Choice of Dinghy
 

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

Choice of Dinghy
 

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

Choice of Dinghy
 

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

Choice of Dinghy
 

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

---------------------------------- snip ---------------------------------
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

Choice of Dinghy
 

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

---------------------------------- snip ---------------------------------
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

Choice of Dinghy
 

Friends who have lived aboard for 24 years (mostly at anchor), and travel
annually from Nova Scotia to SC and back, have used a Porta-bote for the last 5
years and love it. Every time I see them (twice a year) I ask if they still
endorse it, and they say yes, for all its minor faults, its still the best, and
certainly the best value. They complain about some of the non-hull
construction, but the hull itself has taken a huge beating and show no serious
signs of wear. Since they often anchor a distance from town, they appreciate
that the Porta-Bote will plane and stay fairly dry. Their engine is small (8
HP?) but they are both light so it planes if not loaded down with groceries.
With 3 or 4 people it doesn't do as well, but it does stay drier than an
inflatable. They avoid overloading - when we visit they do 2 trips, and it may
be faster than one overloaded trip.

This issue has come up before here, so I'm sure a few others will add their
opinions.

BTW, I have a Trinka 10 and a Fatty Knees 8, both excellent rowing dinghies, but
they will set you back a bit. The old Trinka wouldn't fit on my new boat, so it
got retired to my brother's cabin on a lake. I like rowing, it being the only
exercise I get while cruising, but I'm more likely to pay for a mooring near the
town dock than anchor out. If I were doing it again on my now more limited
means, I'd get a Porta-bote.



"Ron Patterson" wrote in message
om...
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

Choice of Dinghy
 

Friends who have lived aboard for 24 years (mostly at anchor), and travel
annually from Nova Scotia to SC and back, have used a Porta-bote for the last 5
years and love it. Every time I see them (twice a year) I ask if they still
endorse it, and they say yes, for all its minor faults, its still the best, and
certainly the best value. They complain about some of the non-hull
construction, but the hull itself has taken a huge beating and show no serious
signs of wear. Since they often anchor a distance from town, they appreciate
that the Porta-Bote will plane and stay fairly dry. Their engine is small (8
HP?) but they are both light so it planes if not loaded down with groceries.
With 3 or 4 people it doesn't do as well, but it does stay drier than an
inflatable. They avoid overloading - when we visit they do 2 trips, and it may
be faster than one overloaded trip.

This issue has come up before here, so I'm sure a few others will add their
opinions.

BTW, I have a Trinka 10 and a Fatty Knees 8, both excellent rowing dinghies, but
they will set you back a bit. The old Trinka wouldn't fit on my new boat, so it
got retired to my brother's cabin on a lake. I like rowing, it being the only
exercise I get while cruising, but I'm more likely to pay for a mooring near the
town dock than anchor out. If I were doing it again on my now more limited
means, I'd get a Porta-bote.



"Ron Patterson" wrote in message
om...
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

Choice of Dinghy
 

On Sun, 07 Dec 2003 10:45:46 +0000, Ron Patterson wrote:


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?


Hi,

As usual, you need to work out how you will be using a boat before you can
make a good decision on buying one.

The main drawback I see to inflatables is that they don't row well. I like
rowing around anchorages and marinas, as an end to itself as well as as a means
to get somewhere. There's also sailing - would you want to be able to sail the
dinghy?

If "no" to both, and you only want the dinghy to get you and your crew from
boat to shore, then an inflatable or portabote is probably the best. I THINK an
inflatable (rigid floor, large outboard) would be better if you're thinking of
using the dinghy for more adventurous exploration, such as fishing, etc. outside
the anchorage.

I prefer a boat I can row, but what I've observed is:
1. Portabote owners seem to really, REALLY like their boat, to the extent that
they can find nothing wrong with them (This concerns me: EVERY boat has it's
flaws...). They're like Mac owners.
2. The vast majority of "get-you-there" dinghies are inflatables, but for some
reason they all seem to be stored inflated. I've seem them stored on deck, on
davits, lashed to the roof of hardtops, towed behind... I don't think I've EVER
seem somebody inflate/deflate their dinghy. Donno why - just an observation.

