Technology

Flexibility is what makes the Porta-Bote to be such a great watercraft. The secret in the Porta-Bote's flexibility is latent in its high-impact polypropylene hull, a high quality material that allows folding this unique portable boat without damaging it.

The polypropylene of which the Porta-Bote's hull is made, also compounds some products which required to stand in a very high standards such as in bullet-proof vests, car bumpers, rust proof highway signs, fibers for carpeting, house wares, refrigerator parts, bottles and bottle caps, medical products, fishing tackle boxes, and much more. As the polypropylene is highly resistant to extreme temperatures and chemical harm and also has excellent moisture barrier properties and good fatigue resistance, it is absolutely the perfect material in which to compose the Porta-Bote.

Polypropylene copolymer is an exotic engineered resin originally developed by the U.S Aero-Space industry. This material has unique properties such as the fact that the boat's hinges can take stress of over 90,000 pounds per square inch. The hinges have been designed so that the higher the pressure on the hinge, the more it wants to remain sealed. The Porta-Bote Polypropylene hinges have been modulus tested at a rate of over 500,000 openings and closings without a single failure. Original manufacturer DuPont conducted the tests and found the material actually became stronger after 500,000 folds. The fact that this material is impervious to acid made it a component in lifetime batteries.
(Click to see PortaBote Models)

The Porta-Bote's Polypropylene hull is almost 1/4 inches thick, twice as thick as an aluminum boat hull. This fact guarantees total puncture proof even when meet sharp rocks or coral reefs. In addition, the Porta-Bote utilizes a ultra-violet filter that renders the hull to be resistible to saltwater and fire.

When a strong wave slams against the side of the Porta-Bote's hull, the polypropylene flexes inwards with approximately 12%. This immediately dissipates the energy of the wave and actually disperses its force by over 90%, making the Porta-Bote to be almost un-capsized.

The superior hull design of the Porta-Bote creates a distinctive stability. Its patented concave cupped bottom locks onto the water's surface. Yet, it easily glides over logs and limbs and keeps the people on it almost completely dry even in high winds. The folding Porta-Bote hulls weigh just 49 lbs (21 kg), 59 lbs (26 kg) and 69 lbs (31 kg) respectively, half as much as aluminum boats or fiberglass hulls.

In order to emphasis its extreme resistibility; the indestructible polypropylene material also compounds some products which require to stand in a very high standards such as in bullet-proof vests, automobile bumpers, rust proof highway signs and in the aero-space industry, not to mention its use as an rescue craft by many municipalities worldwide. Nevertheless, the Porta-Bote stands in all U.S coast guard specifications and standards and is also certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the European Union Manufacturers Association.


Porta-Bote or Inflatable kayaks?
Inflatable kayaks suit people who like to row on rivers with rough terrain, where getting a regular boat could be quite tricky. Inflatable kayaks can be inflated at the spot and so, they offer a rather easy approach to the river or from it. However, nothing in life is perfect, and so are Inflatable kayaks. Their PVC hull is extremely susceptible to punctures, and a puncture spells disappointment. In fact, when considering the advantages of Inflatable kayaks, the main thing which pops into mind it their portability, and the fact that they fit for 2 rowers.

Porta Bote does all that and more – when folded, Porta Bote resembles a 4'' thick surfboard, and since it weighs between 47 lbs. (21.kg) to 96 lbs. (43.6kg), it can be carried easily, without a trailer and on top of a 4x4 wheel car. You can get your Porta Bote anywhere you wish to go, whether it is the sea or a remote river. Similar to inflatable kayaks, Porta-Bote can fit 2 rowers easily, in its smallest model, and 5 people in its biggest. Yet, the best advantage is that unlike inflatable kayaks, Porta-Bote will never suffer from punctures or leaks of air.