Quote:
Originally Posted by sailorbob2
I have a Corsair 31 trimaran. I'm intrigued by the Porta Bote and am wondering if any other trimaran owners have one.
I wonder how well it might work to simply haul it over the float and store it assembled on the net with the engine tilted up for short sails.
I also wonder how well it might work to disassemble it and store it folded on the net while crossing from Florida to the Bahamas.
I'm also curious to know if I purchase one of the newer models with the plastic transom and seats, can I easily replace them with the more robust fiberglas or wooden improvements that others have talked about in earlier posts.
Cheers,
Bob
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I have a 10 foot PortaBote on my Corsair and it works well. When folded, I put all of the parts, including oars into my ama and strap the folded boat onto the trampoline against one of the windows. This keeps the trampoline free to use lines and sails unobstructed, and acts as a sunshade/privacy screen at other times. I do not yet have a motor for mine, but a friend of mine does and the PortaBote really moves with a small 5 hp engine, though a 2 hp would easily suffice. My plastic seats are breaking, so I will also be looking at building replacement seats soon. Another problem that I have is that there is a slow leak at the center stern fold which I either have to periodically treat with silicone sealer or bring a manual bilge pump or both. The black plastic keel also can mark your ama when bringing it aboard or deploying it, but that can be avoided with a couple of well-placed fenders. I hope that this information is helpful. Good luck.