Porta Bote - The Ultimate Adventure Dinghy?

[@dndonwogs]

We are also Porta-bote enthusiast and own a 10'. We use a 6 HP Tohatsu 4 cycle (same weight as a 5, the carb has been changed). With that 54 pound outboard we can do 13 knots on flat water with two people in the boat. As you mentioned there is not enough floatation, so we place a flat fender at the transom, with that fender, the power head doesn't go under when the boat is swamped. The black tubing makes marks on the side of boats, so we have to be careful when we visit others. Using Armorall on the black tubing works but not for long. We put closed cell cushions on top of the factory seats which seems to have preserved them. We covered the foam with a light colored double Phifertex to protect the foam and for east of sitting (cooler and cushier). However, our transom membrane has just failed after 10+ years of abuse. The failure on the fold is inevitable. This is our second boat and the first one failed the same way. We were interviewed by Drake Roberts on PARAGON and here is what we had to say about our Porta-bote - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHiQYaFvqamNbbMm45s We look forward to sharing an anchorage with you someday.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Thanks for that feedback. We have pinned it to the top so more viewers can see it.

[@thespiritualsagaofanidiots8223]

Thanks for your input. I just bought the same thing. A 6 hp (knowing its the same as the 5 hp) Mercury. But haven't gotten it my boat yet, Good to know.

[@thespiritualsagaofanidiots8223]

I just watched your video link. very good. I would love to see a picture if you have one of the " flat fender at the transom" I will probably have to add that too. Thank you again. my email is [e-mail]

[@phillyblockxblock580]

Have a PB with the leaky transom issue. I see Troy talking about how polypropylene is a thermoplastic and can be welded together, has anyone tried melting the transom to the floor?

[@dndonwogs]

@@phillyblockxblock580 The transom is stapled to the hull with a soft gasket between, so no guarantee that transom and hull are the same material. It may be possible to weld them together but I would be skeptical because of the gasket. Our leaky transoms have both come from the transom failing on a fold line (we are on our third Bote). If you have a crack there it can be repaired with RV roof repair tape. We used Eternabond Roofseal Plus on Bote number two. On that Bote the crack was in the center fold and went all the way through the sealed area at the bottom of the transom. I removed the riveted hardware there and ran the tape all the way down and aft, then replaced the hardware using machine screws. Worked fine for about a year, including folding for offshore passaging. I think that the folding transom will always be the failure point on these Botes, but the roof repair tape can definitely prolong the life. Let us know how it goes if you experiment with welding. Cheers! Don

[@SailingOTR]

I have had my Porta-Bote for almost 12 years. It is older than the one you are showing so some of the bits and pieces are a little different. I love it for many of the reasons you listed in your video. The two large ABS plastic seats failed due to kids jumping on them from the dock. I built two new hollow box seats from plywood and mahogany, filling the hollow part with foam for added floatation. They're a bit heavier but have stood the test of time, about 7~8 years now. I also re-enforced the transom with two mahogany slats running athwartships and thru bolted to the transom piece at the ends. To keep the black split pipe on the gunnels from marring big boat topsides I got a piece of 1 & 1/2" (38mm) inside diameter nylon re-enforced water tubing and cut a split in it full length. This easily fit over the gunnel pipe and is fastened from the inside ONLY to the black gunnel pipe with round head SS sheet metal screws thru the nylon and into the black tube. Did this about two years ago, still working fine. Another problem I had was with the folding plastic transom piece that is stapled into the boat. Due to age and flexing this piece cracked on its centerline about 6"(150mm) up from the bottom of the dingy and for about 4"(100mm) along the bottom joint to the hull on each side of the centerline. Sealing this crack proved to be a very difficult task for a number of years since nothing I tried in the sealing / adhesive range sticks to the plastic from which the boat is made. UNTIL I stumbled upon a solution. Just for kicks I applied a a small patch(50mm X 50mm) of good old fashioned contact cement(NOT the water based stuff) to the surface of the plastic transom piece in an out of the way place and let it thoroughly dry out. Amazing! This contact cement stuck like glue(pun intended) to the plastic. In fact it stuck so well I found it near impossible to remove the test patch. BUT what really make this work to repair the cracks is...wait for it...cotton fiber. This is the stuff that is sold in most any grocery store in the baby goods or cosmetic section. Cotton balls would also work. It tales bit of fiddling but works in much the same way a fiberglass re-enforced plastic like boats. Many do not know but natural cotton fibers are quite strong. And they remain flexible along with the contact cement. I found that applying a base coat of the contact cement first and letting it go tack free is a good way to start. Then tear up the cotton into smallish pieces and stick it into place with more contact cement. Anyone experienced with applying fiberglass mat and resin will get this method pretty fast. BUT the cotton fibers and contact cement do not behave quite the same way as f/g and resin. The cotton will "wet out" just like f/g but the whole thing is quite a sticky mess to get it to go and stay where you want it. Hence "It tales bit of fiddling". I built up a number of layers doing this and made something like cotton rope applied parallel to and inside the cracks and applied more cotton over the top of this. To insure good adhesion I overlapped onto the surface about 50mm beyond the cracks. So far, something over one year now, this repair has held up 100% leak free.

