out a life insurance policy.

I've searched the archives and come up with little regarding specific pontoons. Now, just for arguments sake, let's say that I know what I'm doing . There must be opinions out there about the Fishcat vs. other pontoon boats (from actual experience). Tell me what you like (around $400 to $500). I know the expensive boats are better, but have had capable boats in the past that were less expensive. I'll take responsibility for where I use it. I promise. Thanks Again

I have two outcast fishcat 8 footers. They are great boats for the money. I use them on the Stilly and Sky. I would not feel confident in them in class III water because of their size. They are plenty manueverable if you know what you are doing, but 8ft is pretty small for big water. I really like them during low water conditions of summer (now!). I prefer using a driftboat in big whitewater or winter conditions. Hope this helps!