If you’re not familiar with the porta-botes, they are a unique folding boat design that looks like a surfboard when folded up, or like a classic row-boat design when assembled. The material is similar to a kayak hull, only with thin spots that serve as “hinges” to allow the folding action when the seats and internal frames are removed. Since there were no oars with the boat when it was stolen, if you see this on the water expect to see paddles or maybe a small motor or trolling motor.
The boat is unusual enough that it just might turn up somewhere and get noticed. And the boat is rare enough that this is about the only one I’ve ever seen in Arkansas, so if you see one, please take note of a few details (license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, etc) and relay the information back to me. I’ll relay it to the owner and the County sheriff’s office that she reported the theft to. Use some common sense of course; if you spot one on a RV with out-of-state plates, then chances are good that’s not the one we’re looking for; but if you see one in the back of a pick-up fully assembled, or on a river or lake piloted by someone who looks like they don’t know what they’re doing, then that is different.
Here’s a few photos, including one of the boat folded. Go to http://www.porta-bote.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for more photos or info.