[@GaryEtheridge-d5n]

Sweet Couple! Lovely personalities 💕 I love the way she giggles and talks too- great humor ❤️

[@dave.willard]

Hands down, the best information AND entertainment cruising vlog. The love you each have for the lifestyle is infectious, almost as much as Pascale’s wonderful laugh.

[@RollingRigTraction]

The Genesis version with the 3/4" marine plywood transom despite being more to drag along is by far the best transom available. I installed a compact bilge pump mount to the bottom center of the transom, I added a couple of eye bolts through the transom and run the hose from the bilge pump up and over the transom and through the eye bolt on the aft side and it will drain an overloaded boat that got water over calf deep within a couple of minutes. These are seriously easily the most sea worthy craft I have been in and I served in the US Navy for 11 years and have been on many platforms.

[@BrassLock]

I had no idea these little boats were so versatile and crocodile proof. Halfway through I was ready to buy one when I remembered I'm not a boat owner and live in a land-locked area of the world.

[@paul42592]

Yes, but you've gotta watch out for all the crocs in your area.

[@RollingRigTraction]

Best option anyway it will get you on the water anywhere and zero requirement to launch from a ramp. It takes only 4" of water to float and is just plain outstanding for search and rescue for getting into generally inaccessible waters.

[@BrassLock]

@@RollingRigTraction My nearest waterway is the Ping River. It would be fun to traverse that on a sunny weekend.

[@rodc5614]

Stumbled onto this video by accident a little while ago. Just wanted to say thanks. With the info and footage from here and having now watched the rest of your channel, i am now the proud owner of a gen iv 10ft of my own. Cheers! Stay safe and well. Cant wait to get in some fishing of my own

[@TonyAnschutz]

Loved my portabote and would buy another one in a heartbeat. Love the bridal idea Troy. I installed a drain plug in mine and hung it from davits. Worked great and doubled as rain catcher. I had a hose the screwed into the bottom of the drain plug and we collected a lot of rain water from the dingy.

[@ar15gator]

Definitely have me rethinking my new exploration vessel in the backwaters on the Gulf side of Florida, USA Thank you! Great Video! A+++++

[@RH-lz3om]

Brilliant. Couldn’t has asked for a better review. Thanks from Texas!

[@peterinthegong9437]

I bought the large PortaBote a few years ago as we had a caravan and wanted to go boating as well. That boat was fantastic! We caught more fish out of that thing than any other boat. It was fitted with depth sounder n small rechargeable battery. U have to get used to to floor movement and the boats movements. It’s no toy and suited our needs perfectly. Thanks for your videos

[@FreeRangeLiving]

The floor is very weird you're right.

