Porta Bote feedback

We owned one, and really enjoyed it. The floor undulates in all but the smoothest water - not a problem, but does take a little bit to mentally accept it. After some practice, I could assemble it myself in about 10 minutes. We had a 6HP Nissan that would scoot it around pretty quick.

We had a houseboat named Dog Paddle. The Porta-bote was for taking our dogs "to shore." It was named Dog Piddle.

We bought the 12' with a 6 hp Mercury back in 2003. It comes in handy for exploring. With just me in it, it will get on plane and max out at about 18 mph. With 4 people and gear it won't plane and maxes out at about 5 mph. We are able to fit it inside our fifth wheel down the center asle. Lake Tahoe is the largest lake we've been on and that was mostly hugging the shoreline. It's great for smaller lakes. They're not cheap! I think we paid around 1200 for the bote and around 1600 for the 6hp.
The newer ones with the integrated reinforced transom is the way to go. The thrust from the outboard was the weak link in the older design. I love the light weight. It can be carried to the lake from our campsite without the need of a boat ramp. Good luck.

We had one for several years and liked it a lot. We only used it on small secluded ponds and lakes and drove it with an electric trolling motor. That was only a little faster than rowing, but much more restful. Had to give it up after becoming disabled, too much trouble getting into and out of it. It was fun, and much better than a canoe.

Had a 1999 12ft model with 5hp 4-stroke outboard until I sold it in 2012. I used it on Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas lakes. Worked perfect for the wife and I and the occasional grandkids or two. Looking to buy another one (new style split transom) 12ft again. I think that's the best size, 3 seats. The original 12 with motor was bought used in 2003 for $1000. The new boat only will cost about $1800. Towed the last one using the RV brackets mounted to the side of a TowLite travel trailer. The new one will be hauled under my fifth wheel.

We have a 12 footer, with a 6hp Nissan 4 stroke outboard. DW loves it. I can put it together in about 15 minutes, unless others are around, then it takes about an hour. EVERYONE wants to ask about it.

With the two of us, it will actually get up on plane! It will go way faster than I am comfortable with.

Mounted on top of my car, ready to head out. Seats, transom and motor all in back of car.:



Pulled up on the beach:

and the hull is practically indestructible unlike a blow up pontoon boat.

I purchased a used 2005 12' Porta-bote a few months ago but haven't used it yet. I plan to power it with a 3.5hp Eska outboard I purchased last summer.



I purchased these mounting racks from Porta-bote. They were on sale and still cost over $200 (normal price was something like $400 :E). I will say that the racks appear to be sturdy and well made, though it would seem that $200 should have been the normal price.

Steve

I had one and it was OK. Problem was hauling around the outboard and the fuel tank. Switched to kayaks.

wintersun wrote:
I had one and it was OK. Problem was hauling around the outboard and the fuel tank. Switched to kayaks.

Can't say much about the Porta-Bote, as we have an Avon inflatable, but I agree about hauling the gas engine and fuel around. Next outboard will be one of these: LEHR propane outboard. West Marine is their biggest dealer.

Had 12' old style. Was too flimsy for my family. 4 hp propelled it nicely.
Sold it for what I paid. Will pay for a rental in the future.