Collapsing boat: take anywhere

[avb3]

I've been looking for a dinghy for my sailboat, and considered all options. I've had to make compromises, but I think I came upon the right one considering storage, practicality and being frugal, price.

Ended up with a 12 foot http://porta-bote.comPortebote, which came with everything pictured, and bought a 3.5 HP Nissan which still had some warranty left on it. Tried it out this past weekend and was impressed! It only took me 20 minutes to assemble it the first time, and the stability had in the water was the best part of it.

Looking forward to bring it back to Alberta, and using it for fishing this summer. That little boat is going to make a many border crossings as I am. It folds up to only 4 inches thick which makes it for ideal storing on the sailboat.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/17/d22694aedf180ff329dadbcc062c9b35.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/17/dbc275c88bb85ac9719f6962cf72ac53.jpg

[dalesilvertip]

That's pretty cool boat, how much does it weigh.

[bubba 96]

Buddy has a 8fter, we float down the bow a dozen times a year, they cant be beat for what they are...

[avb3]

That's pretty cool boat, how much does it weigh.
This one is about 80 lbs.

[Ozzzzz]

That is one of the coolest things I've ever seen!

[fish_e_o]

that's neat

what are the seams made out of and how are they attached?

[avb3]

that's neat

what are the seams made out of and how are they attached?
The seams are the same material as the rest of the boat, bolstered by a protective strip. Some of these boats are 25 years old and not needing repairs. They are UV resistant, which make them an attractive proposition in the south.

[C & C]

Nice, I have been planning to buy a 12 foot as well. Looking for the green version so I can use it duck hunting. Did you buy it in the US? What do they run down there price wise?

[cranky]

I have been looking for a used 8 footer for a long time. They are hard to come by. Especially the 8' as they dont make the short one anymore.
Theres one of the originals in Spruce Grove. But its the very old first designs. Pointed both ends which ive heard is real tippy.

Ive fished in one a few times,they are incredible boats. Very stable.

Lucky guy.

[dwedmon]

I have the Genesis III 10 ft model. The boat can handle about 500lbs of load. The thing is very stable and I get very good speed using a 2.5hp mercury on it.

There used to be an Alberta dealer, you'd see him at boat and rv shows. I haven't seen him for years so I'm not sure if he's still in business.

For those who are thinking of getting one, while its true that they fold down what they never show you in the pictures are the 3 seats that you also need to lug around. Those 3 seats take up a fair amount of space and are a pain to lug around.

Personally I prefer to use a canoe for small lakes instead of my portabote. The portabote is for bigger water when I need more stability.

[avb3]

Nice, I have been planning to buy a 12 foot as well. Looking for the green version so I can use it duck hunting. Did you buy it in the US? What do they run down there price wise?
This is a 2005 model. The seller advertised it at $500....I jumped on it.

[javlin101]

My neighbor at the lake has one and he loves it. I was skeptical at first but when he lauched it with a 5hp motor it did very well.

http://www.portaboat.ca/

[bubba 96]

I have been looking for a used 8 footer for a long time. They are hard to come by. Especially the 8' as they dont make the short one anymore.
Theres one of the originals in Spruce Grove. But its the very old first designs. Pointed both ends which ive heard is real tippy.

Ive fished in one a few times,they are incredible boats. Very stable.

Lucky guy.

This is the exact one me and my buddy float the bow in they are pretty stable, I'm 265 and buddy is 180 and it does ok with us in it...

And the best part of it all he picked it up at a garage sale for 20 friggin bucks...