The
12' Porta-Bote (3.85m) model was
recently tested for stability by the crack Tokyo
Fire Department's Water Rescue Scuba Team. They tried
everything possible to swamp the craft, including having a diver
climb aboard from the bow rather than
the stern! As you can see, he was dressed in full heavy
fire department rescue gear!
Thanks to Porta-Bote's 5' (1.52m) beam
(width) and patented "flexihull", this unique folding boat passed
with flying colors! Please Note....there was no compensating weight.
All the weight was up front when the diver boarded. And, check
out the picture on the right. A fully loaded boat with plenty
of "freeboard" (space above the water line).