The Porta-bote is manufactured in the USA, however there are UK distibutors, Roger
and Jean at Intramore Ltd. who are very helpful and can arrange a test trip before
buying.
Due to new work commitments my time is rather limited so I don’t really have the
time to demonstrate the boat as many have asked. However I’m always happy to reply
to emails should your questions not be answered elsewhere in this web site.
I first heard of Porta-botes late 2005 / early 2006 by looking at a review on Dave
Pugh’s website (see links page). I do not have the space to garage a boat on a trailer
or want one parked in my garden, so Dave’s review really got me thinking that perhaps
I could have a boat after all.
After a few emails to Dave, thanks, and also to the helpful Roger and Jean at Intramore
I finally took the plunge in 2007. This was such a good decision, one which I have
not regretted. Getting a boat has quite simply turned my fishing around, it’s so
much more productive and enjoyable.
In my personal opinion the Porta-bote is an ideal river fishing boat that is very
stable, allowing for stand up casting with two anglers. Yes at the end of a long
day you still have to pack it all up again which can be a pain, but it’s probably
only 20 minutes longer than doing the same with a trailered boat.... That’s assuming
that the trailer is still where you left it that morning!
The Porta-bote will be great for rivers and small to medium sized still waters, but
it would be totally unsuitable for large lochs or reservoirs if the weather turned
for the worst.
I hope you can see the point I’m trying to make...every boat of any size is a compromise
to some degree, you must choose the correct boat for the waters you fish and the
style of fishing that you practice.
“It's more stable than a rigid craft. It's puncture resistant and even sharp rocks
won't damage the unique almost indestructible FLEXI-HULL.
Equally at home on river,
lake or (calm inshore, in my opinion) sea and even full of water. It is virtually
unsinkable. Comfortable to sit in, roomy for moving around and steady enough for
standing-up casting. Portable and durable, the Porta-Bote is easy to transport and
reliable in the water.
Porta-Bote folds into a compact, lightweight and easy-to-transport package, and it
unfolds to become a tough, stable and virtually unsinkable boat. Simply unfold and
install the seats and you're ready for the water. Made of high-impact polypropylene,
a remarkable engineered resin developed by the aerospace industry that is virtually
puncture-proof and unaffected by salt, acid, almost everything.
Flexibility is the secret to its stability. When a wave slams against the side of
Porta-Bote Flexi-Hull, the nearly 1/4"-thick polypropylene flexes inward, dissipating
the energy. No maintenance required. The colour goes completely through-never needs
painting.”
