Car topper dinghy

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 03, 2013 at 20:44

ThreadID: 101478 Views:6172 Replies:4 FollowUps:2

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Member - kym111

Hubby and I (and kids) are nearly ready to take off on our big lap, and are debating whether to fork out and get a dinghy to put on the top of the car. Something like a Quintrex Dart or so... The big debate isn't so much the price, but will we use it?
Sooo... chasing comments on who used/uses their dinghy and where. Is it a waste of money (purchase and fuel), or is there a chance we'll get to use it?
Also, if you do had/have one, what brand, size etc was the choice?
Thanks heaps
Kym

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Reply By: Member - silkwood - Wednesday, Apr 03, 2013 at 21:07

Wednesday, Apr 03, 2013 at 21:07

Yes! It's amazing how often you'll be glad you took it (or disappointed you didn't). I have dragged my Porta-Bote all over the place- it's coming up to the Cape later this year- I never regret taking it.
All of this is presuming you and the family fish! If not, you will probably still get great use out of it. Just remember the rest of the family may not be happy in croc country in a small tinnie. Another thing to keep in mind is- where do you carry the motor, tank and all the accessories?

Cheers,

Mark

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Follow Up By: Member - kym111 - Wednesday, Apr 03, 2013 at 21:23

Wednesday, Apr 03, 2013 at 21:23

Thanks Mark.
Hubby is a mad keen fisherman, I don't mind wetting a line (when the fish are biting...), kids love it! Our biggest fear is the kids are young, and one will NOT be told, so worried she'll hang a hand over the side and will get taken by a croc....

However, I'm sure there are more places in Australia than just the northern expanses where a dinghy can be used without the fear of crocs.

How big is your Porta-Bote? As for the motor, tank etc, I'll leave that one up to hubby... lol I'm having a hard enough time condensing a house into the caravan without over packing!! I know I'll need more than just 1 pair of shoes..... ;-)

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Follow Up By: Member - silkwood - Thursday, Apr 04, 2013 at 07:32

Thursday, Apr 04, 2013 at 07:32

My Bote is a 12' version, weighs around 35kg and folds to a thickness of 200mm (max). It takes around 10 more minutes to set up ready for the water than a tinnie (depending upon how you get your tinnie to the water) but I find the lower weight on the roof, ease of setting up by one person and the ability to carry it down tracks or slopes where you'd never get a tinnie outweigh the (small) extra set up time. Like everything they have their pros & cons. I've had mine for around six years.

Most people go for a tinnie. The Bote is quieter in the water, practically unsinkable and more comfortable in rougher water- obviously within reason, like a tinnie it is designed for use in mild and sheltered waters. Porta Botes take some getting used to, they flex as you stand in them and as they are underway. Ths actually makes them a little more stable than a tinnie but feels a little weird.

Regardless of what boat you get I think you'll feel justified in taking one.

Cheers,

Mark