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We own two
Depends on how you want to use them, but we think they are fantastic. Indestructable, compact, lightweight, cheap, easy to row, and fast under power. But they do have some warts. If you want to store them you can always find room on deck for the boat itself, but remember that you have to find a place to put the transom and seats - which can be bulky. And while I can erect the boat itself in about 3 minutes, it really takes much longer if you add in getting all of the seats and transom out from wherever you have stashed them, and clearing a spot on deck to do the Porta Bote "dance." And for some folks the ride is a bit disconcerting, as the hull does flex. Porta Bote ownership is almost a cult, in that every owner I have met loves theirs, and would never buy anything else. That ought to tell you something. But don't get the 8 foot model. That's what we own, because it fits so well on the side deck. We really wish we had bought the 10 footer, which is what most cruisers own. It holds a lot more, and can get up on plane with just a 5 HP outboard. Our 8 footer will plane with its 2 HP outboard (the largest that can be used) but only with one adult aboard. Steve Christensen
Depends on how you want to use them, but we think they are fantastic. Indestructable, compact, lightweight, cheap, easy to row, and fast under power. But they do have some warts. If you want to store them you can always find room on deck for the boat itself, but remember that you have to find a place to put the transom and seats - which can be bulky. And while I can erect the boat itself in about 3 minutes, it really takes much longer if you add in getting all of the seats and transom out from wherever you have stashed them, and clearing a spot on deck to do the Porta Bote "dance." And for some folks the ride is a bit disconcerting, as the hull does flex. Porta Bote ownership is almost a cult, in that every owner I have met loves theirs, and would never buy anything else. That ought to tell you something. But don't get the 8 foot model. That's what we own, because it fits so well on the side deck. We really wish we had bought the 10 footer, which is what most cruisers own. It holds a lot more, and can get up on plane with just a 5 HP outboard. Our 8 footer will plane with its 2 HP outboard (the largest that can be used) but only with one adult aboard. Steve Christensen
Steve, are the seams exposed to wear and tear
on sand, gravel or rock, when beaching them?? I was thinking of getting one or two for our Vanuatu project as they should be readily shippable on top of the pallets in a fully loaded container; i.e. without taking up valuable space. Any other comments regarding potential problems in a coral reef environment in the high tropics? Flying Dutchman
on sand, gravel or rock, when beaching them?? I was thinking of getting one or two for our Vanuatu project as they should be readily shippable on top of the pallets in a fully loaded container; i.e. without taking up valuable space. Any other comments regarding potential problems in a coral reef environment in the high tropics? Flying Dutchman
Towing?
I just sent off for an info pack since I have been ironically, patching holes in my dinghy all darn day.... How do they tow compared to an inflatable? Brian s/v CREW REST
I just sent off for an info pack since I have been ironically, patching holes in my dinghy all darn day.... How do they tow compared to an inflatable? Brian s/v CREW REST
Do you have room?
I have two their both 13 years old (I have the canoe type) they can take quite the load and are very stable. No need to tow!!!! If you have the room you can assemble on deck. good luck
I have two their both 13 years old (I have the canoe type) they can take quite the load and are very stable. No need to tow!!!! If you have the room you can assemble on deck. good luck
Port-a-boat looks great
While visiting the island of Molokai, we met a couple with a cat sail boat who had a port-a-boat. They stated it was a great compact dingie. I am present looking to purchase one but am on a budget.
While visiting the island of Molokai, we met a couple with a cat sail boat who had a port-a-boat. They stated it was a great compact dingie. I am present looking to purchase one but am on a budget.
Very Rugged, towing OK but not great
The folding seams of Porta Botes are covered by a length of split black polyethylene tubing. When you beach the boat it is this tubing that get's scratched, not the seams. Even if you rip a hole in this tubing the seam is still OK. It will abrade, but not very much. About the only thing I could think of that might be better would be steel rub strips on the bottom of a glass dink, but THAT would weigh quite a bit more. Towing is not as good for a Porta Bote as an inflatable with a huge upturned bow section. We tow ours on a very short tether just a few feet aft of the stern. In practice we tow the boat from anchorage to anchorage if it's just a day trip in good weather. In bad weather or for deliveries across Lake Huron we fold and stow the Porta Bote. Steve Christensen
The folding seams of Porta Botes are covered by a length of split black polyethylene tubing. When you beach the boat it is this tubing that get's scratched, not the seams. Even if you rip a hole in this tubing the seam is still OK. It will abrade, but not very much. About the only thing I could think of that might be better would be steel rub strips on the bottom of a glass dink, but THAT would weigh quite a bit more. Towing is not as good for a Porta Bote as an inflatable with a huge upturned bow section. We tow ours on a very short tether just a few feet aft of the stern. In practice we tow the boat from anchorage to anchorage if it's just a day trip in good weather. In bad weather or for deliveries across Lake Huron we fold and stow the Porta Bote. Steve Christensen
Porta Boat
I asked the same question several years ago. I got no negatives but one sailer mentioned he wished he a bought the 10' potra boat. The reasoning was because of his weight and his sailing partners. Bought a ten footer and love it, the only minor problem is towing it behind your boat at higher speeds. I'll fix that this spring, either by changing where the painter attaches to the bow or maybe just a little rudder. Great little boat to take anywhere for fishing or just exploring. George
I asked the same question several years ago. I got no negatives but one sailer mentioned he wished he a bought the 10' potra boat. The reasoning was because of his weight and his sailing partners. Bought a ten footer and love it, the only minor problem is towing it behind your boat at higher speeds. I'll fix that this spring, either by changing where the painter attaches to the bow or maybe just a little rudder. Great little boat to take anywhere for fishing or just exploring. George
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