Porta-Bote Review By RV Owner Frank Spence

A number of years ago while at an outdoor show, we saw the Porta-bote but did not buy one as we had never seen one in actual use. A few years later we pulled into a campsite at Marten River Provincial Park north of North Bay Ontario, Canada. Our neighbour had a Porta-bote. Over we went, asked all sorts of questions, went for a test ride, and then went to the phone booth about 3 p.m. and ordered a 12' porta-bote from Craig Dill at Ontario Portable Boats near Mitchell, Ontario, Canada. Our new porta-bote , in two boxes was delivered to our Northern Ontario campsite from Southern Ontario to us the next morning. We and our fellow camping neighbours were very impressed !

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With some experience, set up time for one person - about 10 minutes, less if two people are doing it.

 Since August 2004, we have fished with our porta-bote using a small 3 hp motor that pushes it right along and our fishing has increased in enjoyment and actual numbers of fish caught ( averaging 300 - 350 lbs of fish each summer). Being lightweight, easily set up and comfortable ( we added comfy seats to our 12' porta-bote ) both my wife and I are able to spend many happy hours on the water. It takes about 2 minutes to get accustomed to the flexible floor on your first ride and after that all is good.

 When it is folded up and put in the locking brackets that are mounted on the side of our motorhome, it travels very easily being only 69 lbs and 4 inches thick.

For anyone with an RV wanting a boat, this is the answer.

                 

 Rear Locking RV Bracket                                                               Front Mount RV Bracket

Our additions to our Porta-bote have been running lights, fish finder, boat seats, and a set of wheels. Our wheels allow one person to easily transport our fully loaded boat down to the water's edge from our campsite which at times is not always next to water.

One our most frequently asked questions is whether the Porta-bote leaks.