I had 13' 3" Boston Whaler with 40 hp Johnson for many years... early 1960's to early 70's. Ahhha those were GOOD Days! But, of course, So Are These Days Simply Great... Yeah Baby!!!
In my BW during good weather seasons I cruised all over New England inland and coastal waters from NY to Maine's Penobscot Bay... sometimes cruising alongside or being towed by dad and moms 38’ cruiser; as I got older; many times taking multi week jaunts alone in my BW with full dodger, travel packs, and survival equipment aboard. I even played around South Shore LI waters during the winter - man that was DAMN cold boating sometimes. Ah hell - WTF - I was young and unstoppable!
In later years I began using inflatable dinks (11" Quick Silver on front cabin deck in avatar, 8 hp Nissan was clamped to railing on rear deck - sold both years ago). Inflatable are OK, but, I’d rather a BW.
Currently we do a comfortable four seat tow behind Crestliner Stinger with 50 hp Johnson. Can’t beat the ease and capabilities for fast/safe gunk holing, traveling all around new locals, visiting other boats, and hitting restaurants/mariners in 50 mile radius of where our Tolly remains anchored.
Every time of life, cruiser type/size, and different areas/climates necessitate need for “flexibility” in the type tender any boater uses!
Happy Boating Daze! – Art