Porta-bote

G’day George,
They’re a great boat though I’ve never owned one. When I first came across then years ago I thought they were a bit of a toy. Not so, they are quite a serious boat. People probably see them more often than they know. When they’re in the water they don’t look than different to an ordinary boat. My old man bought one years and years ago. My brother bought one about two years ago and as soon as I’m able to start travelling more I’ll get one. They are obviously compact yet when set up they are a very stable boat. They are virtually unsinkable and very tough. They travel well in choppy water because they are so light they tend to skip over the top of the chop. Being lightweight they can be lowered down the steep banks incurred on some inland rivers. I recommend them and as I said, will get one soon.
Myles.

Hi George,
As previous reply I have not had personal experience with the Partabote but was camped next to a bloke a few nights back and he had one. He thought that it was the best thing since sliced bread, after you get used to the flexing, yes they do flex a bit but he has used his off the coast, not far I presumed and he said that it took very little power to drive it along. I didn,t ask what size motor he used. Hope this is of some use.
Cheers, Nev.

we bought one a few months ago and absolutely love it - so far it has been on inland lakes, the lachlan, the darling (down steep banks) and also the macquarie. we have a 5hp motor and it gets along really well with 2 people - its the 3.27m one. folds up nice and small and light - hubby can lift it on the high roof racks easily by himself. You quickly get used to the floor being a bit flexible, and very quick to set up and take apart. recommend it highly.

Have thought about a porta boat for touring but being a 1/2 cabin boat owner am wary of the low front bow, would like some form of collapsable cover similar in a way to a cuddy cabin boat to keep any unexpected waves from getting into the boat.

Peter

Thanks for the input to all respondents - from what I saw at the show you all confirm my initial thoughts

I always think of them as a Porta-Biscuit, well in the top end anyway ? Though there once was this crazy bloke called Chris Taplin who had one, used to live in Gove...................... Chris ?

George B
Had mine for a couple of years and love it. The above photo was taken at Perlubie Beach at Easter this year. As you can see they work OK. and handle as good in the water as similar sized boats.
Duke

We have had a 10' one for 2 years and have used it:

Up and down the Murray in lots of spots.
On the Cooper at the Birdsville Track and at Innaminka.
Rapid Bay in SA.
Murray mouth a couple of weekends ago.
Coongie lakes.

On the Murray:
Image Could Not Be Found

On the Cooper near the ferry Sep 2010:
Image Could Not Be Found

On the Roof - the the seats and transom are in the black bag :
Image Could Not Be Found
(a long way from water!)

We bought it with a 2.5 hp Mercury but it would only plane one up. we now have a 8 HP Yamaha which is a little overpowered but planes happily on 1/4 throttle.

It takes us 12 minutes from the roof top to the water with all safety gear loaded. Much longer if there are spectators that want to talk about it!

As others said it flexes a bit but it is really stable.

Cheers

Pete