I have had my Porta-Bote for almost 12 years. It is older than the one you are showing so some of the bits and pieces are a little different. I love it for many of the reasons you listed in your video. The two large ABS plastic seats failed due to kids jumping on them from the dock. I built two new hollow box seats from plywood and mahogany, filling the hollow part with foam for added floatation. They're a bit heavier but have stood the test of time, about 7~8 years now. I also re-enforced the transom with two mahogany slats running athwartships and thru bolted to the transom piece at the ends. To keep the black split pipe on the gunnels from marring big boat topsides I got a piece of 1 & 1/2" (38mm) inside diameter nylon re-enforced water tubing and cut a split in it full length. This easily fit over the gunnel pipe and is fastened from the inside ONLY to the black gunnel pipe with round head SS sheet metal screws thru the nylon and into the black tube. Did this about two years ago, still working fine. Another problem I had was with the folding plastic transom piece that is stapled into the boat. Due to age and flexing this piece cracked on its centerline about 6"(150mm) up from the bottom of the dingy and for about 4"(100mm) along the bottom joint to the hull on each side of the centerline. Sealing this crack proved to be a very difficult task for a number of years since nothing I tried in the sealing / adhesive range sticks to the plastic from which the boat is made. UNTIL I stumbled upon a solution. Just for kicks I applied a a small patch(50mm X 50mm) of good old fashioned contact cement(NOT the water based stuff) to the surface of the plastic transom piece in an out of the way place and let it thoroughly dry out. Amazing! This contact cement stuck like glue(pun intended) to the plastic. In fact it stuck so well I found it near impossible to remove the test patch. BUT what really make this work to repair the cracks is...wait for it...cotton fiber. This is the stuff that is sold in most any grocery store in the baby goods or cosmetic section. Cotton balls would also work. It tales bit of fiddling but works in much the same way a fiberglass re-enforced plastic like boats. Many do not know but natural cotton fibers are quite strong. And they remain flexible along with the contact cement. I found that applying a base coat of the contact cement first and letting it go tack free is a good way to start. Then tear up the cotton into smallish pieces and stick it into place with more contact cement. Anyone experienced with applying fiberglass mat and resin will get this method pretty fast. BUT the cotton fibers and contact cement do not behave quite the same way as f/g and resin. The cotton will "wet out" just like f/g but the whole thing is quite a sticky mess to get it to go and stay where you want it. Hence "It tales bit of fiddling". I built up a number of layers doing this and made something like cotton rope applied parallel to and inside the cracks and applied more cotton over the top of this. To insure good adhesion I overlapped onto the surface about 50mm beyond the cracks. So far, something over one year now, this repair has held up 100% leak free.
Love that, sounds like you have been through a lot with your boat. The reading of the cement and cotton balls was fascinating lol these boats are like nothing else. Hope yours will serve you another 12 years at least
@@wildmontanan As an update. I recently had to re-apply the coating on the outside of the transom. Constant immersion in salt water eventually worked into the glue and cotton. But the fix was easy, just reapplied the same way. Not sure how this will hold up when folding the dingy.
I upgraded from a cheap princess auto buffer/polisher to the dewalt after breaking the handle off. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxfzbDkCRyv3CFXnLZI4APZtRRuG2uRmP2 The dewalt is beyond rugged! It's super comfortable to use and the "D" handle has many options for holding onto it if you are working in weird positions. The electronic speed control is precise and it has a nice variable speed trigger for slow ramp up.I have upgraded to the 3m quick change setup and been using it for 3 years for reconditioning gel coat on boats. It's hard work for any machine and I've had no issues. If you need a machine that can put in serious work, this is the one you want. If you want to light buffing, on your car, this is not the machine for you. It's easy to control but you can get yourself in trouble very quickly if you don't know what you are doing.
Lovely setup. I was unaware of this type of boat. I use a BIC 254 hard polypropylene boat, paired initially with a Mercury 3.5hp, but later replaced with a trolling motor and LiFEPO4 battery. Weight of boat is 39kg dry. It is ok to get on and off roof rack, but I have a coastal spot where I leave it. I was even able to set it up with a swivel chair on a DIY base. Works well and is comfortable. Am using boat mainly for mackerel, pollock and lately trying for bass, using tips outlined in your excellent bass videos! Thank you!
I have the same set up. Mine is a 10foot paired with a 3.5hp Mercury 4 stroke. I.m very jealous of your 6hp. I looks like your going really fast! I got horse feeding buckets that have brackets on the back of them to hang them on stable doors. They fit lovely onto the sides of the boat.!!! I use a few of them for gear/lures/food. Helps keep stuff off the floor. 😊👍
They are very handy baots Stephen, what do you use yours for? Can it take 6hp too? It's a decent speed, 12 knots. That's a very clever idea those buckets, I will get a few myself, wished you told me that years ago :))
Hi. Came across your brilliant channel looking for videos on the Bote. Got a 12 footer running on a 10 hp, 2 stroke and use it in African waters. Its a bit risky here with the crocs and hippos but such a fun and convenient boat to have to get to waters larger boats can't reach. Hoping to get a 14 footer
10hp on a 12ft is a lot! Sure she's flying. I was under the impression they recommend 6hp max... 14ft is obviously bigger but I heard it doesn't plane as easily as 12fter doss
I bought the Porta bote 12 ft in late 2019. I haven't even used it once yet, still in the box sitting in my garage but this year the maiden voyage will happen as long as I live long enough it will happen this year. I am going to use oars to maneuver the boat instead of the 6hp Suzuki motor that I purchased for the boat, this way I will have Popeye arms in a matter of no time & I don't have to mess with registering the boat if you only use oars in my area!
I had one of these for a few years. It is kind of neat. Quite stable to stand in when casting, though it felt a little like standing on a trampoline without the bounciness. I could fold it up and lay it along the top of some cabinets in the garage for storage and then put the seats on another shelf. That was convenient. However, when actually transporting it folded up on the roof of the vehicle, the seats took up a huge amount of room in the back of the SUV which limited the other gear I could carry. I think if I were to get a small boat again I’d get something light and simple that was not foldable, but which I could put on the roof and leave the back of the vehicle available for other equipment.
wise words, I can tell you had plenty of time with it! one thing for sure, every boat has pros and cons. I am lucky having a big aluminium one as well and still occassionally go back to this origami yoke
"And some nice pike caught in Ireland." Pity you didn't show more of that german shepherd with fins you caught at 35:11. Nice work. Thanks for sharing.
