On 7 Dec 2003 10:45:46 -0800, (Ron Patterson)
wrote:

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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

Ron,

An alternative you might consider, especially if the length of the
stowable package is of more concern than the thickness, is a Niccolls
Lite NN10: http://www.niccollslite.net/page1.html

Its bow and stern halves nest for stowage (kind of a Boston Whaler
that's already sawn in half, rather than during a TV commercial g).

It's not cheap, but looks good enough for my application (fore-deck
stowage on a 31ft aux. sloop) that I'm planning to buy one for next
season. I find the built-in floatation and truly rigid hull appealing.

From http://www.niccollslite.net/page2.html :

"With up to 6 watertight compartments and over 2
cubic feet of ridged foam floatation (twice the US
& CDN Coast Guard recommendations.) Plus a
comfortable 1/2" water proof foam on the seats
......she's unsinkable. "

Fair winds,
Al
s/v Persephone