We’ve often wrestled with the decision on dinghy size. Bigger dinks are drier and typically have a more comfortable ride. They also carry more people and gear. On the other hand, past a certain point, the weight of the larger dinghy makes it impractical to drag ashore. For the two of us anything over 300 pounds (136kg) is going to need an anchor off the beach.

The Owners of the first FPB 64 are avid divers. They want a dinghy that can take four passengers and their SCUBA gear at speed to their destination. On their previous yacht (a Sundeer 64) they were limited to an 11 foot (3.4m) inflatable. The FPB 64 aft deck offers more options.

After much deliberation they decided on the largest dinghy that would fit on the aft deck. This turns out to be a thirteen foot (3.96) AB inflatable. The beam of this tender is a staggering 6’7″ (2m). It is shown here in a preliminary location. It will eventually move back about six inches (150mm).

The major space constraint is aft, between the pushpit in the port corner, and handrail leading to the swim step

Here is the conflict point, as predicted using 3D modeling. There is just room to squeeze in this large tender.

Now the disadvantages. Big dinghies take big engines, in this case a 50HP two stroke weighing 160 pounds (72kg) which when you add dinghy (220 lbs/100kg) gas, anchor, and safety gear, is a handful to pull up the beach. With four it is possible. But with two, not a hope. The bigger engine also burns more fuel. And it obviously takes more deck space.

But if you want to quickly get to those distant dive spots, and there are four of you, these tradeoffs become a small price to pay.