Some memories with that boat mate, the most handy piece of kit i've ever seen. Just a few days ago, I came across the video when we were sailing it on the ocean :)
Nice! I attached my rodholder by screwing it in place on the side near the stern. I had to cut of some foam, but it sits in place and dont affect tge folding off the boat. Now i have one less gear to take along
very nice! I have done the same with the scotty mounts, but didn't like they bulged the boat hull when folded, so I have taken them off. good it works for you
@@MarcinKantor I dont have found any real diffrence. You know, after some years with a porta bote you begin to get tired of every piece of equipment you have to bring with you. So one less piece of gear is nice. I have build a casting deck on my boat, much more satisfying to stand on and fish. I am thinking of buying a trailer for the boat and just keep it folded in the winter!?
@@klaskristian1 well done, it sounds like yours is well equipped but if you're going for a trailer the benefits of porta bota are a few. I went a similar route, bought an aluminium boat, which will be getting a lot of use soon
@@MarcinKantor I dont see the downsides? The portabote is so light that you dont need the most expenssive trailer. It is so light that trailing it up and down in the water seems much easier than a similair sized alu or plastic boat. It is still foldeble so you can take it with you when camping and such, and in the winter you have it folded in the garage
@@klaskristian1 well for me it's the fact I can carry the boat around. Once it is on a trailer, I can no longer do thay. But if it works for you, that's great 👍
Excellent review Marcin! I have a much older 12' model...it might be one of the original ones. I bought it used from someone so I have no idea of it's original production date. Besides mine having wooden seats, the transom is different, using an aluminum plate for making it rigid. Also there are "stabilizer fins" at the rear underside of the boat that fold with the rest of the boat and lock into tabs with linchpins. I have a 3.4HP Mercury 2 stroke on it and it pushes it along nicely ( a 2 stroke has more thrust than a 4 stroke and they're lighter by about 8-10 lbs, but some places have outlawed them for environmental reasons). I've had mine for about 3 years and use it in small freshwater lakes but am soon planning to move to the Georgia coast and am looking forward to seeing how it works as an inshore craft. I usually keep mine assembled and just slide it into the back of my pickup but I recently downsized and went from an 8' bed to a 5' bed so IDK if that method will work, we'll see. Overall the Portabote is a handy option for those who don't want or can't have a bigger boat or trailer one, and who want more room than a kayak or canoe. They're not for everyone, but for the right person they're great. BTW: For some great videos using the Portabote in the ocean check out the #OffTheHook channel.
Thanks for this great video. I was led to it searching for information about Portabote. The info you have given in your video is what I was looking. Where can I purchase one? I know you are in Ireland but where in England can I buy it. Perhaps it could be cheaper buying it from Ireland? I read somewhere that it could be used as a sailing boat. That would add a lot to the fun. Lastly, I would just like to say that your video has greatly encouraged me to take up fishing!
Thanks for the comment. I had to bring my from the UK, so you won't get much luck trying the other way around. The distributor is (used to be?) Intramore ltd
Thank You for the awesome video. I just bought new 12 ft porta bote and getting set-up for serious fishing when spring arrives. Thanks for all the ideas on set-up. I'm currently looking at fish finder / sonar equipment - comparing Lowrance Hook, Garmin. Any thoughts appreciated. Also - love the Ikea bag - a go to on my outdoor adventures as well!
Ha, IKEA bag for the win! it doubles up as an excellent drogue anchor. Congrats, enjoy the boat. As far as the electronics goes, they're all comparable now, screen size will make a far greater difference than the brand, so get the biggest screen you can afford.
@@MarcinKantor Lots of good tips here - thanks again. On the bow cover - where you have the Scotty mounted - I guess you fabricated out of plywood then mounted standard Scotty product and goPro mount?
Nice. I never tried without a middle seat. Neat anchor setup for the bow. Looked at new video from porta bote and looks like they added a support brace for the transom. Wonder if it makes much of a difference with the gas motor.
@Marcin Kantor when i try to get over 15 - 17 mph in my portabote i get crazy vibration from the floor and then all around. Kind of scary, i drop the speed and it is fine again. Did you ever get that?
@@swisscouch I know mate, it's not one I'm expecting to do well. Not everyone would be interested in that. Other thing is that YT these days very often not display the vids to subscribers base unless the bell notification is clicked on, they change the algorithm...
Also forgot to add, you answered my question about the use of a fish finder, which I will definitely add. In your opinion, in some lakes I fish in the USA, you can only use electric/trolling motors, no gasoline powered allowed. Do you think a trolling motor could work? THANKS again.
Absolutely yes, it will be slow enough, but they boat is very light and easy to push. unless you go for one of the torqueedo jobs, they are the business, you will be flying then!
I use it with trolling motor exclusively. Just get the 24v one and a pair of lifepo4 batteries or a 24v pack. It will do fine with a 12v but you will always wonder if it is better with 24...
Great video I just bought a used 112 footer like yours. Quick question I know your motor is 6 horsepower what is the recommended size for that type of boat? I'm looking at 20 in and 16in but not sure
Nice boat. What batterie box you useing that u have the garmin mounted to. And transducer bracket. Looking at getting a portable one for our small rib.
Hi Aaron, the mount is Jaxon transducer mount, you'll find one on ebay. The box, can't remember the brand but it's a Dry Box I got online, in that diveinn store, it fits the battery just fine, lasts all day. PM me if you want a picture or something
thanks, got a big boat here, so that will be getting a lot of water time soon! I was told that funnily 10 fter is more tricky to get into plane than 12. plus 2ft of a space for such a small boat makes a huge difference
@@MarcinKantor would you share some description as to how you did it. I have a porta boat myself too and I really like your idea of the anchor thank you.
@@280zGaitan I might do another video but cannot promise when. It is a wooden plank, cut to measurement, painted in a waterproof paint. It slides in and then I secure it with long screws to the side of the boat. On the top there is a Scotty anchor mount.