[@alansmith2203]

Troy and Pascal, am such a big fan of yours from California. I keep a boat in San Carlos Mexico, Sea of Cortez, and i bought an old Porta bote because i saw how versatile your usage on Miroo was. Sniffed around the Porta bote web site and watched every video i could find on youtube of people using Porta bote. But after watching at least 20 of your episodes and your exploring, fishing, and knocking about...i was convinced it would work well on my 30 foot trimaran. Also, i can't tell you how much i enjoy your guy's passing on of boat knowledge to others. Tefgel is an example. Enjoyed watching the fabrication of the seats. David is a gem of a fella. Love your blogs.

[@JeffreyOutram]

Thanks for your advice on Porta boat i to got one out of Sydney second hand as im a caravaner there great fun with 5hp motor took me awhile to set up and bit heavy to move to and from water all set up as im 70 year old but great fun on the water and those seats do get hot and burn bums carry a towel or a screw on seat take care i enjoy your blog Jeff

[@kevinobrien7360]

Thanks for explaining how to lift and deploy a porta-bote on a small small sail boat. I have 10 ft. portabote and and a 28 ft. sailboat, but I have never tried to use it as a tender. I have an Avon Redcrest with a 2hp motor as a tender. Fortunately, I dont have to worry about crocs in Delaware, USA.

[@Inokea]

I'm not on a sailboat but your review and commentary are great and very useful to anyone considering or already owning a Porta bote. THANKS!

[@prometheus7504]

Ya know the best thing about you 2? No matter how clearly knowledgeable Troy is, you always include Pascale and make sure she gets a chance to show her knowledge and intellect. Love you 2 and only wish for the best for ya.

[@misterprofessor3511]

That's a bit patronizing. Let's not forget that Pascale was a lawyer in a previous life, which requires law school. She's a sharp cookie.

[@prometheus7504]

no its not patronizing because no where in my comment did I say she wasnt intelligent what I said was I admire them for making sure she isnt just eye candy like many of the other channels do ... so if anything its the opposite of being patronizing. I have also said before I would love to see her show off more of her skillset with on board cooking etc etc.. People dont always have to jump to immediately offended.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

We understand you Jack.

[@prometheus7504]

thats all that matters be safe yall

[@lophloph07]

Glad you talked about crocs. Im looking at one getting one and my boat ramp is right in the middle of gator country.

[@richardscudds4753]

Great footage of the crocs but to see Pascal in fishing mode is a definite plus in my books . all-in-all great vid on how ya boat works for you's . Stay safe and continue enjoying the dream

[@kathyhudson6525]

Yes, the fishing was exciting; but did Pascal land the fish, or did the shark get it?!

[@doncairns9275]

Great vid as always. In this case, you put the case for and against really well, and added the caveat that you were taking about what worked for you, and maybe not for everyone. Couldn't ask for more. You could just as easily call your channel bullshit free sailing. Love you guys as always. Thanks.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

It has a nice ring to it...

[@geesomes]

Great video as usual! Planning to buy one of these to start learning marine engine care. You two are a big inspiration. Can’t wait to join you one day in living the dream on the water!

[@bunyipdan]

Love hearing you guys laughing (Pesky Pascy has the most infectious joy filled giggle) and thankyou for not using the ubiquitous “croc infested” term it shows the honest and deep appreciation for the whole environment including its dangers, it is a large attraction to your channel , thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Yeah, croc/shark infested is coming at it from the wrong mind set.

[@shieldaigbencher]

Troy man, you are a legendary Australian.

[@davestahnke144]

I watched another good, but short lived youtube sailing couple who used a Porto Boat and asked them about it. One of the pros they mentioned is it took waves better than a RIB. They were very happy with their choice as well.

[@Dutch_off_grid_homesteading]

heya I think that your dinghy is the best solusion for a smal sailing boat like yours love to see the dinghy in action

[@kylehughes1619]

The confined space training comment earned my subscription and sympathy

[@robertorzech2466]

I love it ! great little boat for me ! I will put it on my wish list ! Thanks for sharing again ! Fair winds.

[@tyforsyth7546]

You summed it up at the beginning. Every boat is a compromise. Great review.

