portabote

[bsfree]

Anyone have experience of a portabote as a dingy, I like the idea of having it lashed onboard and ready when needed instead of towing/inflating etc.

[halyardz]

Not personally but there have been some very positive posts on the Tartan list about the Porta-bote. The only negative I''ve heard has been the price but then too, I''ve not heard from anybody that''s had one for 10 years either.

[bsfree]

Thank you halyardz, that''s the kind of thing I''d hoped to hear. Pretty much made up my mind to buy one, just wanted to hear of any real negatives before I did.
Thanks for your time
bsfree

[mrb2222]

Check three places. First the Portabote website. They have gotten some credable press from Practical Sailor and others.

Next look at two clubs on Yahoo. One is California portaboters and the other portaboters northeast.

I have read a lot and am convinced they are a good idea. For me 10'' and a 4hp motor.

You might also look at Traderonline and Ebay for used ones. Genesis 3 and 4 have square transoms for motors.

Mike

[bsfree]

Thanks Mike, I''ll check those out.
bsfree

[halyardz]

bsfree...just got some new info for you. Go
to the Cruising World bulletin board and check the posting on porta-bote. In a nutshell...go for it...BUT...at least one person''s experience with the firm was...well, cheesy to say the least...not much interest in customer service after the sale...but from all takes, its a good product. The company website caters to the RV/camper/fishing crowd, while surely bigger market, its a whole different mentality.