Mike Schriber
San Diego, CA
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Joined: 10/29/2004
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Yes, it's another boat thread. I've searched and read but didn't find any threads that really addressed my situation. So...
We've been thinking about getting a boat to bring with us to campgrounds and on longer trips. We've investigated canoes, kayaks, inflatables and foldables (PortaBote and Instaboat). I have a factory roof rack on my Suburban as the primary transport location although if we go with a PortaBote/Instaboat I'll probably make a rack underneath the trailer.
There are three of us and we want to stick together so that would seem to knock kayaks off the list. My wife isn't a big fan of canoes due to stability and I'm not thrilled about their size (length). I don't think either of us are into inflatables.
That sort of leaves us with the foldable boats. At this point I have no plans for a motor so it's going to be strictly rowing. The PortaBote seems to be the best fit with regard to space and size. The Instaboat is very interesting but looks like it's geared more towards one or two people.
Having narrowed it all down, I'd really like to hear comments as to the suitability of the PortaBote for this sort of application and also about my assumptions in crossing the other types of boats off the list.
Thanks!
Mike
2005 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 LT (8.1 liter with 4.10 gears)
2004 Starcraft Homestead 29BHS (16,000 pounds combined)
Twin Honda EU2000i Generators - 12' Porta-Bote
Prodigy / Putnam XDR / Equal-i-zer
SoCal Family Campers
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jspringator
Versailles, KY 40383
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Joined: 01/07/2003
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Take a look at These. I've never used the oars on my PB.
Jim & Sherri
05 Jayco Eagle 308 FBS, Dual Cam
2001 Ford Excursion LTD 3.73 LSD, V-10, 2WD
Yamaha EF2800i genset;
2000 watt Tripp-Lite inverter/charger APS 2012
12' Porta-Bote 75 6 hp Johnson
1989 Bayliner Ciera 2150
Saturn SD365 inflatable, 75 Rude 25HP
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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I have seen pictures here of various setups where folks have carried their portaboats under their RV but I would be worried about clearance myself and also the first "alligator" you hit will destroy it.
bumpy
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Shearwater
NE Ohio
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Joined: 12/23/2004
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A portabote should do what you want. Its hull shape is a shallow V which makes it much easier to row or paddle in a straight line. Avoid flat bottom boats.
FYI there are now lightweight electric motors with built in high tech batteries that look pretty good but are very pricy - ca. $1500. Check www.defender.com or www.westmarine.com.
J 35 sailboat
Sportsmobile Sprinter
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PattieAM
Maryland
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Joined: 08/03/2005
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SeaEagle is another - inflatable boat in varying designs.
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scbwr
Wilson NY
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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I've been happy with my Porta Bote. They're very sturdy, and can handle three without a problem (10' model). The hull, when folded, is a bit hefty for one person to handle....I can do it, but you have to make sure you're carrying the hull at the center point. Setting up takes about 15 minutes. I've used mine with a Minn Kota trolling motor, so I can't comment on rowing. While the electric motor is ok for small lakes and very leisurely cruising, I'm really thinking of getting a gas outboard so I can move a bit faster. I also plan to keep the boat set up for regular use at our summer cottage, so a gas outboard would be much better for doing some fishing and photography.
In terms of traveling, keep in mind that in addition to the folded hull, you'll have another good size bag with the three seats, transom, oars, and hardware. When camping, the porta bote works best when you can keep it assembled and tied up near or at your camp site. Setting it up and breaking it down on a regular basis is a bit of a chore.
2001 Dodge 3500 DRW V10 Magnum
2002 Sunline T280SR
Arrow Hensley Hitch
10' Porta Bote
My photo galleries.
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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For three people suggest you get the 12 ft. Porta-bote for it's greater capacity at not much more weight and money.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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From what I have seen the biggest problem with the Porta-boat is where do you store all the seats and stuff? Whereas with the insta-boat it appears from the literature that the seats fold up and are stored inside the boat?
Donn
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kyhawk
Villa Hills Ky
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Joined: 08/29/2003
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We loved our Porta-bote. We had the 10 foot model, which was perfect for two people and a dog, and moved nicely with an electric trolling motor. However, you do have to have enough room for the seats and other stuff. We tied the hull on top our Explorer, and put the seats in the back. Worked fine.
Janet & Ralph
2008 Winnebago Aspect 26A
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
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fasteddie
Toledo, Oh, USA
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Joined: 04/11/2004
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i Have the 14ft porta-bote and it works great, the 14ft has 4 rows of seats, I use a 9.9 mercury to power it. Like you I have suburban and the bote goes on the factory roof rack with tie downs, the motor and all of the seats and hardware pretty much take up all of the room in the suburban behind the 2nd row seats.
2001 suburban 4x2
2006 zeppelin 291
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