Ron Patterson wrote:

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?


We've had one for 4 seasons and love it. Ours is with us every time we
go out even though we only use it a few times a season. Whenever the
mood strikes, we have it. Personally, I think the website understates
the boat's capabilities. BTW, the Practical Sailor review sold me; it's
on the site under "experts talk" or some such.

Which isn't to say that it doesn't have some quirks. The first few times
you get up on plane (with a Honda 2 or 2.5 once), you'll be surprised by
the floor dropping down, one reason the boat is so quick. The black
tubes that define the folds will leave marks on the mothership. (that
can be fixed.) Stowing the seats and transom takes some room, about
5'x2.5'x2'. (The newest ones may take less room).

We have an ancient long shaft Honda 7.5 with sailboat (slow speed)
gearing. With it, we planed at 11-12 knots with 1, 2 or 3 adults
onboard. We didn't get on plane with 5 passengers, about 1000#, but
still moved smartly.

Curiously, though its performance under power is astounding, it seems
that most used in the Chesapeake as tenders are simply rowed. In our
case (and I suppose the others), mounting the outboard is more hassle
than rowing a half mile or so to the dinghy dock. Each stroke of the
standard oars pulls us more than a boat length; quite a bit further than
inflatables. Feels like a good rowing dink.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/