[@glendree1]

Excellent no nonsense review guys , if i needed a porta boat you guys would have me sold !

[@SuperDave21]

Such a wealth of information between the two of you! Sounds like a perfect boat for your needs. Cheers from Oklahoma, USA

[@kbkesq]

What an adventure. Crocs and sharks. Great review as well.

[@andrewbough7926]

You had me sold from the outset.What an amazing boat.What a Concept!!You deserve royalties for sure!!!

[@ericksonjustinAK]

Very well done. All boats are indeed a compromise. The craft is finding the right fit and you guys have beautifully presented the information to allow people to use these beauties when it makes sense. Wish everyone presented their opinions about everything this way. Very refreshing. Love my Porta bote. There are things about them that can be easily improved but the durability, reliability, and simplicity of the hull design cannot be beat. I basically say my boat is the best boat when you need the biggest boat without needing a trailer. I can fit my family of four in it and still be able to load it on my truck by myself. I’m in Alaska and I heard about these boats because they strap so well to an airplane with floats. Incredible little things. Know a guy that put a 9 horse on his 12 footer and hauled a moose in it and it managed fine. There is a reason owners have a love affair with them.

[@sailingonchallanger4024]

Hi' the wife and I own the 12 foot version of the portaboat. Love the heck out of it. Durable as he'll. Had a 10 footer at first, worked well but just too small. It seems I'm seeing more and more cruisers using them, with good reason I think. Dan & Vala

[@justcoke1]

I never thought about running mine without the front seat looks like it works out well

[@robertcummins1333]

I recently bought a second hand 12’ portabote with a 6hp 2stroke Yammy. It is 18 years old, has been used a lot, and is still in great condition. These things are tough! Yes, one of the seats needed strengthening and the foam flotation flakes a bit, but that’s it. The seams (hinges) are in perfect shape and don’t leak a drop. The flexing of the hull feels a bit weird, especially when you’re planing, and you need to be a bit careful walking around, as the floor “gives” a bit, but it’s otherwise very stable. It is certainly NOT a toy as some have suggested. It planes very easily and runs 13.5 knot (25kph) with one person. It does have some limitations and is not for everyone, but for situations like Troy & Pascale’s, or for people needing a compact boat for car touring, it makes a lot of sense. T&P, I love your videos, your humour, great wisdom and your generosity. You both have a special gift. I look forward to more of your wonderful work. Wishing you fair wind, smooth seas, heaps of great fish, and good health. Stay safe.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Thanks for the great write up Robert. All boating is compromise one way or another which is why we give our impression rather than prescription for what people should do. Everybody's situation is fairly unique. In the end, everybody had to make the best decision for themselves.

[@NYWaters]

My first eight foot Porta Bote lasted over fifteen years and developed a small leak I was too lazy to find. Gave it away and is still floating around some where. Bought a new one with the integral transom a little bit heavier and unbalanced when trying to carry the folded up hull but, still a great boat and a great review. Learned a few ideas from your review. Fair winds!

[@mrgravyman]

Holy crap. You guys raised so many points I hadn't even thought of. Thanks for another great video! (just catching myself back up to date)

[@rogermace4516]

Thanks for all the info on the Porta Bote, I have always been very interested in them, but never got one. Love it when you mentioned it attracts a lot of admirers and questions.

[@saucygoose1821]

Could you do a 5min cut together of all the times Auntie Skull giggles? Makes me laugh out loud - she has one of the most authentic and beautiful natural giggles I've ever heard xx

[@dublininnis9695]

I like to think of myself as a calm man, but if a shark was that close and trying to feed I would need a new reel and shorts. Thanks for you guys showing how its done in the other hemisphere. Cheers

[@rj7411]

Have loved watching you two putt around in your odd little dinghy and was wondering about the history behind it. Thanks for coming through with an excellent explanation for us.

[@stuartwatson9140]

Hey thanks heaps ..I just bought an older porta bote to use as a tender for my 38 ft northshore so I can explore better than a small inflatable ..that was really helpful. I want you to make me some more foam core seats and a folding transom!! definitely gonna patron you guys..thanks

[@RollingRigTraction]

Yes you are right they are dagger boards for the sail kit.

