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Porta-Bote vs. Inflatable 


Jungfernfahrt vom Porta-Bote

I have used an inflatable boat as well as a Porta-Bote for fishing for some time. That's why I want to make a tabular comparison between these two types here. Both boats are about 3,60 Meter long and carry 4 persons. The inflatable was Zodiac which could be motorized with up to 25 HP.

Criteria Inflatable Porta-Bote
Storage space Can be folded to a relatively small pack. But the total volume might be slightly more than the Porta-Bote The boat itself can be folded down very small but it still has the full length. Because of the seat banks the total volume is probably almost as much as for an inflatable.
Assembly and disassembly It takes some time to get the air into it. Putting in the floor was also always a bit of a pain. It can be done alone. Assembly is amazingly quick, as soon as you've got that first seat fitted (easy for two people). It can be done alone.
Transport The hull is heavy, but can be carried alone. The rump is the heavy part, but cann be carried alone.
Motorization good driving with 8 HP, possible up to 25 HP. Good driving with the maximum allowed 8 HP.
Space The floor is narrow, but sitting on the tubes is comfortable. The stern board is also narrow and mounting a downrigger and an (additional) trolling motor is just so possible. Lots of space in the boat, but the seating is uncomfy. Don't forget to take seat cushions with you, if you want to do some trolling! The broad stern leaves plenty of room for mounting an trolling motor, downrigger, transducer stick and rod holders.
Driving The boat is very easy and safe to drive, but doesn't track very well. With 1-2 persons and 8 HP it will glide and reach about 25 Km/h. The boat can deform under full thrust (slow down immediately). Tracks quite good, but not if you're in it alone and the wind comes from the front or sideways. With 1 Person and 8 HP it will glide at about 18 Km/h
Casting Good stand in the boat, but its starts drifting very easily. You have to get used to the wobbly floor when standing in the boat. It doesn't drift to fast.
Trolling Can be done but needs concentration to stay on course. Not much possibilties for attachement of rod holders. Well suited. With a bit of creativity you'll find ways to mount your rod holders. Seats need cushions

All in all you will be better off with the inflatable on larger waters, especially if you want to go fast. If you like to fish standing in the boat you might feel safer in the inflatable as well.