Kartracer & MikeyG, I'm on my way down the Tennessee now in a 40' Albin. Got as far as Guntersville so far. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
As for a dinghy, I think that's been covered. I've always found I use the dinghy a lot less than I thought I would, and end up staying at marinas more than I planned. But YMMV.