Oops, I mis-spoke above. I meant a roll up inflatable and not a RIB. Brain cloud passed.
We all knew what you meant... Typos and brain freezes are common in forums like this...
As far as hard or inflatable dinghy, I have to admit I'm on the fence with the choice. There seem to be powerful pro's and con's to both.
Unquestionably, the ability to roll up and stow the inflatables is a huge advantage. That way, they don't take up deck space, have to be towed, or sit on davits on the back of the boat. This single advantage seems to loom large on the side of the inflatables.
But the inflatables really only run well under motor. I've never seen one under sail, it would seem almost impossible that they could be sailed. Rowing them frankly sucks, at best, they are mediocre rowing. So the inflatables essentially require an auxiliary motor. That then means the motor, fuel, weight, storage and maintenance of that separate "system".
The inflatables won't sink, unless you perforate flotation tubes. I've always carried patch kits when I've had inflatables. They are a bit of a pain to inflate, I've always had a good foot pump to pump them up.Some of the solid dinghies won't sink either, this one's almost a wash.
Solid dinghies arguably last longer with less of a tendency to require repair as the inflatables. This is a minor difference and one I think would only be a consideration if I were living on-board full time. Solid dinghies row better, can be sailed and can use a motor. I've always preferred the multi-propulsion option, and especially the better ability to be rowed. I've always wanted to try one of the nesting solid dinghies but haven't had the chance yet. Those would take less deck space when stowed, but still require deck space.
Davits in the back are nice if you are coastal cruising or less. Davits let you use either. I've never had a warm fuzzy feeling about keeping whichever dingy you use on them if you are crossing oceans. It just seems to me to be way too much going on on the stern of the boat for blue water cruising. So this is a concern for what small percentage of us?
From my perspective, the answer depends upon the individual and what they like and dislike. Some folk prefer one over the other for numerous reasons. If I was a full time live-aboard, I would have a sold dinghy. For any other situation, the decision is personal preferences. For me, I will not tow a dinghy. So no matter which one I have, I will stow it when sailing. So for how I'm currently sailing, it be comes a question of which one is easier to get on-board and stow, then take back out to use. While for many years I've used an inflatable, I believe my next dinghy will be a solid nesting dinghy.
Just my 2 cents worth...
dj
