roof topper or porta-bote

We started out with a tinny, then bought a slightly bigger one and eventually went to a porta-bote which we kept for 20 odd years.
It really depends on what your interests are, I'm not a fisherman so the boat was just for exploring as we tend to travel not sit in one place for extended periods.
Initially like most it was just the two of us, then three kids making five which is fine for a 12 foot tinny while they are small.
As they get older it tended to be just two or three and carrying all the gear for five plus boat in or on a troopy didn't work, so the porta-bote wasn't used a huge amount but more local stuff.
The best thing about the portabote was it sat on the roof racks not causing much drag and wasn't in the way, just have to find somewhere for the seats and gear inside or in a rack bag beside the bote on the roof. I've even seen them strapped to the side of a motorhome! They are also very tough and stand up to lots of rocks and snags in the water when exploring.
Now we're back to two we have an inflatable kayak in the boot for the exploring trips and two normal kayaks for the local stuff.
If you are into more of the fishing and are likely to stay in one place for extended periods rather than travelling then a tinny might be a better option but will need consideration of drag/increased fuel and weight on the vehicle, plenty are already over without a boat!

Warren have a look at Quick bote. In my opinion as an owner, they are brilliant. Folding to similar size as porta bote but MUCH more stable. One can stand up in them and throw a castnet and they dont flex like the others. Can take a decent size motor and ride beautifully.
Peter

HI I
Looked into porta boat
Great on the USA sights And best info
BUT
The ozzy reseller is way steep many many thousands .
Cheap tinny or quality used unit was a better $$ choice.

Considering Craigs list 500-900 $$ used

Been in plenty of tinnies but never owned one. Had a Porta-Bote for years. Used it in a variety of settings, including numerous times in croc territory. The good: I like the way it flexes. If you bump against a sang it will bend, rather than tip (I've been in a couple of tinnies where each time you bump against something you imagine it's a croc- and it might be- and the panic induced by the bow heading skywards is not pleasant!).

It can get away with a much smaller motor- the 12" is supposed to have a max of 5hp, though most run to 8. I found the five fine for rivers and estuaries, picked my times offshore.

Takes a little while to put together, best if you are in one place for a few days. It was wonderful at Pennyfather estuary on the cape, so long as you as comfortable around a few decent sized crocs! We fished and explored and had a ball.

You can make some improvements (I knocked up a wider bow plate, made the ride much more pleasant and added space for a net to hold the anchor and rope- as well as a set of wheels for launching).

They are ideal for getting into awkward places.

I'd happily buy another (if it wasn't for the 5.8m Whittley in the front garden!) but those quick boats look pretty good also.

Cheers,
Mark