DINGHY & OUTBOARD

We have spent the better part of four years in some pretty remote anchorages.   During the last 15 years we have had two inflatables, a rigid rowing dinghy, and two Portebotes.  We have strong opinions about what constitutes a proper cruising dinghy. A full time cruiser needs a dinghy that has the following characteristics"

1) Stable

2) Huge load carrying capacity

3) Fast

4) Dry

5) Easy to launch from the beach in heavy surf

6) Indestructible

7) Easy to stow on deck

We currently use a 10' Portebote.  We had a 12' Portebote from June '99 thru September '03.

This is a picture of our ten-footer running with the 9.8 HP Nissan outboard.  The Portebote was new in February '04.

The Portebote is the perfect cruising dinghy and we would never consider any other type of dinghy for cruising in remote areas.

The 1999 Nissan has an electric starter and remote 6-gallon gas tank.  With one person aboard the Portebote will cruise at 18 knots and do over 20 if necessary.

There is also a 2 HP Suzuki outboard for use in small anchorage.  This motor weighs 21 pounds and can be lifted from the mount on the pushpit with one hand.  The Suzuki will almost plane the Portebote with one person aboard.

In June 2006 I had a local boat builder make a wood transom to replace the cheap plastic transom that came with the boat.