@@MarcinKantor thank you very much. I hope you do get to do that video. Maybe you can even sell some since there is not one available for the boat. Take care thanks.
Any will work, just make sure it doesn't not come with hooks. I liked to put a little towel under the ratchet to protect the bote. Also it is not terribly necessary to tie the bow to the hood, i never did and had 0 issues, but it maybe different 4 you.
Very nice video, Thanks for sharing! I have 10" Porta boat which I got last year. I am looking to do some modifications this year. I wanted to ask, if you do not mind, where did you get this sliding rod holders? Or did you improvise it and attach a piece of plastic so that rod holder can slide over the transom?
@@MarcinKantor Thanks fro super fast response - much appreciated! I like the idea of sliding rod holder & I am going to try to do the same. When you use this what you made (sliding rod holder) , do you use it just as storage/holders for fishing rods while you are not using them, or is it strong enough to use it for trolling too? Your set up gives me some good ideas and inspiration to try to do the same or similar, particularly sliding rod holder and front of the boat (bow) with attached anchor. { my aim is to do some modifications, but not to drill holes, not to puncture body of the boat while doing it} . Thanks again!
@@halleb1 no problem and I am happy it helped as it has taken me a good bit of figuring myself! not strong enough for trolling, only good for storing. I did mount trolling holders, drilled holes just under the black round rim, and it doesn't cause any issues, but the whole bracket needs to be taken off when folding, as otherwise it was putting too much pressure on the hull imo, so it just adds overall setup time but can be done
I can see only disadvantages of 14fter Lee, IN MY SITUATION. I needed a portable boat, I can carry short distances and launch anywhere. 14ft weighs almost 20kg more and becomes really 2 man operation, takes 9.9hp engine, meaning more weight to get the top performance again. Plus I wouldn't need that space, 12fter perfect for up to 2 fishing. At 14ft the portability is so little you'd wonder should you go for a boat and a trailer instead. I guess if I had the boat strapped to say a yacht and wanted to take family for a spins 14ft could be better.
@@MarcinKantor Thanks for the reply. Actually looking at the spec sheet. The 14 ft takes the same Suzuki 6 as it's maximum. The shell weighs 21 lbs/ 9.5kg more, however. It does have 4 seats instead of three. I may use it in rougher water from time to time so wondered if the extra length would add some stability. It has the same 5 foot beam.
@@leegoodman8553 just double checked, you're correct there Lee! Regarding weight, bear in mind the boat weighs more than the spec says. I never used the 14fter, wouldn't know if it's any more stable. Perhaps because of the added weight, that's all I can think of. What makes them fairly stable is the flexing floor
Hi Marcin, how did you find your Nordrive roof bars, do they not make to much aerodynamic noise without boat on? Just looking for upgrade for my VW estate and yours look good. Thank you, Adrian
Excellent really. Had the slim Thule before and find these far better at 3rd the price. they're still will make noise and take 1-1.5l more of fuel. I'd take them off when not using, takes 2-3 mins, very easy. they look better too :)
Hey Marcin, How are you ? Could you please let me know where you got your tranduscer attachement mount to the pole ? I got the pole but I cannot attached if properly without this accessory.
Good info on the video Well done 👍👍 A 5hp outboard is all I need for my dinghy, to cover more water. The way you have it in the boot.. does it leaks any oil or petrol??
Thanking you 👍👍 No it doesn't, I actually had it explained in the video but I edited it out, not clever.... That suzuki is constructed in a way that you can transport it on 3 of its 4 sides, so as long as you remember the one not to put it on, you're grand :o) When I was buying it (circa 4 years ago) Suzuki was the only one with that feature so don't try that with yours if it's a different one..
Siema Marcin super łódeczka właśnie szukałem wiadomości o tej łódce a tu kolega również z Irlandii powiedz mi jak stabilna jest na falach byłeś kiedyś Na większym jeziorze ja z Galway to bym i czasem chciał przy brzegu na ocean skoczyć, dzieki pozdrawiam kolego
Hey Norbert, łódka zajebista ale wiadomo, każda do czegoś innego się nadaje. Ta jest stabilna ale lekka, tak że weźmiesz ją wszędzie ale najlepiej jak nie wieje albo średnio wieje. Na rzeki i małe jeziora do 30km/h bez problemu, na duże jeziora bym brał tylko jak wieje delikatnie. Na oceanie też miałem przy małym wiaterku
@@MarcinKantor dzieki Marcin jest fajna i poręczna ale obawiam się trochę mimo wszystko wydaje mi się ze ponton będzie bardziej stabilny i odporny na fale dzieki za odpowiedz pozdro kolego do zobaczyska gdzieś na wodzie
@@MarcinKantor prawda prawda po jeziorach pływam z kolega który ma aluminiowa Łódź ja jak jeżdżę camperem to mam kajak worze go na dachu dla tego pomyślałem o PB bo spokojnie by mi weszła razem z deskami surfing owymi 😅 ale ponton mógł by być bardziej stabilny na oceanie tylko ohhh jak zwykle ciężko wybrać co będzie naj bardziej robić robotę dzieki kolego
Great video I was thinking at getting a bark inflatable boat soon good to look at other ideas and was looking for a good engine as well but notting to pricey,thanks for this 🙂👍
@@MarcinKantor I ordered a 12ft and it's suppose to arrive next week. Regarding the weight of the engine the constructor is suggesting a maximum weight of 25.5 kg. I order a Parsun engine weighting 27 kg. Would you think it will cause any issues on the boat ?
@@edouard598 you'd think it's not much over the limit, but that said no one will say it's OK to use it, since it is over the limit. You need to make your own call on that. Mine is under the limit...
Shane, there are no any dealers in IE. Intramore is the dealer in the UK (where I got mine from) or else I heard someone's bringing one over from Germany. Mine might be going up for sale in a couple of months but I haven't made up my mind yet..
