Tin boats are what many hard core cruisers suggest...inexpensive (used market), tough, light, easily driven....great utility...just not pretty and they aren't the most comfortable unless you add a few items. They are usually one of the last stolen too...
Oooops...just reread...I don't recommend to many hard dinks less than 12 feet...a RHIB may be the next best unless you go with something like a Livingston but I have no experience with them.