[@snakeeyes4424]

Pascale's laugh is the most amazing.

[@garrietaylor9519]

Me 2 & only reason I'm here

[@sw923]

Awesome, Having grown up on the water but not in sail boats, I've been waiting for the video on your dingy. That's an awesome little boat and would make a great dingy on a larger power boat as well as sail boat. Having no experience with sail boats, only power boats, work boats, bay boats etc, I have learned a lot from your videos that apply to power boats as well.

[@taylorsukoshi6126]

My yacht has stainless racks on two of the stanchions for surfboards I think these would be awesome to store a portabote, taking up less deck space. Think this video has really sold me on the idea.

[@ar15gator]

Great review, needed to hear all that, Thank you, great safety tips as well, especially with the confined space reality, valid important points of life on a sailboat/yacht

[@stoniofishing]

I love my Porta Bote I'm an owner in Australia too just it's an exhausting day up at 4am and moving it about on my own. I get asked heaps of questions from those same guys too haha I love it! I'm trying my best to organise 5 rods, anchor, fishing gear, Esky, fish finder and my 5hp motor. Have an idea to build a bow pulley/cleat mount from 4mm checker plate aluminium and fit it in somehow.

[@benc65753]

Thanks for the Porta Bote review. I appreciate how you go into depth on the description and your general opinion of how it serves your purpose. We are thinking of purchasing one but are waiting until we see some real, honest comments about how it actually holds up under real time conditions. Thanks. I think we're sold on it now.

[@IndigoLotusSanctuary-zn2dd]

Awesome review!! Thanks so much!❤

[@m3rkgaming683]

Really cool looking porta bote you both have there.and such a beautiful beach.Australia looks very beautiful.Stay safe always on the waters,especially with the reptiles 🦎 in the waters.Always love your uploads,,and love you both ❤️.Thank you for sharing

[@aleblanc3547]

Interesting bit about the crocs. We've got alligators, but they stick to freshwater swamps and canals and because you can eat them, I think they're at least a little bit as afraid of us as we are of them. Thanks guys!!

[@ramabamaboomboom]

I have never seen a more exciting tutorial on a port-a-boat. Educational too. Maybe we could have a tutorial on how to stand up and in the boat correctly while hanging to the bowline. You know, feet placement, wieght distribution and how to steer the boat with body movements.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Dinghy surfing 101

[@ocxb]

My boss has one the he used a few times, now it sits in a storage trailer with a 5hp outboard, anchor and a 3gal. Fuel tank. I should hit him up for a deal as it hasn’t been used for years. Thanks for the great review and an awesome job on the seats.

[@wildtimbrown]

Love the format!

[@whyme8068]

You bring up some great points!

[@jerrysmith9315]

Looks good.....for croc’s...for you guys....I need three times bigger....but then again I will never be in the same water with those beasts...bears, etc, no problem. Keep up he great informative and picturesque vids, Thanks.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Yep, everyone had different requirements. We might consider changing when we have to spend a lot of time in surf zones hunting for dinner. We'll see.

[@billderinbaja3883]

Excellent PB education, especially with all your ingenious mods + excellent comments below... thank you everyone! I am purchasing a Cal 28, looking for best dinghy solution in Sea of Cortez and for cruising up Pacific Coast... this seems the ONLY real solution for our small sloop, very happy to have this option. Icing on the cake is your tip on entering from free diving... +++! One question... will the 8' be adequate for the two of us! Space is a premium on a 28 footer.

[@Captain_Bartolo]

Very useful video! We love your sailinglife storys! 😃 Dunja and Achim

[@kommstemit9703]

got addicted to your channel. love it 😍👍

[@thespiritualsagaofanidiots8223]

Thank you so much for this review. I recently bought an old "banana boat," more or less the same as yours and have always been curious of others' experience and opinions. I love mine so far. But I always wonder if I'm an idiot. I'm learning so much from you two. Your posts are easy to follow, informed and constructive. Happy Sailing !