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36
"Near Cove" Walker Bay 8

Choice of Dinghy
 

On Sun, 07 Dec 2003 10:45:46 +0000, Ron Patterson wrote:


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?


Hi,

As usual, you need to work out how you will be using a boat before you can
make a good decision on buying one.

The main drawback I see to inflatables is that they don't row well. I like
rowing around anchorages and marinas, as an end to itself as well as as a means
to get somewhere. There's also sailing - would you want to be able to sail the
dinghy?

If "no" to both, and you only want the dinghy to get you and your crew from
boat to shore, then an inflatable or portabote is probably the best. I THINK an
inflatable (rigid floor, large outboard) would be better if you're thinking of
using the dinghy for more adventurous exploration, such as fishing, etc. outside
the anchorage.

I prefer a boat I can row, but what I've observed is:
1. Portabote owners seem to really, REALLY like their boat, to the extent that
they can find nothing wrong with them (This concerns me: EVERY boat has it's
flaws...). They're like Mac owners.
2. The vast majority of "get-you-there" dinghies are inflatables, but for some
reason they all seem to be stored inflated. I've seem them stored on deck, on
davits, lashed to the roof of hardtops, towed behind... I don't think I've EVER
seem somebody inflate/deflate their dinghy. Donno why - just an observation.

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36
"Near Cove" Walker Bay 8

Choice of Dinghy
 

I'm another happy portabote owner. Got tired of inflatables needing patches,
etc. I bought the 12 footer and can carry 4 adults comfortably. In
hindsight, I probably would have gone for the 10' model, as 2 feet can make
a few more storage options available. I've owned it for 4 years and trust
me, it's tough. The kids take it out all the time and I never have to worry
about a fish hook making another hole like in a portable.

Happy hunting. BTW, search around on the net and you can save yourself a
couple hundred simolians. I did.

D Turner
SV Wind Dominated

Choice of Dinghy
 

I'm another happy portabote owner. Got tired of inflatables needing patches,
etc. I bought the 12 footer and can carry 4 adults comfortably. In
hindsight, I probably would have gone for the 10' model, as 2 feet can make
a few more storage options available. I've owned it for 4 years and trust
me, it's tough. The kids take it out all the time and I never have to worry
about a fish hook making another hole like in a portable.

Happy hunting. BTW, search around on the net and you can save yourself a
couple hundred simolians. I did.

D Turner
SV Wind Dominated

Choice of Dinghy
 

What about capacity? The Portaboats can't be close to a dinghy in that
department. And at 205lbs I can sit on the edge of my Quicksilver inflatable
and it's stable. It's a model 300 (9.10') and I've carried 5 adults without a
problem.
And yes, many people find the Portaboat ugly...cuz it is! That said, they're
still pretty slick and I can see their value.

RB

Choice of Dinghy
 

What about capacity? The Portaboats can't be close to a dinghy in that
department. And at 205lbs I can sit on the edge of my Quicksilver inflatable
and it's stable. It's a model 300 (9.10') and I've carried 5 adults without a
problem.
And yes, many people find the Portaboat ugly...cuz it is! That said, they're
still pretty slick and I can see their value.

RB

Choice of Dinghy
 

Lloyd Sumpter wrote:

On Sun, 07 Dec 2003 10:45:46 +0000, Ron Patterson wrote:
=20

1. Portabote owners seem to really, REALLY like their boat, to the exten=
t that
they can find nothing wrong with them (This concerns me: EVERY boat has =
it's
flaws...). They're like Mac owners.

No, they're not perfect.

1. Inflatables have a LOT more boyancy when swamped. It's never happened=
to me, but if I were ever to completely swamp it, it'd probably be more =
difficult to empty the Porta-Bote while bobbing around out there in the w=
aves. They are bouyant (the seats, sides and transom have foam built int=
o them), but nothing like an inflatable.

