port-a-boat

[Tractorat]

I wondered if anyone has had any expeince with the port-a-boat? My truck is a short bed, so a regular aluminum boat on the back would be difficult at best. What I see as advantages to the port-a-boat are: 1. Only weighs 80-100 lbs, so it would be easy for me to put on and off the truck by myself. 2. Low profile, so less wind resistance when driving. 3. Because of the low weight and shape of the folded up boat, there would be a lot less chance of scratching the top of my truck, even though it might stick out over the cab as far as an aluminum boat.



I dont have a way to "test drive" one so, so I wondered how they handle when being rowed, or maybe with a small outboard motor (elec or gas) as well. I dont plan on going out on the ocean, or even on a river. Would just use it for lake fishing.



Mike

 

[krs]

Great boat! I had a '70s 10 ft model as a sailboat tender years ago and it never failed me. It weighed less than 70 lbs. Easy to assemble and put away and it rowed very well. I used it with a 4 hp 2 stroke and it would plane with my (then) 190 lbs alone. I also used it with a MinnKota 65 on a lake that didn't allow gas and that motor would make it go real well, particularly downwind. It never leaked and was unbreakable. I much prefered it to an inflatable in chop because it didn't flop around like they often do.

Go for it - it'll stow in a little over 4" of floorspace, on edge.

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I am going to go for it. It sure solves the hauling dillema I would have with an aluminum boat

 

[krs]

If you'd like to see more about them do what I did after posting here: type "port-a-bote" into a search engine and prepare for an evening of reading. It seems that there are quite a lot of enthusiastic owners out there, the boats are still in production with a new model and several improvements since I had mine.



-Ken

 

[RThompson]

I have had 2 of the 12' Portabotes. The classic and the newer square stern model. Nice and stable boat, they are expensive though. Look in the classifieds, they can be had for around $500.

I found out I didn't use mine much because I didn't like to assemble and disassemble each time I used it. The classic is a little more difficult to set up.

 

[Tony T.]

Buster Boat

I have a Pond Hopper (Buster Boat) manufactured by (Splash Marine) out of Oklahoma City, OK. It is their 10 ft model and is made out of ABS plastic material molded. I bought mine in Jan 1999 new. It was 98 model package clearance deal that consisted of boat, 30#lb minn kota troll motor, deep cycle battery (interstate) seats and a couple of other accessories that I can't thank of at the moment. It was $700. 00 out the door. Great for Gov't Lake fishing and around the boat slips and shore of a big lakes. Weight is around 150 lbs for the eight ft model and 175lbs for the ten ft I believe. No assembly required and will last for years with just a little preventive maintenance of Armor ALL. This is the third one I've owned, the other two were bought used, and well useds,they also were the eight ft models. I like the ten's better. Oo. I not for sure if there still in business after checking the website now. Anyway there good little boats if you happen to come across a good used one. Update! I founds it! The website is www.busterboats.com for the orginal Buster Boats if any one is interested.