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Glad to help mate

[@TheTywad]

I purchased a 10’ version a few months ago. They have redesigned the transom. The metal reinforcing angle pieces are gone and there is a hard plastic panel that pins into the rear seat for support. I have yet to strap on the outboard to see how it all works. The seats are similar, but no longer have the drink holders. Why?! Now I have to hold my own drink. I plan on sewing up some closed cell foam in some phifertex for cushions to keep the seats cool. Really enjoy your videos, keep them coming!

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I'd like to see the new mods.

[@TheTywad]

Free Range Sailing I would send pics, but I’m away from home for several weeks. You may be able to see the new transom design on porta bote’s website. The latest design is called the Alpha series.

[@raybrensike42]

I had a 10' and put a 8hp Evinrude on it. It was a 56 lb. motor and it was fast. (an older 2 stroke)

[@steveng5503]

Great honest review by two knowledgeable users. I’m sure this one will serve you well for sometime to come. As always a BIG 👍 from me. Stay safe and I can’t wait for the next video.

[@Al-cynic]

I'm getting a 12'6" one (which yours is, even though the stats you gave are for the ~10' version). Pretty much because I binged your videos. i was looking at tinnies, and these things can do the job for a 1/3 of the price...and with a 6hp Suzuki, I don't need a boat license). you should have had a commission deal...lol. Also spent some time doing wheat, sheep and cattle in nsw, as well as studying a bit of biology, soils, plant physiology etc, So I'm watching your new series with interest. Old bush witticisms like 'If you cant mow it, don't grow it' seem stupid on the surface, but there is a hard won, deep wisdom, underlying that shit!

[@SailingLearningByDoing]

That EmerClad is good stuff. I use it as antiskid on my deckhand cockpit. Roll it on thick, wait a few minutes then roll over it with one of those sponge-like rollers. It stands up in tiny little spikes and is semi flexible.

[@kylehallacappellaman3435]

Just a note. In the video, when Troy converted the metric length of the dinghy (3.2 meters) to the ‘old language,’ (Ha!), as he called it, he came up with 14 feet. To which I thought, “Wait a minute; that’s too long,” my mind having quickly thought of 3 meters being 9 feet, almost 10 feet, and the additional .2 meters being only about 7 inches, etc. Anyway, sure enough…3.2 meters is only 10 ½ feet. About 25% shorter than 14 feet. I’m not being critical, really. I love your shows! Having watched ALL your episodes, I already had proof of the invincible nature of your little dinghy and the great support it is to your adventures! I was just surprised to hear Troy miss a calculation like this, given his extensive all-round and much appreciated knowledge. I’m sure that he was simply caught off guard, being in front of the camera and having to make such a conversion quickly! Please keep up the good video work and I hope you enjoy yourselves as you do!

[@FreeRangeLiving]

You're only as good as your last off the cuff calculation! Oh well, even conquering Roman generals had an escort to remind them of their fallibility.

[@jimnickles2347]

'All Glory is Fleeting!'

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@jimnickles2347 Whereas ignominy is forever, witness Caligula, Bin Laden and Trump

[@bdtelford1]

You mentioned the sailable, hard nesting dingy near the end. If you haven't already, check out Sailing Florence. There is a great UK couple there that leverages exactly what you mention. Stowing the mast, rigging, and rudder is a consideration but otherwise its great!

[@stephenburnage7687]

The Florence, nesting dingy is great. It can sail, row or be powered. The only thing is they are not in commercial production but home builds. Now torn between the two....

[@nicjacobson8477]

Once again great video. Keep that trip coming to tassie. Love you guys.

[@benjaminboyle3295]

Thanks guys, that was a great video, helps me choose a dinghy for my 27 footer. Cheers!!

[@trumpetmano]

Excellent, informative video guys!!!