2. You can comfortable and safely sit on the tubes of an inflatable. Can=
't say the same about the Porta-Bote. On the other hand, you almost need=
to be able to sit on an inflatables tubes if you're gonna put more than =
an couple of people in them. At least ours was that way. We could trans=
port 5 people in it (the same as we can comfortably do so in the Bote), b=
ut most of em had to be sitting on the tubes and they all got at least a =
little wet. Someone was asking about the capacity. I don't recall the o=
fficial #, but for us it's plenty. I'm not a little guy (6'3"/280 lbs), =
but you can see how comfortably I fit in ours: http://rangerbest.home.com=
cast.net/PortaBoteWake.JPG Notice how dry I am and that there's no water=
in the bottom of the Bote. Also notice our speed (indicated by our wake=
). That was with both my wife and I in the Bote, and a Nissan 2.5 HP (re=
ported to 3+ HP) pushing us and while she's nowhere near my size, she ain=
't some tiny slip of a woman either: http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/D=
rakeskathryn.JPG. We were almost, but not quite planing. With just me i=
n the Bote, it will plane.

3. While I can set up ours alone, it's much easier/faster if my wife help=
s - especially getting that first seat in. The same isn't really true fo=
r the inflatable. The limiting factor is how fast the pump can fill it. =
=20

No, the Porta-Botes aren't perfect, but all things considered, I very muc=
h prefer the Porta-Bote to our inflatable for use as a tender. =20

--=20
Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448
B-2/75 1977-1979 =20
Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJe=
an.JPG

Choice of Dinghy
 

Lloyd Sumpter wrote:

On Sun, 07 Dec 2003 10:45:46 +0000, Ron Patterson wrote:
=20

1. Portabote owners seem to really, REALLY like their boat, to the exten=
t that
they can find nothing wrong with them (This concerns me: EVERY boat has =
it's
flaws...). They're like Mac owners.

No, they're not perfect.

1. Inflatables have a LOT more boyancy when swamped. It's never happened=
to me, but if I were ever to completely swamp it, it'd probably be more =
difficult to empty the Porta-Bote while bobbing around out there in the w=
aves. They are bouyant (the seats, sides and transom have foam built int=
o them), but nothing like an inflatable.

2. You can comfortable and safely sit on the tubes of an inflatable. Can=
't say the same about the Porta-Bote. On the other hand, you almost need=
to be able to sit on an inflatables tubes if you're gonna put more than =
an couple of people in them. At least ours was that way. We could trans=
port 5 people in it (the same as we can comfortably do so in the Bote), b=
ut most of em had to be sitting on the tubes and they all got at least a =
little wet. Someone was asking about the capacity. I don't recall the o=
fficial #, but for us it's plenty. I'm not a little guy (6'3"/280 lbs), =
but you can see how comfortably I fit in ours: http://rangerbest.home.com=
cast.net/PortaBoteWake.JPG Notice how dry I am and that there's no water=
in the bottom of the Bote. Also notice our speed (indicated by our wake=
). That was with both my wife and I in the Bote, and a Nissan 2.5 HP (re=
ported to 3+ HP) pushing us and while she's nowhere near my size, she ain=
't some tiny slip of a woman either: http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/D=
rakeskathryn.JPG. We were almost, but not quite planing. With just me i=
n the Bote, it will plane.

3. While I can set up ours alone, it's much easier/faster if my wife help=
s - especially getting that first seat in. The same isn't really true fo=
r the inflatable. The limiting factor is how fast the pump can fill it. =
=20

No, the Porta-Botes aren't perfect, but all things considered, I very muc=
h prefer the Porta-Bote to our inflatable for use as a tender. =20

--=20
Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448
B-2/75 1977-1979 =20
Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJe=
an.JPG

Choice of Dinghy
 

No trouble getting on and off from the boat. I've had inflatables, and I don't
see any really clear advantage for the inflatable in this regard. Inflatables
are highly overated and over priced as tenders.


Can you put 5 adults into a 10 foot portaboat with the same measure of safety?
My quicksilver is rated to carry 1150 lbs of people and gear. I've had about
800lbs or so on board my inflatable with no trouble. The 10 foot P-boat is
something like 575 lbs max and it's just not as stable.
I'm NOT bashing the Portaboat. I just think the inflatable has an advantage in
this area, IF you need it.
That said, my wife says getting the deflated dinghy out of the cabin is like
dragging Orson Wells to the morgue! We may look into a Port-a-boat again when
we get our next boat.


