Safety

Before going out sailing with the Porta-Bote, please read the following safety regulations:
1. Seat supports - Make sure each seat support is firmly aligned over the seam of the hull before sitting on any seat. Never sit or stand on the optional "bow dress cap".
2. Seating balance - Always sit on the rear seat when installing or starting outboard. Never stand in the area between the rear seat and the transom during motor installation. Keep your boat properly balanced at all times. Only one person may sit on the seat nearest the outboard while it is being installed or started. Otherwise you could lose your balance. Always sit in the center of any seat for better balance.
2a. Rowing - When one person is rowing in the "2 seat model" of the Porta-Bote, it is recommended for the other person to sit on the rear seat for better balance.

Please read carefully the passenger seating arrangement:
A-When 3 people are seated in a "3/4 seat model" - Only one person should sit on each seat for best performance and stability except in rough seas Then, two people should sit on the center seat.
B-When 2 people are seated in a "3/4 seat model" - One person should sit on rear seat and one person on the center seat.
C-Maximum person weight per seat: 300 lbs. (137Kgs) - Otherwise you will have to modify seat for the extra weight.
D-Never remove any seat when afloat in the boat. The seats act as stabilizers.
3. Maintenance- Your Porta-Bote's copolymer polypropylene hull is not adversely affected by salt water. It will come clean with soap and water. At least once a month during the season, apply "Armorall" or similar plastic protector to the outer sides and bottom (the part that touches the water) of the hull and tubing and plastic seats and transom. If boating in salt water, always rinse all metal fittings with fresh water. If your boat will be stored so it is constantly exposed week after week to the UV rays of the sun, protect it with a suitable light covered tarp or cover.
3a. Don't continuously drag your Porta-Bote over sand or gravel. Over the years, it will eventually wear the hull material.
4. Gas outboard installation- The outboard must be installed so that the shaft is at least one inch away from the rear edge of the hull bottom. The engine shaft shouldn't be allowed to touch the edge of the hull.
Recommended shaft length- 15 inches - "short shaft" for best performance.
4a. Always secure your outboard to the rear seat with a safety chain or bicycle chain to prevent it from accidentally slipping off if the motor clamps should loosen due to vibration. You may drill a hole in this seat to attach a chain. Check the tightness of the 4 transom/motor mount wing nuts at regular intervals.
4b. Disregard the 2 pre-drilled holes in the motormout. They are to be used when attaching the "sail rudder".
5. Electric outboard recommendations- Porta-Bote will accept any size electric outboard when it is installed on the rear Transom/Motor mount. If installing an electric motor on the optional front Bow Trolling Mount, maximum power is "30 pound thrust" while minimum shaft length is 30" or longer.
6. "Flexing"- when you step on the floor of your boat, you will notice a certain amount of flexing in the floor but this is normal. In addition, when the hull begins to "plane", the sides will flex out and the floor bottom will flex "down". This, too, is normal. This "flexing action" actually absorbs and cushions much of the impact of strong waves that might capsize an ordinary rigid hulled craft. The transom will flex, also. However, if one or both of the sides of the hull begin to flex or deform "abnormally", you are traveling beyond the "maximum speed capability" of the hull. Immediately reduce engine rpm. This flexing will stop and you will find you are traveling at almost the same speed, comfortably. (Note: No matter how large an outboard you install, your Porta-Bote hull cannot go any faster than its "maximum hull speed". It will just start to flex abnormally.) Never try to make a sudden "sharp turn" when traveling at high speeds in this or any boat.
7. Read carefully- If an accident occurs and your boat should fill with water, immediately shut oft the outboard. Evacuate and hang on to the boat it will remain afloat. Never go out in any boat unless each occupant is wearing a Coast Guard approved life vest and you have plenty of rope.
8. Water in seams- After a short period of time, you may notice some water in the seams. This is probably the result of spray from waves or the outboard propeller or rowing action, condensation, etc. In order to check this out, come to a complete stop. Take an absorbent towel or sponge and dry the wet area. Wait one or two minutes. If this area remains dry, your hull doesn't leak. Also, the foam gasket seal located at the bottom of the membrane will absorb a small amount of water which has come in from outside sources. When the hull flexes, this water will "squeeze out" and appear at the bottom of the hull near the transom. This is normal.
9. Scratches/Gouges- Porta-Bote's engineered resin hull is remarkably tough. It is extremely difficult to puncture by accident, but it does scratch and gouge easily. This is normal and does not weaken this incredible material.
10. Theft- Always secure your boat to a permanent "immoveable" object when leaving it unattended. Use the bow grommet holes to attach a bicycle wire/chain. Its obvious portability makes it a tempting object for thieves.


Please read the U.S. Coast Guard suggestion of maximum capacity specifications + manufacturer's outboard engine max weight limit :

14' Max Capacity - Persons, Motor, Gear: 5 persons, 807 lbs. (367 kg) Max Engine Weight: 83 lbs. (38kgs)
12' Max Capacity - Persons, Motor, Gear: 4 persons, 670 lbs. (305 kg) Max Engine Weight: 54 lbs. (24kgs)
10' Max Capacity - Persons, Motor, Gear: 3 persons, 585 Ibs. (266 kg) Max Engine Weight: 54 lbs. (24kgs)
8' Max Capacity - Persons, Motor, Gear: 3 persons. 445 Ibs. (202 kg) Max Engine Weight: 35 lbs. (16kgs)


(Click to see PortaBote Models)