[@bonnie9496]

Love your sailing videos! You guys are awesome. Hope the boat maintenance is going well? Watching this clip on the ports-bote. Can you confirm what size you have. You mention 3.2m and 14ft. Both different. You mention 3hp does an ok job. Common sizes are the 10ft, 12’6 & 14. I’ve just ordered a 12’6 and looking at motor choice. Thinking about an electric Torqeedo 1003 which is 3.5hp equivalent. Am in an off-road camper - No carrying petrol. Cheers in advance - Marcus

[@davetate2932]

Thank you both such great information for this old land dog i was curious about the ins and outs of the dingy ,. love hugs and prayers to you both

[@280zGaitan]

Any ideas on how to best attach an anchor on a 12 footer porta bote? Thanks.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

There's images of it in our video Buried Treasure.

[@BillB23]

When I worked for a plumbing wholesaler, polypropylene pipe was rated for 140 degree F sulfuric acid at 150 psi. I think you have a good item there. I also agree to not looking tasty to the carnosaurs. If one had the deck space a gaff rigged dory with a composite bottom might, might be better, but I have never had anything but admiration for your (just learned the name) portabote. Fair winds and following seas.

[@looksea2me]

Thanks guys for this video, great little boat which I have always wondered about the pro's and cons as we have a 33 foot Mottle and will be fitting davits to it to help store our inflatable.. The portaboat is way ahead of our little rig and a viable replacement option.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Look at Takacat 340LX as well. I'm warming to them as well but need to see their track record for longevity in harsh conditions. 5 years of me using it is pretty good recommendation for the Portabote. You can see over the years worth of episodes it gets worked very hard.

[@looksea2me]

@@FreeRangeLiving Thanks Troy !

[@waynedoeblin6801]

Good review guys,I have no argument with you on this,especially the two points of"escape"for the want of a better word in case of emergency 👍😊

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Very cool 👍 Stay safe and looking forward to more

[@cbpaton53]

... good vid (bought one :) and like it ), have you considered storing it outside the safety lines to save on desk space?

[@48William]

Another informative video great job you two

[@brianb6603]

Excellent as usual!!!

[@JohnBobRoger]

I prefer the double-ender...with the built in trim tabs you can insert flotation and mount a bigger Outboard ..transom will not wear out.

[@RollingRigTraction]

You can easily go over 5 h.p. with a pb. I have seen people run 9.8-9.9hp outboards on a 12' it takes some finesse until it's on plane but the only reason people generally don't is the Coast Guard safety limits. Even the 5 h.p. Tohatsu/Nissan is a pound over limit and the 6 h.p. was the one recommended by Porta-Bote when I bought mine. The 4 strokes are always heavier however if you run a 2 stroke you can go higher horsepower without the weight consequences and the bote can be a water rocket. I find it take having more weight in the bow to get the boat to plane faster and maintain the higher speed. With only one person in the boat on flat water it really gets moving. I'm 100% behind Porta-Bote they're just simply amazing watercraft with crazy widespread capabilities!

[@johnnybarbar7435]

Another great episode you two...very informative and full of common sense decision making on dingy choices. If you happen to have need to repair the portabote by plastic welding, I am pretty sure that bleach bottles are polyethylene (HDPE) instead of polypropylene (PP). Most bleach bottle caps may be PP but no guarantees on that. Stay safe and keep the adventures coming!

[@AltheaMark]

You guys have sold me, PortaBote should be giving you a commission 🙈🍺🍺

[@NeilEwins]

Great review many thanks.

[@edrosenberger6947]

Excellent report on your Porta Bote. The sailboat I've been looking for has room for a 12' dinghy on davits and I would really like it to be a 3 meter (9.8') Polycraft Tuff Tender made of polyethylene and rated for 15 hp. I think it is much better than any inflatable and would also be gater proof. Unfortunately it is only sold in Australia. Thanks you two!!

[@FreeRangeLiving]

They are indeed tough boats. One of our patrons Ryan brought Takacats to our attention and if not for crocodiles they look very appealing. We might even consider one when we have to dive in wave zones for our dinner further south.

