[Rhodes22-list] Help re Dinghy

[Stephen Staum]

I have a 10' Port-A-Bote and I love it (the 8' model would be fine for 1 or
2 people & easier to store/handle).  It is a folding rowboat.  For storage,
I tie it alonside the starboard stanchions with the seats stowed under the
port cockpit seats for balance.  The only downside is that I have to stow
the hull in the cabin in higher winds to cut down on excessive windage.  I
met a sailor this summer who does not disassemble his (a 15 minute job) all
season but trails it behind his boat.

Advantages to the Port-A-Bote:

Rows much better than an inflatable.
It has built in flotation and will not sink.
Hull is guaranteed for 10 years and is maintenance free.
Hull is flexible and absorbs wave impact when motoring for a smoother ride.

I mostly row mine, but I have tried it with the 4 HP 2 stroke outboard from
my Rhodes and it motors very nicely, even gets on the step with just me on
board.
If buying new be sure to get the "Show Special" pricing (about $500 off) and
it includes free shipping.  They even offer a sail package!  My wife
wouldn't go for it, too bad.  It probably doesn't sail real well anyway but
it would be less tedious than rowing.

Check out their website:  http://www.porta-bote.com/

Stephen Staum
"Carol Lee"

----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Mistler" <mistler at mindspring.com>
To: "'The Rhodes 22 mail list'" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Sunday, November 28, 2004 12:33 PM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Help re Dinghy


> Hi, Rhodies,
>
> Your advice would be appreciated re an inflatable dinghy for the
> Rhodes 22.  What you have you found to work reasonably well? I
> have searched the recent archives without success.
>
> What fits and where do you store it?  What would you avoid?
>
> A Mercury 6'7" inflatable with slatted rollup floor I have
> looked at weighs 35 lbs and deflates to 3' 3" X 1' 10" X 15".
> How is that for storage?  Do I need to look at "light duty"
> dinghys without the slats?
>
> The dinghy will be used mostly on the Eastern shore of the
> Chesapeake bay while gunkholing.  Most of the time I shall be
> singlehanding, but may have the occasional company of my wife or
> son.
>
> Fair winds!
> --Doug
> "Red Rover"
> Deale, MD
>
>
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