Porta Bote
Submitted: Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 20:20
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pce
G'day
Any Portabote users out there? It sure looks to be a smart alternative to dragging a tinnie around and seems to have heaps on fans isn the US. But I woould like to hear first hand from some Aussie owners of their experiences in using the Portabote in inland and estuarine (sheltered) waters in Oz. Interested in your means of transporting it tool Saw a big Swagman that had a tunnel under the floor for the bote - very elegant.
Rgds
pce
Reply By: Peter 2 - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 21:03
Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 21:03
we've had a 12 ft one since the early 80's, bought it s/hand with a sail kit.
Usually use a 4hp tohatsu o/board on the back.
As you say great for travelling (we've had a couple of tinnies too) as it sits up on the roofrack most of the time. We've used it all over the top end, Kimberleys,
coopers creek in flood (did a shear pin just near
the dig tree years ago when we hit a
rock).
We've had it outside in the ocean a few times too and it is quite stable, just flexs a lot as the waves roll under. We've been sailing in it too, mostly on lakes.
The biggest drawback is the motor size restriction as the little motors cannot compete with the tides up the top end both in the rivers and the sea.
We also carried it into
Twin falls in
Kakadu and used it to ferry a group of small kids up
the gorge.
The seats, motor mount and the outboard take up a bit of space but can be bagged and put on the roof as
well. We've never taken the sail kit outback just used it locally.
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Reply By: John - Qld - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 22:39
Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 22:39
We also have the 12ft and a 4hp tohatsu - 14ft is too heavy, 10ft too small.
We continue to use it so that's our testimonal. Wouldn't get a tinnie again , too much wind drag on the roof - the PB is really the thing to have when travelling, it's easy to carry and you've got a boat when you need it. Must say it can be a pain to put on and off roof rack, we carry on top of the camper. Outboard also on camper.
Does the job very
well and is easy to assemble after a few goes - don't get the sunshade or oars it comes with - buy from a boat
shop. You can also get the dolly wheels cheaper from the boat
shop.
Very tough, as they say, and stable. As said, pack the seats etc in a custom bag and throw on roof. You'll need a small anchor too.
Then just add water. :)
cheers
John
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