Thanks Marcin We would be interested in your boat but ideally because there is two of us a 14ft would be more suitable. Could you send me the company details in the UK so I can get a quote and any other company that you know sell porta botes Thanks
I like this video because you show assembly and disassemble off and on top of car you carry more junk than I do what about a lake that only has a ramp one way in and one way out
look, was trying to make the vid the way I'd want to see it, to be able to judge how much hassle is there with it really... you don't need a ramp as long as you have a solid ground somewhere. Even better I find, as you can drag it across the grass with scratching the hell ouf of the hull
@@MarcinKantor specifically, what was the cost of the boat itself including the accessories for the rear support, basically the total bill from porta-boat they charged you.
This is the first vid of yours I’ve watched but I’m gonna guess based purely on your accent that your a polish land living in Ireland? Edit: or Latvian/Lithuanian
@@MarcinKantor that’s so funny. It’s such a distinctive accent when polish lads learn English here. I think it sounds very cool haha! Thanks for the vid. V helpful
Customer beware hidden costs of ownership. Customer support if you need it reaches the scam zone. You need a small part replaced and call customer service? They will NOT sell q replacement piece but only offer to sell an entire placement system. For example I only needed an oarlock. They refused to do that and only offered the entire oarlock and paddle package. If you lose or break a piece be prepared to spend a lot more than you need to for pieces you won't need just to get the part.
I had a porta-bote. Bought it brand new. Within a year, the transom started leaking. I couldn't fix it so I gave it to my brother. He managed to fix the transom, but then in broke again. He fixed it again. Then the main seam failed and it was garbage. I never got to use it more than about a half dozen times. Very expensive for the few uses I got out of it. I would never buy another one. For the same money, you can get an old town fishing kayak with pedal drive, and the hull has a lifetime guarantee.
Thanks for stopping by. Any questions about my setup, feel free to leave a comment or contact me and I'll try to help 👍🎣
Cool review, it helped a lot. Is it comfortable to fish from it the whole day??
@@andrewmc9524 I'm glad it did. Well, it's not an armchair but with the cushion as per my vid it's quite OK actually I must say 👌
Cheers Marcin 🙏
Dd#
Wonderful videos. Exactly where are you fishing? Need to know locations and names please. It matters. Thank you.
I have had my Porta-Bote for almost 12 years. It is older than the one you are showing so some of the bits and pieces are a little different. I love it for many of the reasons you listed in your video. The two large ABS plastic seats failed due to kids jumping on them from the dock. I built two new hollow box seats from plywood and mahogany, filling the hollow part with foam for added floatation. They're a bit heavier but have stood the test of time, about 7~8 years now. I also re-enforced the transom with two mahogany slats running athwartships and thru bolted to the transom piece at the ends.
To keep the black split pipe on the gunnels from marring big boat topsides I got a piece of 1 & 1/2" (38mm) inside diameter nylon re-enforced water tubing and cut a split in it full length. This easily fit over the gunnel pipe and is fastened from the inside ONLY to the black gunnel pipe with round head SS sheet metal screws thru the nylon and into the black tube. Did this about two years ago, still working fine.
Another problem I had was with the folding plastic transom piece that is stapled into the boat. Due to age and flexing this piece cracked on its centerline about 6"(150mm) up from the bottom of the dingy and for about 4"(100mm) along the bottom joint to the hull on each side of the centerline. Sealing this crack proved to be a very difficult task for a number of years since nothing I tried in the sealing / adhesive range sticks to the plastic from which the boat is made. UNTIL I stumbled upon a solution. Just for kicks I applied a a small patch(50mm X 50mm) of good old fashioned contact cement(NOT the water based stuff) to the surface of the plastic transom piece in an out of the way place and let it thoroughly dry out. Amazing! This contact cement stuck like glue(pun intended) to the plastic. In fact it stuck so well I found it near impossible to remove the test patch.
BUT what really make this work to repair the cracks is...wait for it...cotton fiber. This is the stuff that is sold in most any grocery store in the baby goods or cosmetic section. Cotton balls would also work. It tales bit of fiddling but works in much the same way a fiberglass re-enforced plastic like boats. Many do not know but natural cotton fibers are quite strong. And they remain flexible along with the contact cement. I found that applying a base coat of the contact cement first and letting it go tack free is a good way to start. Then tear up the cotton into smallish pieces and stick it into place with more contact cement. Anyone experienced with applying fiberglass mat and resin will get this method pretty fast. BUT the cotton fibers and contact cement do not behave quite the same way as f/g and resin. The cotton will "wet out" just like f/g but the whole thing is quite a sticky mess to get it to go and stay where you want it. Hence "It tales bit of fiddling". I built up a number of layers doing this and made something like cotton rope applied parallel to and inside the cracks and applied more cotton over the top of this. To insure good adhesion I overlapped onto the surface about 50mm beyond the cracks. So far, something over one year now, this repair has held up 100% leak free.
Love that, sounds like you have been through a lot with your boat. The reading of the cement and cotton balls was fascinating lol these boats are like nothing else. Hope yours will serve you another 12 years at least
@@MarcinKantor Yep! It is a great dingy for me.
Genius solution.
@@wildmontanan As an update. I recently had to re-apply the coating on the outside of the transom. Constant immersion in salt water eventually worked into the glue and cotton. But the fix was easy, just reapplied the same way. Not sure how this will hold up when folding the dingy.
I was worried because i hear they leak all the time and impossible to bail
I upgraded from a cheap princess auto buffer/polisher to the dewalt after breaking the handle off. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxfzbDkCRyv3CFXnLZI4APZtRRuG2uRmP2 The dewalt is beyond rugged! It's super comfortable to use and the "D" handle has many options for holding onto it if you are working in weird positions. The electronic speed control is precise and it has a nice variable speed trigger for slow ramp up.I have upgraded to the 3m quick change setup and been using it for 3 years for reconditioning gel coat on boats. It's hard work for any machine and I've had no issues. If you need a machine that can put in serious work, this is the one you want. If you want to light buffing, on your car, this is not the machine for you. It's easy to control but you can get yourself in trouble very quickly if you don't know what you are doing.
👍👍
Great video, I'm off to buy one as a result, many thanks, and happy sailing! :)
Have fun! 😉
Lovely setup. I was unaware of this type of boat. I use a BIC 254 hard polypropylene boat, paired initially with a Mercury 3.5hp, but later replaced with a trolling motor and LiFEPO4 battery. Weight of boat is 39kg dry. It is ok to get on and off roof rack, but I have a coastal spot where I leave it. I was even able to set it up with a swivel chair on a DIY base. Works well and is comfortable. Am using boat mainly for mackerel, pollock and lately trying for bass, using tips outlined in your excellent bass videos! Thank you!
thanks for the comment, it sounds like a fine setup you have there
Look so much fun...I have watched your video again and again...Thanks for sharing
That's great, thanks a lot!