RB

I

Choice of Dinghy
 

No trouble getting on and off from the boat. I've had inflatables, and I don't
see any really clear advantage for the inflatable in this regard. Inflatables
are highly overated and over priced as tenders.


Can you put 5 adults into a 10 foot portaboat with the same measure of safety?
My quicksilver is rated to carry 1150 lbs of people and gear. I've had about
800lbs or so on board my inflatable with no trouble. The 10 foot P-boat is
something like 575 lbs max and it's just not as stable.
I'm NOT bashing the Portaboat. I just think the inflatable has an advantage in
this area, IF you need it.
That said, my wife says getting the deflated dinghy out of the cabin is like
dragging Orson Wells to the morgue! We may look into a Port-a-boat again when
we get our next boat.


RB

I

Choice of Dinghy
 

When I first got the portabote, I connected my 5hp motor and took it to the
local lake. I was expecting to get some remarks, more on the offcolor
spectrum, but every ol fisherman that was out that day had nothing but
complements on the looks.

So I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ;-)

Capacity is 670#'s. Not as much as my Avon inflatable, but I'll hand you the
patch kit and pump. I'll be on the porta bote.

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...

What about capacity? The Portaboats can't be close to a dinghy in that
department. And at 205lbs I can sit on the edge of my Quicksilver
inflatable
and it's stable. It's a model 300 (9.10') and I've carried 5 adults
without a
problem.
And yes, many people find the Portaboat ugly...cuz it is! That said,
they're
still pretty slick and I can see their value.

RB

Choice of Dinghy
 

When I first got the portabote, I connected my 5hp motor and took it to the
local lake. I was expecting to get some remarks, more on the offcolor
spectrum, but every ol fisherman that was out that day had nothing but
complements on the looks.

So I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ;-)

Capacity is 670#'s. Not as much as my Avon inflatable, but I'll hand you the
patch kit and pump. I'll be on the porta bote.

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...

What about capacity? The Portaboats can't be close to a dinghy in that
department. And at 205lbs I can sit on the edge of my Quicksilver
inflatable
and it's stable. It's a model 300 (9.10') and I've carried 5 adults
without a
problem.
And yes, many people find the Portaboat ugly...cuz it is! That said,
they're
still pretty slick and I can see their value.

RB

Choice of Dinghy
 

Bobsprit wrote:

No trouble getting on and off from the boat. I've had inflatables, and I don't
see any really clear advantage for the inflatable in this regard. Inflatables
are highly overated and over priced as tenders.


Can you put 5 adults into a 10 foot portaboat with the same measure of safety?
My quicksilver is rated to carry 1150 lbs of people and gear. I've had about
800lbs or so on board my inflatable with no trouble. The 10 foot P-boat is
something like 575 lbs max and it's just not as stable.
I'm NOT bashing the Portaboat. I just think the inflatable has an advantage in
this area, IF you need it.
That said, my wife says getting the deflated dinghy out of the cabin is like
dragging Orson Wells to the morgue! We may look into a Port-a-boat again when
we get our next boat.

We have the 12' and have comfortably (and dryly) hauled 5 full sized
middle-aged adults around the anchorage under power. Each had a
comfortable seat facing forward instead of sitting on the tubes and
getting their butts wet.

Note that ratings for inflatables are very different than other boats
because the tubes have so much buoyancy. 'Course they also cut down the
usable space for gear and supplies. The PortaBote (or any hard dink)
isn't rated for the same loads, but I'm more comfortable hauling heavy
loads around with it.

--
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/

Choice of Dinghy
 

Bobsprit wrote:

No trouble getting on and off from the boat. I've had inflatables, and I don't
see any really clear advantage for the inflatable in this regard. Inflatables
are highly overated and over priced as tenders.


Can you put 5 adults into a 10 foot portaboat with the same measure of safety?
My quicksilver is rated to carry 1150 lbs of people and gear. I've had about
800lbs or so on board my inflatable with no trouble. The 10 foot P-boat is
something like 575 lbs max and it's just not as stable.
I'm NOT bashing the Portaboat. I just think the inflatable has an advantage in
this area, IF you need it.
That said, my wife says getting the deflated dinghy out of the cabin is like
dragging Orson Wells to the morgue! We may look into a Port-a-boat again when
we get our next boat.

