Dinghy?

[John Martin]

I am looking for a new dinghy and came across PORTA-BOTE folding boat. What appeals to me is the boat can be folded and stowed on the side deck while out sailing, and not dragged in the water like an inflatable. Is anyone using PORTA-BOTE as a dinghy? Which size 8', 10', 12'? Any pro/con? Thanks in advance.

John Martin
CD28 #346 `Intrepid'



john.martin.2@worldnet.att.net

[Roald Horton]

John, I do not own a Porta-Bote but I have used a friends in George Town, Exuma in the Bahamas. It is great in open water as it tends to absorb the energy of the waves and therefore is very dry. Also, it is very energy efficient as it only takes a 5 HP engine to plane a 12 footer with 450 lbs of crew aboard. It is also very light weight. It just looks funny. If you can get past that it's a great dinghy. Longer is always better if you can handle it. This is true of all dinghies.
Roald Horton
CD36 #57 "SeaScape"

I am looking for a new dinghy and came across PORTA-BOTE folding boat. What appeals to me is the boat can be folded and stowed on the side deck while out sailing, and not dragged in the water like an inflatable. Is anyone using PORTA-BOTE as a dinghy? Which size 8', 10', 12'? Any pro/con? Thanks in advance.

John Martin
CD28 #346 `Intrepid'

roald@toad.net