"Better than Sliced Bread"

Portabote floats in 4 inches of water

"Better than sliced bread" is a phrase meaning something is the best and in my opinion this applies to the Portabote. I was approached by Allan Pool the New Zealand agent to construct a web site for the "Portabote". I had never heard of it so I had to do a lot of web research looking for details on this folding boat. <!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->The facts, the details, the trials and the reports that I found really did impressed me. 

When I retired two years ago from 24 years as a charter boat operator I purchased a small inflatable rib so I could still go on the occasional fishing trip. So I could be mobile with the inflatable I purchased a roof rack from Rhino Rack. The model I purchased had a winch that enabled me to lift the rib onto my roof rack. Without the winch I did not have a hope in hell getting it up there.  My first trip fishing was off Rangiputa in the Rangaunu Harbour north of Cape Kari Kari. I had a great hour fishing but returned because of a very sick inflatable.  It turned out that snapper spines had punctured the insides of the floats. Since I had left the repair kit in the workshop at home 100's kilometers away, the next two days fishing required a session on the foot pump every ten minutes.

After reading of the portability and the virtual indestructibility of the Portabote I placed my inflatable rib on Trade Me and two days later it was sold and I was able to ring the New Plymouth Outdoor Centre and order a 12 footer. <!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

On arrival the first assembly, with the help of a very interested neighbour took us about 20 minutes the first time but now 5 minutes would crack its assembly. 

An extra that I bought was the dolly wheels. They are a great idea and are clamped on each side at the point of balance (a ten second job). With them on I can wheel a fully laden boat with ease down any ramp and across sand  into the water.  They are constructed of rubber and plastic wheels with adjustable aluminium clamps.  They are so light I just put them in the bow area so when returning while the boat is still floating they are clamped on and one easily walks the complete boat, the motor and all gear up the beach to the vehicle. <!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Dismantling the boat is quick and easy as the seats with the removal of their split pins slide out easily from their guides. The boat then quickly folds to its original folded state.  I then can easily place the bow on the roof rack and slide it up by myself.  One thing that really makes it easy for me is that my roof rack has a roller on the stern. (see photo above) I have removed the original winch.  I just use the standard tape clamp downs that are available anywhere.

I have been very impressed with this boat hence my decision to write report. Another thing I don't have any trailer costs. eg. WOF, registration, storage or trailer insurance.

Another advantage I have found is that because the gunnels are completely smooth it makes the laying and retrieving of flounder nets a breeze.

For storage I have placed two metal U brackets on the wall of my garage and the boat sits there folded taking up no room at all.