On Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:13:36 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

Where and what and how many of you are cruising? I've got a 10'
aluminum RIB with an 8hp two stroke, dingy wheels and decent
oarlocks. It's a workable compromise for two folks who occasionally
need to transport laundry or groceries over a bit and makes an
adequate dive boat and holds its own in the rough and tumble of the
dingy dock... I've lived with an 8' high pressure floor dingy with a
2.5 hp engine, but was cold wet and slow in open water.

We've had good experiences with both a 12 ft Avon roll up with
aluminum floor and inflatable keel, and also an 11 ft Caribe RIB. We
have used a 15 hp Merc in the past but presently have a 20 hp Honda.
They will plane off at 15+ kts with 3 people on board but struggle
with 4. They both require a hoist and a fair amount of deck space for
storage.