1- Why don't the Porta-Bote hinges and hull " Break " ?
1- Polypropylene !! The entire hull is made of this stuff. Without it, there could be no folding Porta-bote. The hinges are absolutely water tight and are so unique, they have been granted international patents.
Polypropylene is an engineered resin developed by the U.S. Aero-Space industry. It has incredible properties. The hinges can take stresses of over 90,000 pounds per square inch. They are designed so that the higher the pressure on the hinge, the more it wants to remain sealed. The Porta-Bote Polypropylene hinges have been modulus tested at a rate of over 500,000 openings and closings without failure.
Our formula utilizes an ultra-violet ( UV ) filter. This renders the material unaffected by exposure to saltwater. It won't even burn. This same formula is being used in the manufacture of new " lifetime " batteries, automobile bumpers, bullet proof vests, astro-turf, and non-rusting highway road signs.
We have inspected 25+ year old Porta-botes and they looked almost as good as new.
The hinges and hull material have been time tested for over 30 years and nearly 60,000 satisfied customers worldwide. This is why we can confidently offer our famous 10 year limited hull warranty.
2- Does Porta-bote meet Transport Canada and U.S Coastguard ( NMMA ) Requirements ?
2- Porta-bote has been approved for use by Transport Canada for many years. All Porta-botes are now supplied with either a white compliance sticker for the 8', 10' & 12 foot Porta-botes, and a white capacity sticker for the 14' porta-bote.
Porta-bote has been manufactured in California , U.S.A., for over 30 years and is NMMA certified. Each Porta-bote comes with a yellow U.S. Coastguard Sticker.
Porta-bote is also certified for Europe, Japan, Australia and many, many, other countries.
3- What size outboard can I use on my Porta-bote ?
3- On the 8'6" porta-bote, you can use any outboard that ways 35 lb or less. This usually includes most 3.5 hp or smaller engines. Some 4 hp are okay depending on the manufacturer, but check the weight first.
The transom is supplied with every Porta-bote. You do not need any extra mounting brackets.
You can use any electric motor with a 30" to 36" shaft on the back transom of all 4 models of Porta-botes.
For front mounting of electric motors you can purchase an optional " BOW TROLLING MOUNT " that will fit all four sizes of Porta-botes. This mount will take up to a 35 lb thrust electric motor.
On the 10'8" and 12'6" Porta-botes you can use any outboard weighing up to 54 lb. This usually is in the 4HP to 6HP range, again depending on the manufacturer of the engine. As with all models you do not need to purchase any extra mounting brackets for rear mounting. See the specs for the 8'6" model above for electric motor specs.
The 14' Porta-bote can take any outboard up to 10 HP or 83 lb in weight. You do not require any extra mounting brackets other than the two aluminum support brackets that are supplied by Porta-bote for the 14' Porta-bote only.
See the specs., for the 8'6" model above for electric motor specs.
4 -How Do I Assemble My Porta-bote ?
Assembly usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, no tools or patching kit is required .
For full details " Click this link for Assembly Instructions. "
5 - How Do I Pay For My Porta-bote?
You can order buy phone and pay with Visa and Master Card. If you come to our store to pick up your Porta-bote, we also have Debit Card or you can pay by cash.
6- How Do I Order or Pickup My Porta-bote ?
You can pick a Porta-bote up at our place of business, Ontario Portable Boats, 5701 line 46, West Perth, RR#5, Mitchell Ontario.
Please call us toll free 1-877-388-3679 first to make sure the size and color you prefer is in stock.
We normally have 35 - 50 Porta-botes in stock and usually have what you need.
If distance is a factor , we can have in-stock boats delivered to most destinations in 2 or 3 business days.
Call or email me direct craig@ontarioportableboats.com and we can give you an exact shipping cost to your home or business.
We can deliver to most cottages and campgrounds if truck access is available as well as a 911 number.