We have the 12' and have comfortably (and dryly) hauled 5 full sized
middle-aged adults around the anchorage under power. Each had a
comfortable seat facing forward instead of sitting on the tubes and
getting their butts wet.

Note that ratings for inflatables are very different than other boats
because the tubes have so much buoyancy. 'Course they also cut down the
usable space for gear and supplies. The PortaBote (or any hard dink)
isn't rated for the same loads, but I'm more comfortable hauling heavy
loads around with it.

--
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/

Choice of Dinghy
 

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/

Choice of Dinghy
 

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/

Choice of Dinghy
 

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.

According to Portaboat the maximum safe operating weight is 670 lbs. I can't
see how 5 200lb folks aboard would be a good idea.

http://www.porta-bote.com/dimensions.html

RB

Choice of Dinghy
 

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.

According to Portaboat the maximum safe operating weight is 670 lbs. I can't
see how 5 200lb folks aboard would be a good idea.

http://www.porta-bote.com/dimensions.html

RB

Choice of Dinghy
 

I could be wrong, but I think that max weight rating may be based on
it's bouancy when swamped. We also have a 12' and our experience is
pretty much identical to Jere Lull and Bobsprit's (except we use our
little 2.5hp outboard more than we row - just lazy, I guess).

Bobsprit wrote:

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.

According to Portaboat the maximum safe operating weight is 670 lbs. I can't
see how 5 200lb folks aboard would be a good idea.

http://www.porta-bote.com/dimensions.html

RB



--
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

Choice of Dinghy
 

I could be wrong, but I think that max weight rating may be based on
it's bouancy when swamped. We also have a 12' and our experience is
pretty much identical to Jere Lull and Bobsprit's (except we use our
little 2.5hp outboard more than we row - just lazy, I guess).

Bobsprit wrote:

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.

According to Portaboat the maximum safe operating weight is 670 lbs. I can't
see how 5 200lb folks aboard would be a good idea.

http://www.porta-bote.com/dimensions.html

RB



--
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

Choice of Dinghy
 

I could be wrong, but I think that max weight rating may be based on
it's bouancy when swamped. We also have a 12' and our experience is
pretty much identical to Jere Lull and Bobsprit's (except we use our
little 2.5hp outboard more than we row - just lazy, I guess).

At the Nowalk Boat show last year I was told that those were the "safe"
operating weights. That was from the Portaboat rep. While you can always
overload a dinghy, I like the fact that my 2 foot shorter Quicksilver still has
a "safe" limit of 1150 lbs. I like the Portaboat, looks aside, but like ANY
tender it has it's weaknesses.

RB

Choice of Dinghy
 

I could be wrong, but I think that max weight rating may be based on
it's bouancy when swamped. We also have a 12' and our experience is
pretty much identical to Jere Lull and Bobsprit's (except we use our
little 2.5hp outboard more than we row - just lazy, I guess).

At the Nowalk Boat show last year I was told that those were the "safe"
operating weights. That was from the Portaboat rep. While you can always
overload a dinghy, I like the fact that my 2 foot shorter Quicksilver still has
a "safe" limit of 1150 lbs. I like the Portaboat, looks aside, but like ANY
tender it has it's weaknesses.

RB

Choice of Dinghy
 

Bobsprit wrote:

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.

According to Portaboat the maximum safe operating weight is 670 lbs. I can't
see how 5 200lb folks aboard would be a good idea.

http://www.porta-bote.com/dimensions.html

RB


True, that's above the placard, but we were only going a short distance
in calm water. The point is that we had plenty of freeboard left and no
one got wet.

--
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/

Choice of Dinghy
 

Bobsprit wrote:

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.

According to Portaboat the maximum safe operating weight is 670 lbs. I can't
see how 5 200lb folks aboard would be a good idea.

http://www.porta-bote.com/dimensions.html

RB


True, that's above the placard, but we were only going a short distance
in calm water. The point is that we had plenty of freeboard left and no
one got wet.

--
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/

Choice of Dinghy
 

About PortaBotes...

