It's great that this topic should come up just now because it gives me an excues to tell that I believe I've conceptualized, (and mostly designed) "The Ultimate Dinghy". However, after years of observing the needs of others and our own, my design includes the fact that just transporting us to the shore was not enough. We've always needed land transportation too and, for the most part, cruisers do as well; be it a bus, a cab, a rental or whatever; to get you to where you want to go and back with your supplies/goodies. My criteria were for a vehicle that: --could be supported by a typical "motor cruiser/trawler" or a larger sailboat. --could operate at planing speeds with 4 adults/2 adults plus luggage/supplies/groceries in up to 2-3' seas. --HOWEVER--could also leave the ocean under it's own power on a ramp/beach setting and drive at typical road speed, (up to 40mph) with said load as well. --is an adaptable design, I.e. basic models up to very plush high-powered luxury models. --the basic model can be built/sold for around $12K USD. I believe my design can do this quite well but don't have the place/contacts/environment (here in St Maarten aboard) to produce/promote it... maybe someday I'll have such a life or will be saying... "I already designed that years ago". Prob is, like the guy in "Flash of Genius" I hate to just give it away. Oh well... TO THE POINT OF THIS THREAD... Since we've "lived/worked aboard" for several years now and nearly all that time at anchor/mooring at different islands in the Caribbean waters, we've dealt with this topic and the "COMPRIMISES REQUIRED". It's made a big difference to us that we've "LIVED and WORKD" from a boat from the very beginning, as well as some cruising too. For us that's meant: going ashore pretty much every day on a schedule no matter what the weather/wind/waves/swells/etc. are doing. This has been a BIG deal for us. At various times we've had single and multiple tenders from rowing soft inflatable and 17' Boston Whaler to our present 14'AB with console and 30hp Tohatsu. I don't believe that you can achieve ALL your desired requirements in one unit. The problem is WEIGHT. Big/Heavy enough to carry your loads in 3'seas at speed will be to big to beach/drag up beach with even two adults, especially if they are not two gorillas. Keep in mind that it's not likely to be a nice calm beautiful flat beach. I.e. like those that practice MOB drills in a calm bay. Wooo Hooo, now your ready, right? We've found that: The "RIB" is the "best" option available by far, explaining it's 90%+ use. Hypalon is the only choice no matter the brand. (we've had PVC, bad deal) Large, (15"+ tubes) absolute MUST. AB/Caribe/Zodiac/Avion/Etc.--all good. Dealer support in area you're in? For us--the compartments/electric start/console are worth the weight. Hope this helps. Let me know what you think