I have the same set up. Mine is a 10foot paired with a 3.5hp Mercury 4 stroke. I.m very jealous of your 6hp. I looks like your going really fast! I got horse feeding buckets that have brackets on the back of them to hang them on stable doors. They fit lovely onto the sides of the boat.!!! I use a few of them for gear/lures/food. Helps keep stuff off the floor. 😊👍
They are very handy baots Stephen, what do you use yours for? Can it take 6hp too? It's a decent speed, 12 knots. That's a very clever idea those buckets, I will get a few myself, wished you told me that years ago :))
Hi. Came across your brilliant channel looking for videos on the Bote.
Got a 12 footer running on a 10 hp, 2 stroke and use it in African waters. Its a bit risky here with the crocs and hippos but such a fun and convenient boat to have to get to waters larger boats can't reach.
Hoping to get a 14 footer
10hp on a 12ft is a lot! Sure she's flying. I was under the impression they recommend 6hp max... 14ft is obviously bigger but I heard it doesn't plane as easily as 12fter doss
@@MarcinKantor it is quite heavy but haven't had any issues thankfully
Just purchased my 10ft Porta-Bote today due to your video.
Let them know where to transfer my commission 😀😀 glad it was of help, all the best with it 👍 (just awaiting my new boat myself)
@@MarcinKantor You got it 💵💵💵😂🤣
I bought the Porta bote 12 ft in late 2019. I haven't even used it once yet, still in the box sitting in my garage but this year the maiden voyage will happen as long as I live long enough it will happen this year. I am going to use oars to maneuver the boat instead of the 6hp Suzuki motor that I purchased for the boat, this way I will have Popeye arms in a matter of no time & I don't have to mess with registering the boat if you only use oars in my area!
Take it out, it's well worth it!
I had one of these for a few years. It is kind of neat. Quite stable to stand in when casting, though it felt a little like standing on a trampoline without the bounciness. I could fold it up and lay it along the top of some cabinets in the garage for storage and then put the seats on another shelf. That was convenient. However, when actually transporting it folded up on the roof of the vehicle, the seats took up a huge amount of room in the back of the SUV which limited the other gear I could carry. I think if I were to get a small boat again I’d get something light and simple that was not foldable, but which I could put on the roof and leave the back of the vehicle available for other equipment.
wise words, I can tell you had plenty of time with it! one thing for sure, every boat has pros and cons. I am lucky having a big aluminium one as well and still occassionally go back to this origami yoke
Superb video Marcin perfect, now I want one lol!
Thanks 👍 they're handy enough. There might be one for sale later this year ;)
"And some nice pike caught in Ireland." Pity you didn't show more of that german shepherd with fins you caught at 35:11. Nice work. Thanks for sharing.
thanks Richard, you'd find a good few on my channel
Very helpfull video, thanks for sharing. Looking at buying one from Germany soon.
Glad it was helpful! If you've got any questions, don't hesitate to contact me
@@MarcinKantor thanks Marcin. I'll send you a message on instagram there now with some questions. Thanks.
@@marvinfarrell412 no problem Marvin
Some memories with that boat mate, the most handy piece of kit i've ever seen. Just a few days ago, I came across the video when we were sailing it on the ocean :)
That was a super cool day bud,although expensive for you 😅😉 that red cod was awesome looking!
@@MarcinKantor that was some disaster day :) but fishing with lighter gear from the shallows of that boat was worth it ;)
I also have a porta in 12 feet in a newer version . But what an ingenious a fishing area you have ... that makes really envious ...
Yeah, some nice waters around here to take the boat to. Just need the weather to be kind 😉
Very helpful Marcin . Thanks
Glad it was helpful! Cheers Fergal
Bravo ,I luv Porta Bote .
Strong and reliable, thxs for the demo😎👍
cheers
your comment stubbornly sits here as an unresponded one. Sorry, that's my last attempt to have it to come off my list ;)
Excellent video . I love my bote
They're awesome, aren't they?
Nice work!
Thank you for the information on the Porta Bote.
No worries, thanks 👍
Shocked missing a seat it does not flex too much. Thank u for sharing
yeah, almost always use it that way
That's a workout Marcin having to do it twice great video keep them coming.👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
It's indeed, 4 times that day actually 😅😅 and bear in mind if you blank it's twice harder to pack it away!
Czesc ! I have the same 12 foot porte bote in green color with 6hp yamaha. Cheers from NYC !
Czesc :) Good choice buddy, very handy little boat they are. best of luck with it
What speeds does the 6hp get you with 2 people
Brilliant video Marcin. Deadly boat 👏🏼
A funny boat 😉 handy tho. Cheers Ciaran
Nice, and very informative. Thanks.
Cheers Darryl
It looks great..just what i allways needed..where they built..+how much do they cost..the 12ft one..
They're made in the US, check their website, mine was bought a good few years ago
Nice! I attached my rodholder by screwing it in place on the side near the stern. I had to cut of some foam, but it sits in place and dont affect tge folding off the boat. Now i have one less gear to take along
very nice! I have done the same with the scotty mounts, but didn't like they bulged the boat hull when folded, so I have taken them off. good it works for you
@@MarcinKantor I dont have found any real diffrence. You know, after some years with a porta bote you begin to get tired of every piece of equipment you have to bring with you. So one less piece of gear is nice. I have build a casting deck on my boat, much more satisfying to stand on and fish. I am thinking of buying a trailer for the boat and just keep it folded in the winter!?
