Anybody used a Porta-Bote?

I happen to be looking for a small, lightweight dinghie. I've been looking at inflatables, basic aluminum boats, etc., and came across the website for Porta-Botes, which have me intrigued. They claim that the darned things can be used as dive boats (for one or two people) - see http://www.porta-bote.com/scuba2.htm but I'm skeptical.

I'm considering it for purposes OTHER than diving, but if I could occasionally use it for diving, that would be icing on the cake.

Have any of you ever used (or even seen?!) one of these "botes"? Sure looks like a portable, lightweight unit, and based on Google searches, people who own them seem to really like them!

To Bruce Yates, aka Moray Eel: A Porta-Bote is great for a multitude of uses. I have a 12 foot 5 inch Genesis III Model with a 58" beam in Salem, Oregon, that has been used only 3 times that I no longer have need for. It folds up to about 4-6" thick and is like new. If you or anyone you know are interested in buying it, I can save you or them some money. The NADA guide shows the Average Retail to be $1,250 but I would be willing to part with it for $900. Please contact me at seejayrun@msn.com.

Swan 8/21/05

A Porta-Bote is great for a multitude of uses.  I have a 12 foot 5 inch Genesis III Model with a 58" beam in Salem, Oregon, that has been used only 3 times...

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Swan,

Thanks, but you're too late; I already ordered a 14ft PB. However, based on feedback from an owner who has attempted to use his PB for diving, it appears NOT to be very well suited for that particular task.

BTW, I'm sure you can find a buyer for your PB on the PB Yahoo group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PortaBote/