Lots of previous threads on this, but just one tip -- my Bestway ("Hydroforce") dinghy blew out its floor in the first year. By "blew" I mean it delaminated, so a huge bubble or pillow formed in the floor. I contacted Bestway a couple different ways. Zero help, zero assistance on replacement, even if I wanted to buy a new floor. And the floor isn't a commonly available size from Ali Express or other third party sources, so now I either pay for a whole new dinghy, or order a custom made floor from China which costs more than the dinghy did.
You asked about West Marine's less expensive dinghys. Given that you're buying it from a well-established domestic company that would almost certainly give you a little more protection or repair or replacement options than what I did. Bottom line, I got what I paid for. The PVC, Zodiac-brand dinghy I bought from Defender lasted seven years, and would still be in use except it was just too small. The Bestway (sold through Costco and others) lasted about eight months. I wouldn't go cheap-as-possible again.
