any thoughts on tying a porta bote on a C172.
These are small folding boats that fold up to about the size of a 10' surfboard
i realize that there is not likely an STC for this.
Just wondering if the extra windage would actually cause a problem.
asking for a friend.....

surferjoe wrote: ↑Sun Aug 19, 2018 8:50 pm any thoughts on tying a porta bote on a C172.
These are small folding boats that fold up to about the size of a 10' surfboard
i realize that there is not likely an STC for this.
Just wondering if the extra windage would actually cause a problem.
asking for a friend.....

Take a picture of it folded up if you can, I’m intrigued

Yes it will be fine.

I've carried these before and they are almost undetectable with respect to aircraft performance.

Almost! - Firstly, make sure you mount it with the open side (The top of the boat.) facing down. If you don't, it fills up with water when you take off. Secondly, the older aluminum ones work well; the newer, plastic ones, tend to "fold over" if they are rigged too far ahead of the strut into the air flow. I have heard of people having it fold back as soon as there was any yaw and that tends to "pull" to that side once it is bent. Either make sure it is rigged far enough back or put a piece of 2X4 inside it to give it support.

Tie that F@*ker down well! It comes loose, and things might get exciting....

Yes.... as with any external load!!

Eater

Yes it will be fine.

Perhaps aerodynamically, I don't know. I'd check the legality more carefully though... An STC will be required.

Second all the previous info. Carried them for thousands of miles on 172, cubs and used to carry one on each side on the 185. I always carried them with the bow forward with a rope to the front cleat and through the front eyes of the boat. A guy had a more flexible thin metal folding boat and was coming out of International Falls I believe and the nose folded back and it brought them down. Not going to happen with a porta a boat. Used to sell them when we were in the marine business to people all over Canada and had no complains.

This is the first I’ve heard people suggesting external load on a 172. Pretty sure it would do it, just don’t hear much about it. I suspect along the lines of no STC for it and possible insurance issues. Couple people have run large canoes on Murphy rebels etc so I’d think a 172 would be similar. I’ve been using an inflatable boat. Not the best for standing and fishing but gets us around. Fits easily in 172 as much more space than weight capacity. Weighs 60lbs. Might try a portaboat eventually but for now this was less expensive. Was cozy with 4 of us but worked for getting around in remote lakes!

I have used a porta bote a few times. If you can take a few pieces of plywood along to use on the floor. I always felt like I was going to fall through. I carried them in my Beaver also. You will be amazed at the number of bolts used to hold one together. I was finding them in pockets next day.

AR705 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 15, 2018 2:44 pm Fits easily in 172 as much more space than weight capacity. Weighs 60lbs. Might try a portaboat eventually but for now this was less expensive. Was cozy with 4 of us but worked for getting around in remote lakes!

4 people plus a boat in a 172 on floats?!

Heh. Maybe pictures of 4 people!! No was 4 ppl in the boat. In this case Two planes. The back seat is out and collects a lot of dust during float season! Some day might get a bigger plane but I think 4 ppl and boat is getting into 206/beaver territory! Taking multiple trips sounds more fun! Fly more and save $$ in the end!!