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<13693>
I'm curious to hear about anyones experience or observations about the folding Porta-Botes. I know that these boats are expensive but I'd like to know how stable the are and how they handle some small waves. Also would a 10' boat handle two adults for fly fishing without fighting each other.
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<13699>
I've been checking these boats out as well. john Massey owned a small (8.5 ft) model - I saw him fishing out of it at Corbett once. I've corresponded with a couple of owners in other countries and they were enthusiastic beyond words about them. They are very rare used.
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<13706>
I've owned an 8' PortaBote for the past two years and I love it. It is the most stable small craft I have ever used - I don't think you could flip it even if you wanted to. It rows like a dream - just glides over the water - and I also have a small electric motor for it. It's not quite as easy to handle (at least for this short female) as the ads would have you believe, but I've found it much easier with practice and can now set it up in about 15 minutes and take it down in five. It handles breezy weather well, though I wouldn't want to take it on the high seas! I modified mine slightly, putting some web handles on the sides, as I found it impossible to haul in and out of the water otherwise - there's nothing to grab onto. The newer models are a lighter weight than mine due to a different material for the seats - I plan to replace my seats this summer. I find my 8 footer comfortable enough for two cooperative anglers - my fishing buddy and I haven't hooked each other yet - but I mostly use it by myself. I'd say the 10 footer would be ample room for two flyfishers except in the most difficult casting situations. I recommend it.
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<13942>
I owned a 1988 12' porta-bote for about six years now. Just last week I traded it in for a 10'8" model. My buddies took it up to Hosley Lk. for its maiden voyage. My pal said its alot better than my old one, however, He says its abit too small for two people to flyfish from. So I go and exchanged it for a 12'6" model. As of this writeing its on its way from California If I were you, get a 12' model. it's better in the waves. I fished from my old boat in buntzen LK all the way to Allouete lake were "Mad Mack" lives and had no proublems. They're light weight (69#) for 12' and I tansported mine on my Honda Civic.
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