just me wrote:
I've decided to sell my current dink ( Zodiak Fast Roller 310) and
replace it with a Avon 310 Lite ( I think) ... I'm going from an inland
lake to the Atlantic ... I will be storing it on the
foredeck during passages and the rest of the time will be towing it ...

I think you must indicate how big the foredeck is, and also what kind of
passages you intend. I have carried an 8 foot [sic] hard boat on the
foredeck of a 28 foot sloop for passages to Bermuda, and I don't think I
would do that again. I will now use a stowable inflatable, and put up with
the compromises.

There is a lot to be said for towing alongshore. For many coastal
passages it's a viable alternative, even though many people don't think so.
The key is how the towing rig is set up, both from a safety, and a strength
point of view.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.home.comcast.net/