Im thinking about purchasing a pontoon boat and am wondering if anybody has any sugjestions on what type I should get? Im looking for something that handles well in rapids, is stable,light, portable, and that I can us while keeping my feet out of the water. It's main purpose is to be used on the Skagit and Sauk, if that makes any difference.

I've been using a craft called a Tote 'n Float for 4 years. They are now made under the name Watermaster. Excellent boats for the bumpy sections, easy to handle, can easily be modified with extra d-rings and other gizmos, hold a ton of gear. There's a half dozen of us who have access to new personal boats every year and still like the design and features of this craft. It has a conventional raft design with no flooring (a footrest is built in) in front of the seat allowing you to stand up when you come to a bar or likely looking water and have the craft stay around your waist or legs. No anchor or tether is needed, just walk down the run or gravel bar. Anyhow, we've abused the crap out of these boats (now made with PVC) and have no complaints. The company is located in Missoula.

You might want to look into Hobie's Float Cats, too. These have sturdy plastic hulls needing no inflation. Mine is a 5-foot model, great for lakes, bays and most rivers, but for any kind of white water, I'd want their 7-footer. There's one dealer in Kirkland, and probably a few others around where the Hobie Cat sailboats are sold. These have rowing systems and you can propel with fins, too.