I thought long and hard about buying the Porta bote and finally got to
try a friends early in the season. Here's what I found compared to my
inflatable:

1) Porta Bote has far more performance per HP. Even a 4HP really moves
it nicely.
2) Far more stable than typical hard dinks.
3) Folds flat, but not easily hidden, even on our 35.5 footer.
4) 10 foot model is fine for 2 people and some gear, but 3 people is
pretty much the limit.
5) Sets up in about half the time it takes to inflate typical
inflatables.
6) More space inside than inflatable

And the inflatable....
1) Our inflatable requires a 9.9 to come near the performance of the
Porta Bote
2) Our inflatable is far more stable than the porta bote and everyone
has an easy time boarding it compared to the Porta bote.
3) Our inflatable carries more than double what the porta bote can.
Carries 4 good sized people with no problem at all.
4) Our inflatable stowes away completely and easily (air deck), which
is a good thing.
5) The inflatable is better looking. Porta Botes are not attractive.
6) Easier to stow on deck assembled. I didn't try towing the porta
bote.

We are sticking with the inflatable, at least for now! I do see buying
a Porta bote down the road....they are cool for faster runs with little
HP, which is good for occasional fishing.

http://members.aol.com/bobsprit/images/dinkedweb.jpg

We traded the 8 HP for a tiny 3.7 hp. No planning, but easier on my
wife.


Robert
Beneteau First 35s5
NY