🚀 go-pugleaf

I was in the market for an inflatable dinghy two years ago and I
was considering an inflatable.  I know that they're very popular in Europe,
and they have a lot of advantages.  For instance, they have enormous
capacity for their size and are next to impossible to capsize under normal
conditions.  Furthermore, they tend to be about 60 to 70% of the
weight of a rigid dinghy for similar capacity.  But as far as I'm
concerned, that's where the advantages end.

Have you ever tried to row an inflatable?  I'd rather try to row
a beach ball.  And with all of that windage, you'd be stymied in
anything over 10 knots unless you have an outboard.  And they take
so #$@&**~ long to inflate and are so hard to deflate and repack
that most people just don't bother.  They partially deflate them
and put them on top of the car like any normal sailor.

The cost of inflatables isn't that terrific either.  For a
decent one like an Avon or an Achilles (or one of the Hypalon
Zodiac's), you're talking close to $600 even at the mail order
houses.  However, to be fair, I must point out that in a recent
survey in Practical Sailor most owners of the Sea Eagle were
extremely satisfied with their boats and that's a real
El Cheapo.

Finally, have you ever seen the size of the rocks on the coast
of Maine?  I swear those Downeasters sharpen the rocks and submerge
them about 2" below the surface.  Granted, fibreglass can be
punctured too, but not as easily and it's a lot easier to repair.

I finally bought an Eli dinghy.  It's light, cost me under $400,
rowns well and tows like a dream.  It stays dry even when I'm
towing it through the notorious Buzzard's Bay chop.

One last thought on inflatables.  During the past four years
three dinghies have been stolen from our marina . . . all
inflatables.