Porta Boat - Durability & Suitability

[jwcolby54]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

One of our skippers suggested buying two Garhauer motor lifts and using them as a "poor man's" davits.

I am considering doing exactly that.

If you're not going to go sailing with the dinghy hanging off the back, that is something to consider.

I really don't want to sail with the PB hanging. One of the major advantages of the PB is that it can fold up to a small size, out of the way.

BUT... Another question I have is how much theft occurs of hanging dinghies while in port.


Thanks for the reply.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by jwcolby54

BUT... Another question I have is how much theft occurs of hanging dinghies while in port.


Thanks for the reply.

You're welcome.

Answer: kinda depends on where you are, doesn't it?

[jwcolby54]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

You're welcome.

Answer: kinda depends on where you are, doesn't it?

LOL, yea I suppose so. I will be in the US for quite awhile.

[hpeer]

Our big boat came with an inflatable and a 6 (or 8?)hp 2 stroke Yamaha. Doesn't matter much, they are both about 60 pounds. I just looked it up and it says 10 and 12' PB are good for 56 lbs.

Sold the inflatable and use a PB. I have had it on the PB and it goes like a blue streak. Although once I may have gone too fast, the hull felt like it was doing something funny.

Not saying you should do this or that it is OK, just that I have done it.

[hpeer]

Originally Posted by jwcolby54

I am looking at a used 8' with a 4 HP engine. The 4HP is over weight for the 8' boat (55 lbs), not sure why the owner bought that. Will this be a problem? I can sell that engine and drop down to a 2hp I suppose.

I have a 33' and single hand it. I am trying to figure out how to get the motor off and the PB up on deck quickly and easily. I am ok with installing something like the NovaLift or similar crane. Or even dinghy davits on the back of the boats.

I have a 33 I single hand. I use a 10' PB with oars. On the 44' I have a 12' with a 6 (or 8?) hp 2 stroke. I would hold out for a 10' PB.

So my questions are:

1) when in port, can I just lift the PB with motor attached on a three point (bow / aft) rope / cable rig? I assume so on dingy davits. How about on a crane?

1a) Cranes don't seem to have much horizontal reach. Can they in fact lift a PB (with or without motor still attached) without banging the hull.

1b) Can they swing the PB over the lifelines?

2) How difficult is it to get the motor disconnected and up on deck using a crane or a block and winch.

2a) Difficulty getting a 55 lb motor up on some kind of mount and locked down?

[COLOR="rgb(46, 139, 87)"]I find it a real pain[/COLOR]

2b) How do you lock down a motor to prevent theft?

[COLOR="rgb(46, 139, 87)"]Hooks onto my arch, but I have a fancy locking gizmo I have not needed to install yet.[/COLOR]

3) Has anyone used the boom to do this (lifting / moving the motor)?

[COLOR="rgb(46, 139, 87)"]No, we use a spare halyard to assemble the PB, launch, recover, disassemble.[/COLOR]

4) Difficulty getting it into the water once assembled.

[COLOR="rgb(46, 139, 87)"]Not bad with the halyard, ships a bit of water.[/COLOR]

5) If just hung in port, at night, what it the probability of theft.

6) if using a crane, is a crane at the back or the side better? If at the back, the motor is easier. At the side, getting the PB on deck is easier.


Please remember "single handed" which I will almost certainly be most of the time.

It seems like leaving the whole thing assembled with motor in place while in port is the only solution so a "hanging" method (that won't promote theft) is desired.

Sorry about all of the questions all at once, but this is a pretty complicated interconnected set of decisions to get a solution that works.

My preference is to row. I modified mine to use real oar locks. Then you really don't need motor.

To tow you need to pull the bow right out of the water, up to the transom. I can't imagine towing with a motor.

The other option would be to get a trolling motor, perhaps. But then you have to screw with a battery.

I find that storing the transom and seats are the biggest PITA for a PB. All the rest is easy. when alone I put them in a pilot berth. If not, on deck.

I still like the idea of rowing.

[jwcolby54]

Originally Posted by hpeer

My preference is to row. I modified mine to use real oar locks. Then you really don't need motor.

I have a gimp left arm due to a motorcycle accident. It won't straighten all the way and may interfere with rowing.

To tow you need to pull the bow right out of the water, up to the transom. I can't imagine towing with a motor.

I can't imagine towing at all.

Certainly not a little PB.

[Mike OReilly]

We use a 3.5 hp 4-stroke with our 10' PB. Think it weighs about 40#, which means it's pretty easy to lift manually from the push pit mount. We also manually haul the bote on board sans engine. No need for cranes or halyards. I actually sold a 4 hp engine b/c it was too heavy for me to lift manually. Dropped only a 1/2 hp, but a whole block size, going to the 3.5. Mostly I just row.

I've heard PBs are considered undesirable by thieves, although I've never been in an area where dingy theft is a problem.


Why go fast, when you can go slow

[micah719]

Hey, knock it off already. Here I am trying to hang onto reasons to justify my refusal to get one, and you've prompted me to read this:

Porta-bote Review

and now it's getting really difficult. If there were more flotation and a mast I'd have to cave in. Cease!

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by micah719

?..If there were more flotation and a mast I'd have to cave in. Cease!

There is an optional sail rig for the PB. It's a lateen rig with dagger boards. Pretty light, but fun in an anchorage. And I suppose it wouldn't be hard to add more floatation if you wanted.

Ready to join us converts now ? [emoji6]


Why go fast, when you can go slow

[micah719]

NOOOOOOOOooo!


Oh, ok then; but it's YOUR fault, Herr O'Reilly!



probably gets royalty payments from PB.....

[Nicholson58]

before you get one of these man-eating Venus Fly Traps, watch the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnYcxxmUiR0

[Steadman Uhlich]

Everyone talking about Porta Bote.

I have not read all of the thread, just a few posts here and there….then

I just noticed an 8 foot one in North Carolina just listed for sale in the classifieds here. Listed tonight a few minutes ago. Coincidental?

For Sale: porta bote folding dingy - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

[jwcolby54]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Everyone talking about Porta Bote.

I have not read all of the thread, just a few posts here and there….then

I just noticed an 8 foot one in North Carolina just listed for sale in the classifieds here. Listed tonight a few minutes ago. Coincidental?

For Sale: porta bote folding dingy - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

Well... the link is dead and there is no mention of a portabote in the latest classifieds.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by micah719

probably gets royalty payments from PB.....

I wish [emoji22]



Why go fast, when you can go slow

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by jwcolby54

Well... the link is dead and there is no mention of a portabote in the latest classifieds.

The ad was posted late last night (8:00PM about). It was removed shortly after that.

Why?
The ad did not follow the guidelines/rules stated in the sticky up at the top of the forum for Boats for Sale/Wanted.

So, it was removed by a moderator and a note was sent to the OP pointing out the rules for that forum, which allows the OP to modify or edit his ad so it will follow the rules. That is simple.

If the OP wants to sell the boat, with a free listing on CF, he is expected to follow the rules as listed in the sticky for that forum.

Why Rules for Posting For Sale Boats?
As I understand it, there are more defined rules for that forum, regarding posts, in order to make it better for CF members who are looking to buy or sell a boat. For example, one of the rules is to include a photo or photos of the boat, showing exterior and interior views.