@@klaskristian1 well done, it sounds like yours is well equipped but if you're going for a trailer the benefits of porta bota are a few. I went a similar route, bought an aluminium boat, which will be getting a lot of use soon
@@MarcinKantor I dont see the downsides? The portabote is so light that you dont need the most expenssive trailer. It is so light that trailing it up and down in the water seems much easier than a similair sized alu or plastic boat. It is still foldeble so you can take it with you when camping and such, and in the winter you have it folded in the garage
@@klaskristian1 well for me it's the fact I can carry the boat around. Once it is on a trailer, I can no longer do thay. But if it works for you, that's great 👍
You must have heard this before Marcin - but I love how much of a mix your English speaking voice is between Irish and your native tongue 👍🏻
Haha, half Irish by now 😅😅
Excellent review Marcin! I have a much older 12' model...it might be one of the original ones. I bought it used from someone so I have no idea of it's original production date. Besides mine having wooden seats, the transom is different, using an aluminum plate for making it rigid. Also there are "stabilizer fins" at the rear underside of the boat that fold with the rest of the boat and lock into tabs with linchpins. I have a 3.4HP Mercury 2 stroke on it and it pushes it along nicely ( a 2 stroke has more thrust than a 4 stroke and they're lighter by about 8-10 lbs, but some places have outlawed them for environmental reasons).
I've had mine for about 3 years and use it in small freshwater lakes but am soon planning to move to the Georgia coast and am looking forward to seeing how it works as an inshore craft. I usually keep mine assembled and just slide it into the back of my pickup but I recently downsized and went from an 8' bed to a 5' bed so IDK if that method will work, we'll see.
Overall the Portabote is a handy option for those who don't want or can't have a bigger boat or trailer one, and who want more room than a kayak or canoe. They're not for everyone, but for the right person they're great.
BTW: For some great videos using the Portabote in the ocean check out the #OffTheHook channel.
Thanks for the comment. Lot's of information here. Agree with you!
Love it, I just purchased one. May I ask where you got your anchor mount?
I've made the board and the attachment is from scotty
Thanks for this great video. I was led to it searching for information about Portabote. The info you have given in your video is what I was looking. Where can I purchase one? I know you are in Ireland but where in England can I buy it. Perhaps it could be cheaper buying it from Ireland? I read somewhere that it could be used as a sailing boat. That would add a lot to the fun. Lastly, I would just like to say that your video has greatly encouraged me to take up fishing!
Thanks for the comment. I had to bring my from the UK, so you won't get much luck trying the other way around. The distributor is (used to be?) Intramore ltd
I must have one of these.
Very handy indeed 👍
Thank You for the awesome video. I just bought new 12 ft porta bote and getting set-up for serious fishing when spring arrives. Thanks for all the ideas on set-up. I'm currently looking at fish finder / sonar equipment - comparing Lowrance Hook, Garmin. Any thoughts appreciated. Also - love the Ikea bag - a go to on my outdoor adventures as well!
Ha, IKEA bag for the win! it doubles up as an excellent drogue anchor. Congrats, enjoy the boat. As far as the electronics goes, they're all comparable now, screen size will make a far greater difference than the brand, so get the biggest screen you can afford.
@@MarcinKantor Lots of good tips here - thanks again. On the bow cover - where you have the Scotty mounted - I guess you fabricated out of plywood then mounted standard Scotty product and goPro mount?
@@andrewheinz7417 no problem 👍 that's exactly it! And secured with some weather proof paint
How do u like the boat? My fiancé and i just ordered one 🤩
@@minuka it is great!
Nice. I never tried without a middle seat. Neat anchor setup for the bow. Looked at new video from porta bote and looks like they added a support brace for the transom. Wonder if it makes much of a difference with the gas motor.
Thanks mate
@Marcin Kantor when i try to get over 15 - 17 mph in my portabote i get crazy vibration from the floor and then all around. Kind of scary, i drop the speed and it is fine again. Did you ever get that?
No not really. I have suzuki 4 stroke 6hp engine. The floor flexes ok but it's normal for them
@@MarcinKantor did you try to go over 17 mph?
Sorry I don't remember now what's my top speed on it. Have been using a different bost for a while now
Brilliant video. Brilliant boat. Thank you. 👍
Thanks Nigel, a funny boat, very handy tho 👍
Great review Marcin, im exhausted just watching you do that though, i think ill stick to the shore for now 😃🎣👍
Hahaha good thinking bud, at least one of us is sane then 😃👍
Nice vid! What fishfinder setup do you have if you don't mind linking the url?
It's an old one, garmin echomap 7sv, they don't make them anymore
I wonder where most of those 1.89 thousand subscribers went. Great video ( :
What do you mean bud? Thank you.
@@MarcinKantor Most of your subscribers have not watched this video.
@@swisscouch I know mate, it's not one I'm expecting to do well. Not everyone would be interested in that. Other thing is that YT these days very often not display the vids to subscribers base unless the bell notification is clicked on, they change the algorithm...
Also forgot to add, you answered my question about the use of a fish finder, which I will definitely add. In your opinion, in some lakes I fish in the USA, you can only use electric/trolling motors, no gasoline powered allowed. Do you think a trolling motor could work? THANKS again.
Absolutely yes, it will be slow enough, but they boat is very light and easy to push. unless you go for one of the torqueedo jobs, they are the business, you will be flying then!
I use it with trolling motor exclusively. Just get the 24v one and a pair of lifepo4 batteries or a 24v pack. It will do fine with a 12v but you will always wonder if it is better with 24...
Great video I just bought a used 112 footer like yours. Quick question I know your motor is 6 horsepower what is the recommended size for that type of boat? I'm looking at 20 in and 16in but not sure
6 is maximum mate
Nice boat. What batterie box you useing that u have the garmin mounted to. And transducer bracket. Looking at getting a portable one for our small rib.
Hi Aaron, the mount is Jaxon transducer mount, you'll find one on ebay. The box, can't remember the brand but it's a Dry Box I got online, in that diveinn store, it fits the battery just fine, lasts all day. PM me if you want a picture or something
Hi Marcin
Excellent video
Great setup
Where did you buy the boat and engine any advise would be great!
Cheers Shane. Where are you based mate, Ireland?
Sorry for the late reply. Yes I live in Ireland
Thank you for you very detailed video, it was very helpful. I have 1 question: was the rod holder an available option or was it homemade?
