Porta-Bote

I went out fishing in one sometime ago with merv (a member from EO). It was a weird feeling having the bottom move with the waves. It got really choppy while we were out to the point waves were just coming over the front. All though I was crapping myself it was surprising stable. They are a great concept. I was a bit sceptical but after fishing out of one I would reccomend them.

Josh

Julio, I’ve got one. Just bought it. Put it together for only second time today and it took eight minutes including mounting the motor. I have experience as my father bought a 10 footer and my brother bought a 12 footer. I think they’re brilliant. Is there anything in particular you want to know?
Myles.

I looked at buying one but balked when I found out dear they are. Ended up buying a big canadian with a 1m beam 2nd hand for $500 and a 4.2 Quintrex explorer for not a hell of a lot more.
Cheers Pete

I've had mine for about three years. Putting the basics together is quick, but adding all the bits and pieces can take a while. Mine is in my lounge at the moment as I'm tidying up a few add-ons. I have made a wooden bow plate which holds the extinguisher, roller for the anchor rope, anchor reel (I made this from a cheap hose reel) and various s/steel attachements for ropes etc. I'm also making seats from kayak seats and a padded base, as well as modifying my home made wheels (the standard wheels are useless in soft ground).

If you go down the path of modifying, just make sure it is simple to add or remove. The more bits you have to put together the less keen you are to put it up for a quick run. Many things for normal boats need modifications for the Porta Bote. I use a rod holder which clamps onto the transom.

Overall a great product. 12 footer will go in most places, including bays and calm offshore conditions. It actually handles a swell very well, better than comparable size tinnies I've been in. Just takes a while to get used to the fact it is supposed to flex and twist!

Cheers,

Mark

G'day Julio,
We have a slightly smaller model, 10' I think, and holds 3 people. Our 5hp 4 stroke Honda comfortably brings it up to plane with 2 average bodies on board...struggles a tad with 3.
The hull is easy to transport on top of the camper or lux roof, although the seats are quite bulky being hollow plastic (good bouyancy but); they actually take up more room than the motor.
If you've got the room to cart it all, it's certainy easier than lifting a tinny on & off the roof......very tough too; I'd recommend it.
Paul

Wow there are a few PB owners on here.

We have had a 10' one for a few years with a 8 HP Yamaha now. We picked it up second hand from an add in a local Canberra paper for $3,000 with all the accessories and a motor - don't bother with the Bimini, but the other bits are OK.

Very stable and easy to launch. You can plonk one in anywhere you can walk to the water. They are very tough as well and quieter on the water than a tinny, especially in a chop. With the 8 HP they get up and plane without a problem.

On the roof of the jack - hull and seats:
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On the Murray with the original 2.5 Mercury:
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Cheers

Pete