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8fish · 08-12-2016, 15:43

For Sale, in Fort Lauderdale Florida (Lighthouse Point area):

Porta-Bote Alpha 10' folding boat. 1 year old, very good condition. Silver color (Factory calls the color "Aluminum" but the boat is of course made of plastic). Includes everything it came with from the factory including 3 seats, bow cover, 2 oars with oar locks and the magic stick that makes it easy to assemble. Folds down smaller than mosts paddleboards.

We cruised with this boat for a year as our tender on our 34' sailboat. We stored it strapped to the deck, very much out of the way as compared to a RIB or conventional dinghy. I could assemble it myself on the foredeck and lower it to the water using a halyard, even in winds up to 20 knots. We sometimes stored it in our davits, or towed it as well. We powered it with a Torqeedo 2.5 hp electric engine, or rowed it.

Some specs:
Length 10' 8"
Width folded: 24"
Beam 60"
Capacity: 585 lbs
Seats: 3
Persons: 3 (though we loaded it with 4 once, no problem)
Max engine weight: 56 lbs

Some other things I liked about it: Tougher than an inflatable, less worry about getting damage from oysters on a piling, for example. Stable ride, yet easy to row. Handles chop very well... the boat flexes, which feels odd at first but it smooths out the ride and the boat does not take on much water even heading straight into the waves.

Downsides: it is a little more work to put together. Getting in can feel a little unstable, but once seated very stable.

Selling because, sadly, not cruising this year. This boat lists for over $2000 as is; selling for $1400 or best offer.

PM me for inquiries.