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Why is Porta-Bote much more stable than ordinary, rigid boats?
Flexibility – this is the secret to Porta-Bote's incredible stability! This is the same reason inflatable boats are more stable than rigid craft, but unlike an inflatable boat, Porta-Bote's flexible hull flexes inwards approximately 12% when a strong wave slams against the boat, immediately dissipates the energy of the wave and disperses its force by over 90%. It's really almost impossible to capsize one of these boats. Although safe boating is a matter of using common sense, you definitely have a much greater safety factor when using Porta-Bote as your recreational craft over an old fashioned rigid aluminum boats or fiberglass boats.
Advanced hull design - Porta-Bote's superior hull design creates a unique stability. Its patented concave cupped bottom locks onto the water's surface. Yet, it easily cruises over logs and limbs and keeps you dry even in high winds.
Extremely low hull weights - Folding Porta-Bote hulls weigh in at an ultra-light 49 lbs (21 kg), 59 lbs (26 kg) and 69 lbs (31 kg), respectively, almost half as much as comparable aluminum boats or fiberglass boats.
Advantages
Fast and simple assembly and disassembly
Stable and extra safe
10 years hull warranty
Lightweight & Portable
Modern design
Extremely durable
Virtually unsinkable
Virtually un-capsized
Exceeds all latest safety standards
Easy storage
Can be hanged from ceiling
Fits on all vehicles' tops
No need of boat trailer
Ideal as dinghy
Floats even on 4" high water
Optional oars or motor assembly
Designed to sail in all water- Sea, lake, pond and river
Porta-Bote or Aluminum canoes?
One of the biggest advantages aluminum canoes have is their bulky and strong structure. However this advantage is also a disadvantage - aluminum canoes are unstable, tend to flip over and they can corrode or sustain abrasions. And if that's not enough, try lifting aluminum canoes to a remote river which doesn't have a clear access to it…and what about the trailer you would need, in order to bring it TO the river?
Porta-Bote is built of an extremely strong material called Polypropylene, which is not only strong but also flexible. That means that unlike the hull of aluminum canoes, even when the Porta-Bote's hull hits something rough, it doesn't break or bruise. Getting Porta-Bote to and from the river, doesn't require a trailer, because unlike aluminum Canoes, which are big, Porta-Bote can be folded and placed directly on top of the car's roof.
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Assembling Instructions
Assembling the Porta-Bote is very simple and requires no more than a few minutes. Nevertheless, there is no need to carry a tool box or any tools for that matter. All parts required for assembling the PortaBote are included inside the packing. Please follow these instructions before using the Porta-Bote:
Note: There are 2 large "Dimples" in the center of each hull. They are created by the oarlock sockets pressing against the hull when in the folded position. This is normal and in no way affects the hull's strength.
The first time you open your new Porta-Bote, you will find it is a little "stiff", fear not, this is perfectly normal. After several openings the living hinge will ease up and be easier to open. It is also normal for polypropylene to stiff when it becomes cold. If your Porta-Bote is delivered when the weather is cold, keep the hull in a warm place for 24 hours or until it reaches room temperature. It will then open more easily.
(Click to see PortaBote Models)
| 1. Open the Porta-Bote's hull once so that
the sides are exposed. |
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| 2. While standing on the lower side
of the hull, reach down and pull open the higher side. |
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3. Place one end of the 2 step boat
openers against the top tube of the side opposite you. Place the curved hook
cutout against the side of tube nearest you (See picture for approximate
placement in the hull).
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4. Use your leg to push away one
side of hull until it's far enough away to place other end of opener against the
hull tube on opposite side.
Center & Rear seats are identical except for the placement of metal side supports
under seats. The side supports on center seat are attached under seat closest to
the center of seat. On rear seat they are attached closest to the edge.
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| 5. Insert center seat into the seat
bracket on opposite side of hull. Remember - Side supports on center seat are
attached under the seat that is closest to the center of seat. Make sure that the
stainless steel center seat support is off to the side as shown. Insert end of seat
nearest to you into seat bracket. |
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| 6. Line up hole at the end of the seat with hole in seat bracket nearest you. Insert
stainless steel locking pin as shown. Squeeze the pin and twist as you turn. Now,
insert the pin in other side of seat.
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| 7. From outside boat, push the steel center seat support into the center seam as
shown. If it is very tight, use the end of the boat opener to push it into place while
you lift the side of the boat, slightly. Don't do this when you are inside the Porta
-Bote.
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| 8. Install the remaining seat just as before. Make sure all seat supports are in
place. Side supports will be a little loose on the bottom but this is normal. In the
water they will tighten.
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| 9. Slide transom down in front of bladder as shown. You may have to push one
of the sides of the hull out a little bit. There are 2 predrilled holes on each side of
the hull. Line up the top hole of side of transom with top hole on the side of hull.
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| 10. Place a stainless steel washer on the bolt. From outside of the hull, insert
bolt through the top hole. Place another washer and wing nut from the inside of
hull. Don't tighten it too much, yet. Repeat the same action on the other top
side. Place a washer and rubber grommet on bolt for lower hole. Repeat on other
side. Now, hand tighten all wing nuts.
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11. Place optional bow bladder on bow as shown. Remove covers from both
tapes. Install the optional bow cap by carefully placing it over the bow bladder so
it will also cover the end of the tubes (see picture). Press the two pieces together
so the bow cap adheres to the tapes on the bow bladder. Let cure for a few hours
for a permanent installation.
Stretch bungee cords and insert each hook into hole. If no hole, drill a 1/4"
hole.
Note: Never stand on bow cap or seats when entering or leaving the boat.
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| 12. Boat shown fully assembled (no bow cap). Motor mount is in the "down"
position overlapping plastic bladder.
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13.
A- In order to easily remove seats (after removing pins hold on to end of seat
nearest you), Pull this side of the hull out. This will release pressure on the seat
bracket and the seat will just "pop" out.
B- When closing boat, walk on the hull if a side gets "stuck". You won't damage
it.
C- When car topping, use the two grommet holes in front of the hull to attach a
strong line to the front auto bumper. Twist the "car top straps" to eliminate
harmonic wind noise. Rear of boat should be facing rear of car for the least wind
resistance.
D- The circular indentation on each side of each seat is for storing a
beverage can or cup.
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| 14. Never try to lift a seat sideways by pulling on the seat supports.
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| 15. Do not stand on the seats or bow cap when entering or leaving any boat. Too
easy to slip and get hurt!
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(Go to PortaBote advantages)
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