Have any of you owners done entry and exit for diving with these? That's
about the only concern I have about them. An inflatable sides are very easy
to grab in order to get in, and probably a great deal more comfortable to
slide over, as well.

That said, their website shows some fire or police department or some such
diver being pulled into the boat by some couple of guys standing in the bow,
to demonstrate that it's stable. Same reservations, as I don't expect to
have a couple of boat gorillas to haul me in :{))

L8R

Skip

--
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away
from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Discover." - Mark Twain

Choice of Dinghy
 

About PortaBotes...

Have any of you owners done entry and exit for diving with these? That's
about the only concern I have about them. An inflatable sides are very easy
to grab in order to get in, and probably a great deal more comfortable to
slide over, as well.

That said, their website shows some fire or police department or some such
diver being pulled into the boat by some couple of guys standing in the bow,
to demonstrate that it's stable. Same reservations, as I don't expect to
have a couple of boat gorillas to haul me in :{))

L8R

Skip

--
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away
from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Discover." - Mark Twain

Choice of Dinghy
 

Hi Skip,
That's the one aspect of the dinghy we haven't tried yet, and one of the
reasons we still keep the Avon (the others being for simple redundancy
on long trips and also so if one person goes ashore, the other is not
stranded on the boat until he/she finally returns).

The factory claims it's easily usable as a skin diving platform and I
have talked to at least one owner that confirms this. But, I don't
believe anything until I have actually done it a few times. We had
hoped to do a trip down to the Channel Islands (where the water is warm
enough to enjoy skin diving), last summer, but a family crises prevented it.

We are now trying to arrange our schedules so we can do it this summer.

As I'm sure you're aware since this topic comes up periodically both
here and CWBB/CSBB (been an interesting week - what?), in all other
aspects of using the Porta-Bote as a dinghy, I heartily endorse it from
the perspective of 2+ years of ownership. So much so that if it turns
out that it is impractical to use it as a dive platform, we'll keep it
and continue to use it as a tender/taxi, and just use our Avon for diving.

Sitting here thinking about other possibilities, (if it turns out to be
just too hard to get into the Bote from the water), I may also try
towing a surf board out to the dive site, then going from the water to
the board then into the Bote. Dunno, but knowing me, I'll try a bunch
of different ideas (most of which will fail laughably) before finding
the best way, then stick to it until something better comes along.

Case in point: A number of years ago, after deciding that I was killing
myself working 7 days a week and further deciding I'd get back into
sailing, I purchased a MacGregor 25' trailerable. My thinking was that
if I couldn't change my lifestyle, and it sat unused, I'd eventually
sell it for about what I paid for it and the venture wouldn't cost me
anything.

Anyway, my wife and I tried a huge number of ways to step/unstep the
mast looking for the quickest, easiest and most reliable method. Never
broke or damaged anything, but there was one time we had just hauled the
boat and washed it and were unstepping the mast when a guy in a blue van
pulled up behind us. At this point, I really don't remember the details
of the particular method we were trying, but it was a dismal failure.
The mast got away from us and came crashing down the last several feet,
the top of it just barely missing the windshield of the blue van. The
look on that guy's face was priceless. His eyes were as big as
saucers! He never even got out of the van, just slammed it in reverse
and got the HELL out of there!

The point of my story is that we eventually did come up with a very
quick, easy and reliable way to do it (we could even wait until after we
launched the boat), but we had to try every other way first.

BTW, How's the boat search going?

Take care - Dan

Skip Gundlach wrote:

About PortaBotes...

Have any of you owners done entry and exit for diving with these? That's
about the only concern I have about them. An inflatable sides are very easy
to grab in order to get in, and probably a great deal more comfortable to
slide over, as well.

That said, their website shows some fire or police department or some such
diver being pulled into the boat by some couple of guys standing in the bow,
to demonstrate that it's stable. Same reservations, as I don't expect to
have a couple of boat gorillas to haul me in :{))

L8R

Skip




--
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

Choice of Dinghy
 

Hi Skip,
That's the one aspect of the dinghy we haven't tried yet, and one of the
reasons we still keep the Avon (the others being for simple redundancy
on long trips and also so if one person goes ashore, the other is not
stranded on the boat until he/she finally returns).

