Anyone had a look at packrafts? Interesting idea, a small inflatable kayak type craft which is light and is small enough to pack into or onto a rucksack. They can weigh just a couple of kg, and can inflate without a pump. Seems they don’t have as good tracking as the heavier types, though some have a plastic skeg or inflatable keel.
I was thinking it might be useful as an onboard tender to use when anchoring off a beach, dropping the anchor in a sheltered part but where the boat is far enough from shore to not have any risk of either beaching or at low tide, the boat moving towards rocks etc. Idea would be to drop off the family go back out, anchor then paddle ashore - these things are small enough to fit inside a jockey seat!
I currently have a Sevylor K2 which we use to paddle ashore, big enough for us both to go ashore but a bit cumbersome and usually is kept on the floor front of the console. Also have to leave it on the beach while exploring elsewhere which isn’t the most secure.
Couple I quite liked the look of are below. Just wondered if anyone else had considered them and thoughts on them either way - are they good as useable items slung in a rucksack while exploring where ever you have gone on the rib for a day trip ...
