Quote:
Originally Posted by jackdale
Hard dinghies
Pros
easier to row
less expensive
do not deflate
Cons
harder to stow
can bang against hull
Inflatables (RIB)
Pros
can be easier to stow
do not bang against hull
Cons
harder to row
difficult to repair |
Nice summary.. and I agree.. have had both, liked the row-ability of a hard
dinghy, and their oyster/rock/barnacle proof nature. Didn't like the hassle of fending them off alongside overnight, though eventually found that pipe insulation along the gunwales worked well...
Have sliced an inflatable open on an oyster shell.. not fun and rather inconvenient, but carrying capacity and quiet wins out IMO, esp if you're doing a lot of ferrying ashore. Small motor is pretty much a necessity, though.
We use a small roll up inflatible with 3 hp engine when we have guests, otherwise mainly use a couple of plastic kayaks.