The factory claims it's easily usable as a skin diving platform and I
have talked to at least one owner that confirms this. But, I don't
believe anything until I have actually done it a few times. We had
hoped to do a trip down to the Channel Islands (where the water is warm
enough to enjoy skin diving), last summer, but a family crises prevented it.

We are now trying to arrange our schedules so we can do it this summer.

As I'm sure you're aware since this topic comes up periodically both
here and CWBB/CSBB (been an interesting week - what?), in all other
aspects of using the Porta-Bote as a dinghy, I heartily endorse it from
the perspective of 2+ years of ownership. So much so that if it turns
out that it is impractical to use it as a dive platform, we'll keep it
and continue to use it as a tender/taxi, and just use our Avon for diving.

Sitting here thinking about other possibilities, (if it turns out to be
just too hard to get into the Bote from the water), I may also try
towing a surf board out to the dive site, then going from the water to
the board then into the Bote. Dunno, but knowing me, I'll try a bunch
of different ideas (most of which will fail laughably) before finding
the best way, then stick to it until something better comes along.

Case in point: A number of years ago, after deciding that I was killing
myself working 7 days a week and further deciding I'd get back into
sailing, I purchased a MacGregor 25' trailerable. My thinking was that
if I couldn't change my lifestyle, and it sat unused, I'd eventually
sell it for about what I paid for it and the venture wouldn't cost me
anything.

Anyway, my wife and I tried a huge number of ways to step/unstep the
mast looking for the quickest, easiest and most reliable method. Never
broke or damaged anything, but there was one time we had just hauled the
boat and washed it and were unstepping the mast when a guy in a blue van
pulled up behind us. At this point, I really don't remember the details
of the particular method we were trying, but it was a dismal failure.
The mast got away from us and came crashing down the last several feet,
the top of it just barely missing the windshield of the blue van. The
look on that guy's face was priceless. His eyes were as big as
saucers! He never even got out of the van, just slammed it in reverse
and got the HELL out of there!

The point of my story is that we eventually did come up with a very
quick, easy and reliable way to do it (we could even wait until after we
launched the boat), but we had to try every other way first.

BTW, How's the boat search going?

Take care - Dan

Skip Gundlach wrote:

About PortaBotes...

Have any of you owners done entry and exit for diving with these? That's
about the only concern I have about them. An inflatable sides are very easy
to grab in order to get in, and probably a great deal more comfortable to
slide over, as well.

That said, their website shows some fire or police department or some such
diver being pulled into the boat by some couple of guys standing in the bow,
to demonstrate that it's stable. Same reservations, as I don't expect to
have a couple of boat gorillas to haul me in :{))

L8R

Skip




--
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

Choice of Dinghy
 

"Daniel E. Best" wrote in message
news:xYwDb.60887$8y1.245960@attbi_s52...
Hi Skip,

BTW, How's the boat search going?

Coming right along, the subject of a different post that doesn't start at 2
in the morning, and after I've had a chance to get caught up and more
'debriefed' on the trip (analyzing what happened in my third
circumnavigation, followed by a return dash across to pick up the unexpected
additions in STP on the way home, of FL). Finally seeing daylight...

Thanks for asking. Your form got a severe workout this trip, including
getting copied at two brokers' offices cuz I was running out!

L8R

Skip and Lydia

--
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away
from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Discover." - Mark Twain

Choice of Dinghy
 

"Daniel E. Best" wrote in message
news:xYwDb.60887$8y1.245960@attbi_s52...
Hi Skip,

BTW, How's the boat search going?

Coming right along, the subject of a different post that doesn't start at 2
in the morning, and after I've had a chance to get caught up and more
'debriefed' on the trip (analyzing what happened in my third
circumnavigation, followed by a return dash across to pick up the unexpected
additions in STP on the way home, of FL). Finally seeing daylight...

Thanks for asking. Your form got a severe workout this trip, including
getting copied at two brokers' offices cuz I was running out!

L8R

Skip and Lydia

--
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away
from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Discover." - Mark Twain

Choice of Dinghy
 

x-no-archive:yes


"Skip Gundlach"
wrote:

About PortaBotes...

