Dry Dinghy

[gettinthere]

In the 10' size range, which dinghy offers the very dryest ride in choppy waters? I'd like to explore farther afield than the protected harbor waters to fish & snorkel
thankx

[Visarend]

Three years ago, after decades of deflated (for various reasons) inflatables, I switched to a rigid dinghy. My choice was the 10' Nuthatch, that I built quite easily (ca 60 hrs work).
I expected it to be wet in comparison to inflatables of similar size, and was amazed in discovering it to be much dryer even in choppy water or riding over motorboats waves (bow rides high).
Plus: Takes the weight of 4 persons + some load; easy to row (m.2.30 long blade oars; planes with 2 persons, 6hp yamaha 15 knots), low fuel consumption under motor, possible to add sail gear, easy to tow in calm weather, ply epoxied hull takes very well the punishment of going on shore, waterproof compartments give floatation reserve and dry storage; maintenance very easy, mainly some paint to cover scratches on the bottom.
Minus: Lesser stability, being a diver I must add rollers on the sides to go scuba diving; definitely less stowable: on passage must be kept upside down on deck (but not all the boats have a deck flush forward); for short hops must add davits; when at anchor in very calm weather easily comes to bump on the boat (fenders everywhere).
Nothing is perfect.