Folding boats?

[AlanPortsmouth]

Has anyone used or seen the folding boats that seem to keep appearing in Google ads all the time (can't remember what they are called). They look ideal for what I need... But, I'd like to hear from people with some experience of them as I'd have to mail order unseen to where I live. Do they live up to the claims they make?

[N J Mello]

I have owned a 12' Fold-a-Boat that was more than adequate for general use fishing both freshwater and marine with a 10 horse 2 stroke. It had plenty of free board and could handle most wind chop and ocean swell (inshore) without difficulty.

I currently have a 'Tote-n-Boat' folding canoe that I use on some small backwoods lakes. I keep it in my 4X4 and use it only occasionally. It works, it is sturdy, light, easy to use, but I'm not thrilled with it's handling characteristics as it has no keel which effects it's 'tracking' ability in a cross wind. The 'Tote-n-Boat' folding kayak was not available when I purchased the folding canoe and that appears to be a better craft for solo use.

I would recommend getting all available accessories with whatever folding boat you acquire as they add to the comfort, convenience and versatility of use. Most folding boats, like inflatables, are not the best in windy, wet weather conditions.

[AlanPortsmouth]

Yes, thats the one I was looking at. Thanks for reminding me of the name.

I am thinking for marine use but where I live (Lanzarote) sea conditions aren't usually a problem apart from the odd windy days its usually vey calm.

Are they relatively hard wearing?

[bufo1313]

My second boat is a Portabote (12 ft) and we enjoy it. I haul it on the jeep either folded or ready to launch, so it is versatile. There is a Portabote owners group on yahoo so you can get all kinds of information and recommendations there or feel free to send me a private mesage with specific questions.

[marlyn]

12 foot porta bote here,mainly use it in the sierras and works perfect.funny thing is i dont fold it up much.the light weight allows me to transport it easy when its just my wife and myself.4 horse motor and im good to go.id definitely pick my days if i were to use it in the ocean,i personally wouldnt but the guy i bought it from used it exclusively in the ocean around santa barbara for halibut.

[Duramax]

my grandmother used to have one back in 30's-50's in germany.
She used to tell us on how great they wore.
I'm sure that they even improved them a whole lot since then.

[N J Mello]

You'll get scratches and scuffs, just as you would with any 'plastic' boat. My Tote-n-Boat' canoe has a certain 'flexibility' that takes a little getting used to. I ordered it with the trolling motor mount, two of the seats (although I've never had two people in it), and the kayak paddle. Works well with the electric trolling motor which I lock in the center position and use the paddles for steering. I don't think the kayak has the trolling motor option.

I wouldn't use my folding canoe in the ocean, just wouldn't be comfortable with it, but the kayak looks like it would be OK.

[Fishrdan]

Might be a drive for you, but heres one to check out, just saw it on Craigslist;

Porte-boat

[Kurt]

Aren't the new ones slightly modified? I've read the first ones can have some issues after some mileage.

[Afry]

I've always wondered about these boats. Can you stand up in one? How tippy are they? What is your experience.

[marlyn]

absolutely you can stand up in one,its a little flexie but after you stand in one for a second its no problem.there very sturdy and can take a heluva beating.mine is 12' and could hold 3 adults but i think 2 and a kid or 2 is better.mine weighs about 60 lbs and i can throw it on the truck myself.i have a travel trailer so i cant tow an aluminum boat and it too,this is a good compromise and you can take it anywhere with ease,perfect for the sierra's.heres a picture of me and my nephews getting ready for a troll around silver lake in the june lake loop,they love it and will fight to see who goes fishing with me in it!

View full size

[marlyn]

by the way that is a very good price on that boat in the link,i paid 1600.00 for virtually the same thing and i thought i got a deal!