I have to agree with most of the others here and consider having one aboard a necessity.
My wife and I were at Loggerhead in Daytona the other day, and took a stroll out onto the dock (like you thought I would miss the opportunity?)
She saw a boat with a dinghy strapped to the swim platform in standard fashion, and commented on how it took up the usable space and didn't care for it.
The comment started me thinking. Since whatever we eventually decide on, may or may not be big enough to handle it, where would I put it?
I don't want it on the top, probably won't be room on the deck (don't have that kind of coin:lol
, and I don't want to tow it.
Seems the stowable inflatable would be the best option.
Get one that has the option of a small kicker, and you have the best of both worlds.
While I definitely understand codger's position on the matter, if your ditch bag is properly prepped, all of the items you need with be there, in the inflatable with you when it goes over. While certainly not the most ideal life raft, it can serve a dual purpose and there's one less thing to stow.
I just can't see rowing ashore or exploring in this:
Revere Coastal Elite Life Raft