Porta Bote - Better Than a Tinny!

and i just saw my first porta-bote fully made up but transported upside down on top of roof racks on a jackeroo (spotted near Childers on the Bruce Highway). that opens up new possibilities for where to put the internal parts, can obviously just keep the whole boat set up on the roof - and a few hundred kilos lighter than a tinny to get off.

saving, saving, saving .....

Hi,
Just saw this post.
I have had it in the back of my mind that this was the way to go. Surprised me with your comments re the Porta bote up at the Cape. I am going next year but was a little reluctant in amongst the crocs. Has anyone heard much or anything in regard to crocs taking on boats?
That was what I was concerned about. I would appreciate peoples comments on the sizes of the botes. I was thinking of the 10ft unit but would appreciat peoples comments on the 8ft and 12 ft units. Basic useage woud be fishing in freshwater using either a 4 or 5 HP 4 stroke O/B.

Regards
Rick

I am up in Nhulunbuy in Arnhem Land at present and can give you some info . . .

Basically crocs do not take boats. The do not tip boats. They usually do not even approach boats at all. They are not an aggressive predator, and they do not expend energy in predation. They are an opportunistic predator, or a wait and pounce predator. ONly on the Mary River, where they stupidly teach crocs to jump out of the water to take food (for tourists sake) would I be worried.

The porta bote is more flexibly than a tiny, and more difficult to tip over (if you are still concerned). I would opt for the 10ft model. 13ft is a bit large for transportability (if its not that portable why buy it?). 8ft to small for comfortable fishing.

I would also recommend buying a 2stroke (preferrably a Tohatsu) as they have more grunt, and are not a sensitive about how they are stored on the vehicle when travelling (wrong angle of storage can flood them with oil - a real pain).

I guess it is up to you. It is fine to talk about this stuff - but when you cruise past a 5 metre croc you might just change your mind!!! I generally stick to the smaller creeks and rivers where the big ones are less common. If one looks dodgy then move on quickly.

Good luck

And remember that mine is for sale. I am coming to Sydney soon and can bring it if you are interested in buying it.

thanks
Poss

Just got a reply from the Australian distributor.

2.82m (8'6") $2590
3.27m (10'8") $2680
3.7m (12'4") $2790

Portable Boats Australia
28 Moores Rd
Glenorie, NSW, 2157

Ph (02) 9652 0707
Fax (02) 9652 0808
portableboat@ozemail.com.au

Hi Rick
Ours is about 3 months old- we bought it just as we set out on our trip........They are not a cheap item- as you can see - and we too put ALOT of thought and time into its purchase. We searched high and low for second hand ones and they are like hens teeth. In the end I justified it by giving it to the boss for mothers day- a good way to get around a new toy........
Anyway, even with a year of preparation we have still run down the bank balance faster than we thought- hence why we put the boat up for sale. However the longer we keep it, the harder it is to part with. We have now left East Arnhem Land and are heading west over the next few months and we are strongly leaning towards tightening the belts and keeping the boat at least until we get to Perth and see then if we need a cash injection. It is too much fun and quite a good conversation starter!!! We also reckon as soon as we get to WA we will regret its sale big time.
My email is : possum2000@hotmail.com or bigd_train@yahoo.com.au- stay in touch, it could be the answer for both of us!!!!
Cheers Rick
Possum (Dave and Kristi)