Thanks James, no I just screwed a 3 rod holder to a plexiglass so I could slide it in
Great video mate! keep them coming with more Porta bote vids! 👍 What do you think about the 10 foot vs the 12 foot?
thanks, got a big boat here, so that will be getting a lot of water time soon! I was told that funnily 10 fter is more tricky to get into plane than 12. plus 2ft of a space for such a small boat makes a huge difference
nice video thanks
Thank you too!
Hello and thanks for sharing. In regards the anchor did you buy it from the manufacturer or is it something that you customized. Thank you.
I made it myself, there isn't one available from Porta Bote from what I know
@@MarcinKantor would you share some description as to how you did it. I have a porta boat myself too and I really like your idea of the anchor thank you.
@@280zGaitan I might do another video but cannot promise when. It is a wooden plank, cut to measurement, painted in a waterproof paint. It slides in and then I secure it with long screws to the side of the boat. On the top there is a Scotty anchor mount.
@@MarcinKantor thank you very much. I hope you do get to do that video. Maybe you can even sell some since there is not one available for the boat. Take care thanks.
@@MarcinKantor few more questions. The holes on the side did you make them? Or they were already there? I bought mine in the USA in 1999. Thanks.
Could you please let me know what ratchet strap you used for the roof rack top?
while you don't need it, I rather use too strong than too week. I have 50mm / 5000kg straps
Any will work, just make sure it doesn't not come with hooks. I liked to put a little towel under the ratchet to protect the bote. Also it is not terribly necessary to tie the bow to the hood, i never did and had 0 issues, but it maybe different 4 you.
Very nice video, Thanks for sharing! I have 10" Porta boat which I got last year. I am looking to do some modifications this year. I wanted to ask, if you do not mind, where did you get this sliding rod holders? Or did you improvise it and attach a piece of plastic so that rod holder can slide over the transom?
thank you! I made it myself, as in I bought 3 rod holder and a plexiglass and screw one onto the other so it slides in and stays in place.
@@MarcinKantor Thanks fro super fast response - much appreciated! I like the idea of sliding rod holder & I am going to try to do the same. When you use this what you made (sliding rod holder) , do you use it just as storage/holders for fishing rods while you are not using them, or is it strong enough to use it for trolling too? Your set up gives me some good ideas and inspiration to try to do the same or similar, particularly sliding rod holder and front of the boat (bow) with attached anchor. { my aim is to do some modifications, but not to drill holes, not to puncture body of the boat while doing it} . Thanks again!
@@halleb1 no problem and I am happy it helped as it has taken me a good bit of figuring myself! not strong enough for trolling, only good for storing. I did mount trolling holders, drilled holes just under the black round rim, and it doesn't cause any issues, but the whole bracket needs to be taken off when folding, as otherwise it was putting too much pressure on the hull imo, so it just adds overall setup time but can be done
@@MarcinKantor Thanks Marcin!
do they still manufacture porta botes, i cant seem to find any prices for them
not sure, seen some shortages of stocks around alright
Nice video. Any advantage getting the 14 foot one over the 12 or vice versa?
I can see only disadvantages of 14fter Lee, IN MY SITUATION. I needed a portable boat, I can carry short distances and launch anywhere. 14ft weighs almost 20kg more and becomes really 2 man operation, takes 9.9hp engine, meaning more weight to get the top performance again. Plus I wouldn't need that space, 12fter perfect for up to 2 fishing. At 14ft the portability is so little you'd wonder should you go for a boat and a trailer instead. I guess if I had the boat strapped to say a yacht and wanted to take family for a spins 14ft could be better.
@@MarcinKantor Thanks for the reply. Actually looking at the spec sheet. The 14 ft takes the same Suzuki 6 as it's maximum. The shell weighs 21 lbs/ 9.5kg more, however. It does have 4 seats instead of three. I may use it in rougher water from time to time so wondered if the extra length would add some stability. It has the same 5 foot beam.
@@leegoodman8553 just double checked, you're correct there Lee! Regarding weight, bear in mind the boat weighs more than the spec says. I never used the 14fter, wouldn't know if it's any more stable. Perhaps because of the added weight, that's all I can think of. What makes them fairly stable is the flexing floor
Have you ever used a fishing kayak before?
Bass Surface Fishing & Big Pollock in Clonakilty, West Cork with David Norman
ruclips.net/video/iTxyDZgsLdE/видео.html
There is a detachable wheel set for moving the boat and launching it. There are videos of this
Yes, that's right 👍
Hi Marcin, how did you find your Nordrive roof bars, do they not make to much aerodynamic noise without boat on? Just looking for upgrade for my VW estate and yours look good. Thank you, Adrian
Excellent really. Had the slim Thule before and find these far better at 3rd the price. they're still will make noise and take 1-1.5l more of fuel. I'd take them off when not using, takes 2-3 mins, very easy. they look better too :)
@@MarcinKantorThank you for quick reply. Can I also ask you , where in Ireland are you based? I live in Co. Clare.
@@adrianmedvec7380 Kildare
Hey Marcin, How are you ? Could you please let me know where you got your tranduscer attachement mount to the pole ? I got the pole but I cannot attached if properly without this accessory.
hi Edouard, mine came in with the pole, everything else was with the transducer. Didn't need to buy any extras
@@MarcinKantor ok thanks you
Good info on the video
Well done 👍👍
A 5hp outboard is all I need for my dinghy, to cover more water.
The way you have it in the boot.. does it leaks any oil or petrol??
Thanking you 👍👍 No it doesn't, I actually had it explained in the video but I edited it out, not clever.... That suzuki is constructed in a way that you can transport it on 3 of its 4 sides, so as long as you remember the one not to put it on, you're grand :o) When I was buying it (circa 4 years ago) Suzuki was the only one with that feature so don't try that with yours if it's a different one..
@@MarcinKantor Ok
Thank you for your reply.
