Folding boat

A folding boat is usually a smaller boat, typically ranging between 6 to 12 feet (3.7 m). This style of boat must also allow for easy lifting which requires a light weight. Some folding boats are made from light weight materials such as marine plywood, aluminium or more exotic man-made materials lighter and tougher than aluminium. Folding boats fill a need for people who do not have storage space for a full-size boat or cannot transport a full-size boat.

There is much to be said of the advantages of a folding boat, they are becoming more commonplace in boating. Aluminium and inflatable non-folding boats are a little more prevalent despite some folding boats such as Porta-Bote having been sold for several decades. Sailing versions are particularly popular.

Traditional boats in the same category of folding boats include inflatable dinghies and small aluminium boats (tinnies). Inflatable boats try to solve the portability problem with an inflatable keel and side pods. This allows better storage and weight advantages. The main problems with inflatable boats are that they are still quite heavy, they can puncture while on the water and can be time consuming to inflate and deflate for usage. Folding boats require only 10 to 15 minutes to set up and put away and are much tougher than an inflatable craft, and may ultimately be smaller in storage as an inflatable boat may have hard board components for the floor. [

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Some folding boats have a transom for attaching an electric or petrol engine outboard. These are usually in the order of 2 - 4HP but can be up to 10HP. Electric motors are versatile on a folding boat and are well suited to calm water fishing due to low noise and weight.