Have any of you owners done entry and exit for diving with these? That's
about the only concern I have about them. An inflatable sides are very easy
to grab in order to get in, and probably a great deal more comfortable to
slide over, as well.

I have tried water entry from both a portabote and an inflatable (we
have an old Nissan which came with the boat). I can't get into either
one of them from the water. Bob had to make a strap with foot holds
to put on one side of the inflatable, and he had to be in it to
counterbalance it for me to get in from the water and I had to take
all my gear off first.

I tried to get into the portabote with no one else in there, and I
totally swamped the boat. It didn't sink, it just floated at the
surface of the water full of water with me sitting in it.

Of course I am very large (5'6" and weight 230 lbs) and somewhat
unfit, so that has a bearing on the issue. I'm also very buoyant of
course. I tried to shake it out like you would a canoe, without much
success - Bob picked it up with the whisker pole as a crane and dumped
the water out (without me in it).

I think if someone else had been in the portabote I could have managed
a bit better (I tried to get in over the stern so if there had been
someone in the bow) - or if I'd had the little strap Bob made for the
inflatable I might have been able to do it.

Bob talks about just towing me back to the big boat g I can climb
the swim ladder to the big boat as long as I don't have fins on.

I am also unable to get into the big boat from either dinghy any other
way than up the swim ladder.

That said, their website shows some fire or police department or some such
diver being pulled into the boat by some couple of guys standing in the bow,
to demonstrate that it's stable. Same reservations, as I don't expect to
have a couple of boat gorillas to haul me in :{))

We love the Portabote, but we have the inflatable on davits for
quicker use and for Bob to use in scrubbing the stern and waterline.
It's a pain as it has no seats. I don't like it.

We now store the Portabote on one side of the cabin top under the
staysail boom, with the seats and hardware in a sunbrella bag on the
other side. We used to put it on the lifelines, with the components
in the forward hanging locker.

grandma Rosalie

S/V RosalieAnn, Leonardtown, MD
CSY 44 WO #156
http://home.mindspring.com/~gmbeasley/id2.html

Choice of Dinghy
 

x-no-archive:yes


"Skip Gundlach"
wrote:

About PortaBotes...

Have any of you owners done entry and exit for diving with these? That's
about the only concern I have about them. An inflatable sides are very easy
to grab in order to get in, and probably a great deal more comfortable to
slide over, as well.

I have tried water entry from both a portabote and an inflatable (we
have an old Nissan which came with the boat). I can't get into either
one of them from the water. Bob had to make a strap with foot holds
to put on one side of the inflatable, and he had to be in it to
counterbalance it for me to get in from the water and I had to take
all my gear off first.

I tried to get into the portabote with no one else in there, and I
totally swamped the boat. It didn't sink, it just floated at the
surface of the water full of water with me sitting in it.

Of course I am very large (5'6" and weight 230 lbs) and somewhat
unfit, so that has a bearing on the issue. I'm also very buoyant of
course. I tried to shake it out like you would a canoe, without much
success - Bob picked it up with the whisker pole as a crane and dumped
the water out (without me in it).

I think if someone else had been in the portabote I could have managed
a bit better (I tried to get in over the stern so if there had been
someone in the bow) - or if I'd had the little strap Bob made for the
inflatable I might have been able to do it.

Bob talks about just towing me back to the big boat g I can climb
the swim ladder to the big boat as long as I don't have fins on.

I am also unable to get into the big boat from either dinghy any other
way than up the swim ladder.

That said, their website shows some fire or police department or some such
diver being pulled into the boat by some couple of guys standing in the bow,
to demonstrate that it's stable. Same reservations, as I don't expect to
have a couple of boat gorillas to haul me in :{))

We love the Portabote, but we have the inflatable on davits for
quicker use and for Bob to use in scrubbing the stern and waterline.
It's a pain as it has no seats. I don't like it.

We now store the Portabote on one side of the cabin top under the
staysail boom, with the seats and hardware in a sunbrella bag on the
other side. We used to put it on the lifelines, with the components
in the forward hanging locker.

grandma Rosalie

S/V RosalieAnn, Leonardtown, MD
CSY 44 WO #156
http://home.mindspring.com/~gmbeasley/id2.html