Porta Bote - Better Than a Tinny!
Submitted: Monday, Jul 28, 2003 at 11:14
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possum
Are you sick of carrying a 60kg+ tinny on your roof? You should
check out Porta-Botes. They are a fold up boat that is lighter (20kg), and in most ways superior to a tinny. The fold up to the size of a surfboard, they have a large draft, they are strong, flexible, easy to assemble, and look exactly the same as a tinny.
I have found
mine to be fantastic, but unfortunately have been forced to sell it due to financial reasons (see add in trader section).
I have been using it up north amongst Crocs and I reckon it would be harder to tip than a tniny (due to its flexibiliy).
Check out www.porta-bote.com
Cheers
Reply By: possum - Thursday, Jul 31, 2003 at 16:30
Thursday, Jul 31, 2003 at 16:30
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
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Follow Up By: Rick - Thursday, Aug 07, 2003 at 13:22
Thursday, Aug 07, 2003 at 13:22
Thanks for that Possum,
Yours sounds fine but I am a little cash strapped right now and I am afraid that the Boss would object. You are offering it about six months too early. If only more cash.
How old is yours by the way? I believe they have about ten years warranty. It was the way I was planning on going but just too early. If you do not find a buyer keep me informed.
Regards
Rick
FollowupID:
18558
Reply By: possum - Tuesday, Aug 12, 2003 at 12:23
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2003 at 12:23
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)
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