Ron,
We used to use a 10' Avon, but a couple of years ago, switched to a 12'
Porta-Bote(http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/PortaBote.JPG) and haven't
looked back. We still have the Avon, but it now lives in the garage
instead of on the boat and hasn't been used since we got the Porta-Bote
On our boat, it stores nicely on the coach roof
(http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/PortaCover.JPG) where it's out of
the way and adds virtually no windage and can be stepped on with out
fear of damaging it.
It's been great for us:
Stores easily.
Gives us a dry ride.
Sets up in the same or less time as the Avon.
More room in the Bote for "stuff".
Did I mention we don't get wet using it?
Much faster with the same tiny outboard as the Avon
Pretty much impervious to damage - no repair kit needed (EVERY
inflatable comes with one).

The only two valid negatives I've come across a
Some people think it's ugly.
When there are a zillion dinghy's at a dock, and you have to board
it directly from the bow, it's less stable than an inflatable. You
probably will want to use one hand to stabilize yourself. This can be
awkward if you're carrying a lot of stuff. On the other hand, with its'
pointy bow, it's easier to push theough a bunch of other dinghys to get
close to the dock.

They come with something like a ten year warrantee and the company is a
good one that will stand behind them. There have been some reports of
less than perfect finish work, but the company quickly corrects anny
problems.

There's a listserver on Yahoo dedicated to them
(http://dir.groups.yahoo.com/dir/Recr...&show_groups=1).
Check it out if you're serious.

The Porta-Bote web site leaves a lot to be desired, but their product is
a good one (less expensive than a good inflatable too).

BTW, I have no association with the company other than as a very happy
user of their product. I'm not even a customer as I bought mine 2nd hand.

Good luck - Dan

Ron Patterson wrote:

Hello, I'm Ron Patterson. About 6 years ago I bough a 1964 34 foot
fiberglass sloop. It is an old boat but with a much newer Yanmar 27
horse diesel engine in it. The boat has been on Guntersville Lake in
North Alabama ever since I bought it. This is a terrible sailing area,
too little water and not enough wind. However I am retiring the last
of March 04 and we are moving to Pensacola, Florida.

So sometime in April, I will be taking the boat down the Tennessee
River to the Tenn-Tom waterway, and then down that waterway to Mobil
and on to the Rod and Reel Marina on the Big Lagoon in Pensacola. From
there I will do lots of sailing and sailboat fishing and who knows, I
may even take a trip to the Bahamas or the Caribbean.

My question is about dinghies. I do not have a dinghy and am undecided
about what kind to buy. I have been thinking about inflatables,
particularly the Achilles LSR 96 or LSR 104. This inflatable can fold
up and be stowed away while offshore, which is something absolutely
necessary as far as I am concerned.

However I came across a rigid dinghy that folds and can be stowed on
deck. This is called the Porta-Bote. http://porta-bote.com/ Does
anyone know anything about this boat? I have sent for information and
pricing but I was would like an opinion from someone who actually has
one, or has seen one. I was wondering about the reliability of the
boat. Will the folding seams crack and leak?

Any information anyone can supply would greatly appreciated. Or, any
information about other dinghies would be appreciated also.

Ron Patterson



--
Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448
B-2/75 1977-1979
Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG