Comparing boats

Due to the unique hull, the used material and the possibility to fold the boat, the PortaBote stands out from many other types of boats. Below is a comparison of the PortaBote with other types of boats.

PortaBote vs aluminum boats:

• The PortaBote absorbs 90% of the shocks of the waves. A boat made of aluminum does not absorb these shocks. It would sooner bump on the water, which would increase the shocking sensation throughout the boat.
• The PortaBote could absorb the shocks of a collision with a rock or tree stump. It will not dent or scrape, whilst an aluminum boat will.
• The PortaBote does not have problems with loose riverts or ripping welding seams, like an aluminum boat.
• The PortaBote is maintenance-free, rust free, and does not have paint which can blister.
• The PortaBote is easy to transport. It is unnecessary to use a trailer or heavy rack on your car.
• The PortaBote is much lighter than an aluminum boat. Because of this, one person could transport the boat and lay it in the water. Additionally, it could be placed in the water at any location, not only at official docks, which is the case with aluminum boats.
• The PortaBote can be stowed away safely, and does not take up much space. An aluminum boat, on the other hand, requires a large storage space.
• The PortaBote uses a lighter motor than an aluminum boat. This makes the boat more energy-efficient, cheaper, and easier to transport.
• The PortaBote is suitable for all types of water bodies. With an aluminum boat, it is necessary to choose between a V hull model or a flat hull model. An aluminum boat with a V hull model is not suitable for shallow water or water with obstacles. An aluminum boat with a flat hull model is not suitable for turbulent water. The PortaBote scores well in both situations.
• The PortaBote can be hoisted or pulled over obstacles easily. An aluminum boat is easily too heavy to be hoisted by hand.
• The PortaBote can be taken to all places. Even with a small airplane or on foot. The using of an aluminum boat is limited to places which are accessible by car, or can even be limited by the quality of the road, if transported with a trailer.
• With the purchase of an aluminum boat, many extra costs are necessary, such as the purchase of chairs, a trailer, tow hitch, storage costs, heavy motor, maintenance costs, repairing costs, etc. These costs, make an aluminum boat much more expensive than the PortaBote.

PortaBote vs an inflatable boat.

• The PortaBote is much lighter than an inflatable boat.
• Inflatable boats need to be dried well before folded in order to prevent mildew.
• Inflatable boats are susceptible to ruptures
• It is a fact that many owners often keep an inflatable boat inflated, because of the hassle to inflate, deflate and store their boat. The PortaBote is easy to unfold (6 minutes) and easy to fold back.
• The PortaBote is more durable than an inflatable boat.
• The edges of an inflatable boat take up a lot of space (30 to 40% of the boat) which leaves little space in the boat.
• An inflatable boat needs 4x the energy a PortaBote needs, for the same performance. It is therefore necessary to use a much larger and more powerful motor with an inflatable boat. This is noticeable in your pocket, and with transportation.
• The PortaBote shows little resistance when towed behind a sailing boat. An inflatable boat reduces the speed significantly.
• The PortaBote can easily transported on the roof of a car, the side of a camper or on your yacht (even wet). Where would you store your wet inflatable boat easily?
• A quality inflatable boat is much more expensive than the PortaBote.
• The PortaBote comes with a easy to fit biminitop (Porta Sunshade). This is extremely difficult to fit on an inflatable boat.
• Rowing an inflatable boat is much harder than a PortaBote.
• An inflatable boat usually easily deviates off course. The PortaBote does easily maintain a straight course.
• 50% of the purchasers of the PortaBote are people who switch from inflatable boats to the PortaBote.

PortaBote vs wooden (local)canoe.

• Wooden canoes are heavy, and difficult to transport by road. They therefore usually remain in the water. The PortaBote can be transported very easily due to its light weight. This adds many advantages.
• Wooden canoes require a lot of maintenance, whilst the PortaBote is virtually maintenance-free.
• Wooden canoes are instable, the PortaBote is very stable due to its flexibility and unique hull shape.
• Wooden canoes are uncomfortable to sit in, the PortaBote, on the other hand, has comfortable seats.
• Wooden canoes are difficult to maneuver. The PortaBote has a small turning angle and will stay stable on the water whilst turning sharply.
• Wooden canoes will leak fast. The PortaBote is completely watertight, with a guarantee of 10 years.
• Wooden canoes can easily rip due to a collision with rocks or tree trunks. The PortaBote can absorb shocks due to its flexible hull, which is made of a bullet-proof material.
• Wooden canoes can capsize easily during collision. This is virtually impossible with the PortaBote.
• If the motor of the PortaBote ceases functioning, the boat can still be rowed easily. This is harder with a wooden canoe.
• It is easy to attach a biminitop (Porta Sunshade) on the PortaBote. This is not possible on a wooden canoe.
• A wooden canoe is not suitable for turbulent water. The PortaBote is suitable for open seas, and is therefore also very resistant to high waves.

PortaBote vs a polyester boat.

• The PortaBote is much lighter than a polyester boat. This means even one person can transport and lay the PortaBote in the water. Additionally, it can be placed in the water at any location, not only at a dock, which is the case with a polyester boat.
• A trailer is necessary to transport a polyester boat. The PortaBote can be easy transported in a folded position on the roof of your car.
• A polyester boat is very sensitive, and might break easily due to a collision with a rock or tree trunk. The PortaBote can absorb these shocks without breaking.
• Polyester is not resistant to tropical climatic conditions. The PortaBote, on the other hand, is resistant to the most extreme climatic conditions, from the greatest heat in Africa, to the coldest region of Antarctica.
• The PortaBote absorbs the shocks of the waves. A polyester boat does not. This would bounce on the waves, and the shocks can be felt throughout the boat.
• The PortaBote is maintenance-free, rust free, and does not have paint that can blister.
• The PortaBote has a 10-year guarantee!! No manufacturer of polyester boats can offer such a guarantee.
• The PortaBote can be stored safely in a small space. A polyester boat requires a lot of storage space.
• The PortaBote use a lighter engine than the polyester boat. This makes the boat more energy-efficient, cheaper, and easier to transport.
• The PortaBote is suitable for all kinds of water bodies. A polyester boat can only travel over deep waters without obstacles.
• The PortaBote can be taken to all places. Even with a small airplane or on foot. The polyester boat can only be transported to locations with a good road access.
• After the purchase of a polyester boat, many extra costs are necessary, such as the purchase of a trailer, tow hitch, storage costs, heavy motor, maintenance costs, repairing costs, etc. These costs, make a polyester boat much more expensive than the PortaBote.