Kay B wrote:
I am going to Alaska for two months with a 27' fifth wheel and I want to
take a boat along. My wife is interested in the portabote and I am
interested in a 10'2" inflatable Achilles with a 9.8 Nissan outboard. Any
suggestion or comments about which is the better choice. What is the best
size boat and motor to bring along on this trip ?



I once owned a Portabote years ago when I had a slide in camper on my
truck. It was a 12 foot model that I used a 7 HP Suzuki motor on then
switched to a 4 hP Johnson. Both motors would scoot the boat along
right smartly. The models now have the square stern which should be
better than the one I had. You would be amazed at the stability and
safety of these boats. I highly recommend them for use such as you will
be doing. Setup is a snap and only takes a few minutes and if you get
the carrier for it you can carry it right on the side of the fifth
wheel. Only two draw backs I had was the price which is high and in
extreme cold weather, spreading the sides apart to set the boat up took
a little effort. I highly recommend these boats for traveling campers,
especially over inflatable. As for a motor I would recommend a 4-7 HP
four stroke as it doesn't take much to move these boats along. What ever
motor you decide on make sure it meets the 2006 (I think it is 2006) EPA
standards and also California standards. Reason being is many states
are following the California guide lines for pollution of water ways so
in a lot of places 2 stroke outboards are not even allowed.

Jerry