This is Bill, the Original Poster of this thread. We did buy the hard
dinghy, a Trinka 8. We've had it just a month and so far think it's great! The answer to my original question is. ..is motors at 4.4 knots in flat water with the 3.5hp. As noted by some, it will not plane, and probably uses only half ghe throttle of the
motor, after that it's just pushing a wake and not going any faster.
We love the
boat. We very rarely need to go more than a mile, so the speed is not a big issue. It is nice to sit inside, rather than on dinghy tubes.
It rows like a dream, great fun and you meet more people rowing.
The sailing rig is great fun. When we're anchored in one place on the big
boat I now can go sailing. Which was where this all started years ago- sailing.
It is tippier than the inflatable, but you get used to it.
Getting back in after snorkeling is not a problem, even alone. I can come back in over the stern witj no water coming in the boat.
Lots of compliments - I think some folks are jealous of the fun we're having with the Trinka...
.