[PUP] What you look for in a dingy?

[scottebulger@comcast.net]

I'm wondering if I need to replace my dingy with a hard bottom type.  My existing dingy is an inflatable floor model with a 5hp 4 stroke motor.  It will plane with just me in the boat, but not my wife and I.  Many people advises get the biggest dingy you can, and make sure it will plane with your expected load.  We plan to leave this August for a 2 year cruise down the West coast, through the Panama canal, up the East coast of the US, back down, and into the Caribbean.  We expect to anchor out 50% of the time.  We don't have dogs, so we don't need to make multiple trips to the shore each day.  The few times we've used the dingy to date it's been adequate, but nothing to write home about.  I'm concerned about durability of an all inflatable dingy, when coming ashore in isolated places.  

I'm considering purchasing a Walker Bay Super Tender at the Seattle boat show.  It seems you get the benefits of an inflatable and the ruggedness of a RIB.  It's rated for 7 hp, so I'm still a bit concerned about planing.  I do want a 2 stroke, because of the improved performance and less weight.  I don't mind mixing the gas and oil.  I'd like to keep the boat and motor below 200lbs just to make loading and unloading easier

I'd appreciate hearing what priorities people place on different features, and if my concerns about an all fabric dingy are justified.  Thanks! 

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA