Porta-bote

[paul1938]

Just ordered a porta-bote instead of a RIB. I plan on carrying it normaly next to my lifelines, but prior to going to Catalina, I'll unfold it and tow it using ________?
Any problems advice etc? I have a 5hp to go with it. If I tow, do I keep the outboard attached or hanging on the rack on back of the stern seat?
Thanks in advance for advice.
Paul

 

[kloudie1]

Great.. I believe that PortaBotes can be excellent tenders.. much easier driven and an easier tow than an inflatable. Your outboard should be removed for towing the dink. In wind and waves; with no people to ballast it, the boat will flip and the engine will get really wet ! The usual tow is with a bridle or it can be a single line, pulling a strong eye just above the waterline at the bow of the dink. There should be a safety line in addition to a different strong point in case the main tow line parts. It is a good idea to use “poly” rope since it floats and is more difficult (not impossible) to get in your propeller when backing. This stuff is slick and doesn’t like knots.. It is also very susceptible to sunlight damage … but it is cheap so you can change it every other year or more often if you like. Standard info is to tow the dink far enough back to be sliding down the first stern wave so that there is less drag; but there are many folks who tow it hitched up close and some tow with the bow or stern hiked up on the transom.. You should play with position and see what you and your boats like when yall all play together. Search “towing dingy” on the site and you’ll find much discussion.. Good luck with it and let us know how the PortaBote works out.

 

[Tim R.]

This is the stuff you want to use for towing. It floats and can hold a knot. It is also very easy on your hands.

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?13682

 

[kloudie1]

Exactly,Tim ! Probably like 3/8" ..
I have used the plain old three strand twisted poly from the Depot but MAN is it tough on your hands..

 

[Merlin Clark]

I'd secure the working end of the tow line knots with good quality nylon zip ties.

 

[Florida sail]

I have used a water ski bridal minus the handle with success. it is unnecessary to tie knots in this set up.

 

[Florida sail]

I owned a Porta Bote for many years when I was RVing. I powered it with a short shaft 4 HP Nissan. I loved it for that purpose. I wonder how difficult it is to open and close if you have restricted room on the foredeck? That would be my only concern. I would love to replace my inflatable with one.

 

[Terry411]

What size did you get? I had a 12 now a 14, to setup on board put it across your lifelines. I dont have much foredeck room with the staysail boom but the porta is easy to lay across to setup.I had a woodfloor inflatable took longer to set up because no flat spot to setup on deck. The porta is great to fish from the kids love it.

 

[paul1938]

I bought the 10'6", I like the idea of putting it across the lifelines to S/U.I like the idea of the ski harness. Thanks Guys.
Paul

 

[zeehag]

my first dink was a portabote--didntlike it -- was rickety. i wouldnt tow it to catalina unless i was willing to lose it-- keep it on your life lines and stow the engine on your rail on a mount. too many dinks have been found in pacific without owners. towed = gone.
been there , seen the results.
good luck with the new dink and please dont tow it.

 

[Florida sail]

I would be interested in opinions of others who have towed the Port- Bote. Thanks...

 

[zeehag]

in gulf is different than in pacific--in pacific NEVER tow dink--will disappear. in gulf- more forgiving to dinks under tow. gulf hasnt the rollers and wildness we do here-- has a mixmaster/norge chop and no rollers. we have less chop and huge rolllers...we towed an inflatable in gulf without problem-- towing in pacific is giving dink away to strangers.
be safe and use a bridle and do not tow with engine on dink--will turtle.