Found you a Defender Wolfie but it's not white :(

Submitted: Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 20:13
ThreadID: 20120 Views:1806 Replies:4 FollowUps:4
This Thread has been Archived
Well at least it might stave you off until the real thing eventuates.

D90
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Member - Jimbo (VIC) - Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 20:28

Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 20:28
John,

An off topic question and I apologise for hijacking this "thread", but I did notice in your rig pic details you have a Porta Bote.

Now I've read about these but haven't actually spoken to anyone who owns one. Just what are they like? The concept seems brilliant but do they do all they are advertised to do? I note you run a 5hp outboard. The bloke who sells them makes all sorts of claims about their ability to plane with low horsepower.

Please tell me more about it.

Cheers,

Jim.
AnswerID: 96714

Follow Up By: Member - John C - Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 21:22

Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 21:22
Ok
Thought long and hard before buying one but the way I see it is.....

We have been camped before beside a river etc and wished many times we had gone to the trouble of bringing a tinnie, but that's just it TROUBLE.
Wind drag & fuel economy, weight, increased height while off road, etc .

With the portabote it's none of the above but is a bit more time to set up - 20 mins as compared to say 10 with a tinnie. Simple as and does the job surprisingly well. It actually does plane with 1 in it and almost with 2. It's like a waterbed effect with any wave action, so remains very stable. Even turns well like a tinnie.

Main disadvantage to a tinnie is outboard size limit, so the going is slower. Not real good if the wind is up and very choppy.

It is as tough as nails and very rugged. No need to worry about the 5 finger discounters because folded it looks like some lengths of something that are of no use to anyone.

We strap it to the top of the camper on long hauls to avoid noise and what little drag, but on short trips chuck it up top.

After having it for a while I wouldn't go back to a tinnie. It's not for everyone but certainly makes sense to us.

cheers
John C
0
FollowupID: 355403

Reply By: navaraman - Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 20:29

Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 20:29
I'll bet it still leaks oil. ;)
AnswerID: 96715

Follow Up By: Member - John C - Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 20:59

Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 20:59
stops the rust :)
0
FollowupID: 355400

Follow Up By: Brew69(SA) - Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 19:34

Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 19:34
And i bet a cactus is more comfy to sit on.
0
FollowupID: 355583

Reply By: Lone Wolf - Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 21:06

Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 21:06
John,

That is just priceless!!

Guy must have thought long & hard before placing it on the carpet.....

Tell me, what is the authentic Land Rover noise you hear when opening the door? I have been racking my brain. Is it like when you open the door to get back in, and you hear a voice "...wait until the slack is taken up, then give her heaps, should be okay....."

Nice!!

Wolfie
AnswerID: 96720

Follow Up By: Member - John C - Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 21:34

Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 21:34
NO..!!!!
......

The auto-voice says "the phone number for roadside assist is 1800......, please remove your keys from the ignition and exit the vehicle"

Well that's in a Disco anyway.

:))))

0
FollowupID: 355404

Reply By: Member - David 0- Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 22:09

Friday, Feb 04, 2005 at 22:09
Sort of appropriate that it is unbalanced by a bit missing off one side..I have seen lots of Landies looking similar..including mine...mostly mudflaps but still its kind of reassuring that the toy is the same
AnswerID: 96726

Sponsored Links