I will have to look for an outboard, once we're out of lockdown 😁
Siema Marcin super łódeczka właśnie szukałem wiadomości o tej łódce a tu kolega również z Irlandii powiedz mi jak stabilna jest na falach byłeś kiedyś Na większym jeziorze ja z Galway to bym i czasem chciał przy brzegu na ocean skoczyć, dzieki pozdrawiam kolego
Hey Norbert, łódka zajebista ale wiadomo, każda do czegoś innego się nadaje. Ta jest stabilna ale lekka, tak że weźmiesz ją wszędzie ale najlepiej jak nie wieje albo średnio wieje. Na rzeki i małe jeziora do 30km/h bez problemu, na duże jeziora bym brał tylko jak wieje delikatnie. Na oceanie też miałem przy małym wiaterku
@@MarcinKantor dzieki Marcin jest fajna i poręczna ale obawiam się trochę mimo wszystko wydaje mi się ze ponton będzie bardziej stabilny i odporny na fale dzieki za odpowiedz pozdro kolego do zobaczyska gdzieś na wodzie
@@norberts264 ponton będzie stabilniejszy zdecydowanie. W PB zdecydowanie więcej miejsca
@@MarcinKantor prawda prawda po jeziorach pływam z kolega który ma aluminiowa Łódź ja jak jeżdżę camperem to mam kajak worze go na dachu dla tego pomyślałem o PB bo spokojnie by mi weszła razem z deskami surfing
owymi 😅 ale ponton mógł by być bardziej stabilny na oceanie tylko ohhh jak zwykle ciężko wybrać co będzie naj bardziej robić robotę dzieki kolego
Would 3 adults fit comfortably in the 12’?
2 is max for fishing I find, 3 is fine getting from A to B
Great video I was thinking at getting a bark inflatable boat soon good to look at other ideas and was looking for a good engine as well but notting to pricey,thanks for this 🙂👍
Glad it was of help Brian 👍👍
The engine with L or S size? Which one is correct?
Short shaft 👍
Hi Marcin, great video, how much did it cost you ?
thanks, all in all probably about 4k, the boat itself was under €2k
@@MarcinKantor Super great that's great value for money ! Will probably get the same boat !
@@edouard598 indeed, great boat too 👍
@@MarcinKantor I ordered a 12ft and it's suppose to arrive next week. Regarding the weight of the engine the constructor is suggesting a maximum weight of 25.5 kg. I order a Parsun engine weighting 27 kg.
Would you think it will cause any issues on the boat ?
@@edouard598 you'd think it's not much over the limit, but that said no one will say it's OK to use it, since it is over the limit. You need to make your own call on that. Mine is under the limit...
What kind of transducer mount is that?
It's made by a company called jaxon, got it of ebay
@@MarcinKantor thanks
What is the total pounds it holds including 2 people and the gear
Best to check porta bote website for full specification. Definitely holds 3 ppl with gear.
Where did you get that anchor?
Allegro.pl
Thanks Marcin
hey buddy i hope your well, where can i order one and get it delivered to ireland?
There is a rep over in UK if you Google it up. That's how I got mine, the shipping was a bit pricey but no other options.
Hi Marcin
I am interested in buying a 14ft porta bote. Can you recommend a good site to buy from. We are living in Ireland
Thanks
Shane, there are no any dealers in IE. Intramore is the dealer in the UK (where I got mine from) or else I heard someone's bringing one over from Germany. Mine might be going up for sale in a couple of months but I haven't made up my mind yet..
Thanks Marcin
We would be interested in your boat but ideally because there is two of us a 14ft would be more suitable.
Could you send me the company details in the UK so I can get a quote and any other company that you know sell porta botes
Thanks
Do I need registration for the boat or not?
not in Ireland
I like this video because you show assembly and disassemble off and on top of car you carry more junk than I do what about a lake that only has a ramp one way in and one way out
look, was trying to make the vid the way I'd want to see it, to be able to judge how much hassle is there with it really... you don't need a ramp as long as you have a solid ground somewhere. Even better I find, as you can drag it across the grass with scratching the hell ouf of the hull
You must have adjusted the seat legs to ensure proper support - outside legs at 45 degrees to the boat side of hull - this is hours of time and sweat.
haven't changed anything to the legs mate, just as they came with the boat
@@MarcinKantor interesting, I had to adjust the seat legs 7 holes inward from outside.
What is the maximum weight it can hold?
the full specs are on the porta bote site
What did you guys spend on the 10' and 12'? Be honest please. Thank you.
everything in the video about €3.5k-€4k
@@MarcinKantor specifically, what was the cost of the boat itself including the accessories for the rear support, basically the total bill from porta-boat they charged you.
@@nypctechman think it was 1600
@@MarcinKantor tysm
Hello, what is the name of the boat and where can I buy one like it, or tell me the website. Greetings from Romania.
It's called Porta bote. American made
How to buy this bot?
www.porta-bote.com/ here is their site
Is that the 10 ft or 12 ft model
12ft
This is the first vid of yours I’ve watched but I’m gonna guess based purely on your accent that your a polish land living in Ireland?
Edit: or Latvian/Lithuanian
Nailed it mate, I'm from Kraków
@@MarcinKantor that’s so funny. It’s such a distinctive accent when polish lads learn English here. I think it sounds very cool haha! Thanks for the vid. V helpful
Customer beware hidden costs of ownership. Customer support if you need it reaches the scam zone. You need a small part replaced and call customer service? They will NOT sell q replacement piece but only offer to sell an entire placement system. For example I only needed an oarlock. They refused to do that and only offered the entire oarlock and paddle package. If you lose or break a piece be prepared to spend a lot more than you need to for pieces you won't need just to get the part.
same experience I must admit :(
you still using this boat?
Yes John, although since I now have an aluminium one, this doesn't get that much use
I had a porta-bote. Bought it brand new. Within a year, the transom started leaking. I couldn't fix it so I gave it to my brother. He managed to fix the transom, but then in broke again. He fixed it again. Then the main seam failed and it was garbage. I never got to use it more than about a half dozen times. Very expensive for the few uses I got out of it. I would never buy another one. For the same money, you can get an old town fishing kayak with pedal drive, and the hull has a lifetime guarantee.
That's bad! Did you try to contact them fir warranty? They offer a few years on the hull
Thousands of dollars.
Way too many commercials. Stop watching after 2 minutes
That's RUclips, who puts them, but that's a good point, thanks. Need to check to settings to see how all that works 👍👍
@@MarcinKantor I made up for the minutes this guy didn't watch.
@@gonzobongo6669 🤣🤣🤣❤️❤️❤️ love it lol you made my day sir
@@MarcinKantor 👍🏼👍🏼
this port bòot is too complicated