[@edrosenberger6947]

The Takacat is nice, especially the ease of getting back in while diving....of course so can a croc :-). You'll need an air compressor or blower to inflate those tubes for assembly though....hard to beat your Porta Bote for quick assembly & disassembly.

[@davehayes994]

Good solid explanation. Thanks!

[@garyleonard4009]

Great info guy's, thanks for sharing. 👍

[@davestahnke144]

A bit of the past. I have always remembered this video, it was one of my deciding factors for Capers' dinghy. Looking at it again, I'm sure you would stay with the Porta Boat, any new techniques? I intend to buy one this spring.

[@alohathaxted]

Just memory of the inflatables I've owned and I recall the cheapest were the flat bottomed plywood or aluminum slated kind that while no big woop in the get up and go department were the most stable platforms for working around the perimeter of the yacht, while standing to work on the hull or trim or to fix some bit of hardware or hand down the outboard to install on transom. I was wondering how the Portable compares.

[@Martian74]

I am interested in the larger 14' Porta-Bote as it can take a 10HP motor so can get along faster and carry more people.

[@ryan-w]

It is a cool little boat!! I looked at these and I also looked at the Walker bay 10 with the sailing kit....I settled on the takacat 2.6 lx....in hindsight I should have got the 3.4 because it packs so small and 5 mins to set up for any of them. Not croc proof mind you. I have a 32 foot Nebe Miura, so I need a small tender as well.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Thanks Ryan, I'm off to look at one on the net. Hadn't heard of them and now I'm curious

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Just had a look at the Takacat 340LX and I reckon it is a strong runner up for future next dinghy. I would still be reluctant to have it near crocs but it would be awesome for everything else we do. Good find!

[@johnnybarbar7435]

LuckyFishGetsAway uses a Tacacat inflatable dingy. You might get pros and cons they have experienced if you are interested.

[@MiQBohlin]

Yes, the Takacat of Luckyfish is really nice, and of course it’s self drained.

[@FTATF]

I've never really liked these boats, but I've also never been in one, I guess I guilty of some snobbery, but I see how it is a great application for a dinghy,and I'm seriously considering one. I also like that 5 horses will get you on step, that's good fuel economy. I have always disliked towing anything unless I am forced too, towing can be dangerous.

[@bunyipdan]

Great information regarding the port-a-boat certainly a balanced and complete pitch, very pursuasive, lifted them in my estimation ….. ever thought about using an electric trolling motor option….no need for petrol just a bit more solar on Morool to pump up the charging capacity? Reckon if you need an extra sailing fix, rigging the porta bote with a lanteen rig, cause nothing beats porta bote ability combined with its stowed practical footprint......may be a kite surfer just for the excitement?

[@FreeRangeLiving]

The additional solar would be quite a jump up and the motor wouldn't have multi day, multi hour viability. I crunched the numbers and it didn't pan out for our circumstances. The stuff required to sail her is to hard to justify for the storage space consumed. Getting Mirrool ready to go sailing takes no time at all.

[@bunyipdan]

@@FreeRangeLiving Your minimalist lifestyle is a real inspiration, not one I could hope to achieve.....I'm one of those guys dream'n of a 42' lightweight cat, so porta bote might be better than a kayak as an extravagant second low impact option.

[@seymorekeester2193]

I Love You Guys and your Dinghy's !

[@Lumbardh84]

Crikey! I completely forgot about the crocs. I dont know how you guys do it

[@stephenburnage7687]

Interestingly, I worry about crocodiles and my dingy in Panama. Not quite as big as a saltie but you still have to trwst them with respect. A crocodile would make mincemeat of an inflatable, which is what we have. My understanding is that they tend to be more awake and aggressive at night, so limit our dingy excursions to daylight hours.

[@phillyblockxblock580]

Bought a porta bote last year mostly because of your videos and love it. The only issue is that it has the common leak at the fold mid transom. I've tried different glues but nothing will stick to the HDPE. What would you think about attempting to melt it together? The leak is by far the most common needed repair but I've never seen anyone attempt welding it.

[@dannylee1350]

Where do you stow the oars and seats? Sorry if I missed it in the video