I considered a Porta-Bote and may still depending on how my cruising
plans work out. Right now, a 9.9 Honda Four on a Zodiac RIB 310 is
part tender, mostly "fun" boat on calm night here on Lake Ontario as
it will readily plane. I do use it on occasion for lagoon exploration
or getting to a beach party, but either could be done with the
Porta-Bote, but with a smaller, lighter outboard.

That's the bit that intrigues me, actually. That and the possibility
of adding a basic sail rig, which is what has attracted me to the
Tinker line of tenders.

Question: How responsive do you think the Porta-Bote people would be
to your basic concerns over the short-sighted design decisions
(non-stainless, weak plastic seats)?

Part of the problem with Porta-Bote is credibility, and if they were
beefed up even in a token fashion (optional wood seats, beefier
transom, etc.), they might get a better reception from the serious
(and older) cruising crowd not wanting to haul a 10 HP and a 120 lb.
RIB or 100 lb inflatable in and out of the water all the time...and
let's face it: davits are inappropriate for many boats and have their
own issues, as do some "almost-there" ideas like Dinghy-Tow.

I sure hope Porta-Bote executives are reading this thread.

R.


On Wed, 09 Feb 2005 23:30:38 GMT, wrote:

Thanks for the update Dan. I'm another confirmed Porta-Bote fan, who was very
leery when I went from inflatables to a Portabote. It sounds like you are giving
yours quite a workout!

From my dealings with the factory, it appears to be a very friendly, family
business. I'd be interested to hear what their response would be if you
contacted them about the various minor failures you have encountered. I could be
wrong, but my gut feeling is that they would do something to help make things
right for you. If I was Porta-Bote (which I'm not) I'd send you a set of new
seats if you told me your story - Especially since you've been such a booster of
the product.

I'll also add that they now have a structural plastic transom that can be
retrofitted to your boat very easily. I've been thinking about buying one
myself. They quoted me about $95. for it when I emailed them as to the
possibility of retrofitting it to an older bote.

BB
No connection to Porta-Bote except that I sent them some money and they sent me
a great dinghy.