The three formats
| Format | Best strength | Main compromise | Packable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional inflatable | Compact stowage, low cost | Softer hull, slower to plane | Yes |
| Aluminium RIB | Low rigid-hull weight, tough | Bulky, always full size | No |
| Fibreglass RIB | Refined ride and finish | Weight and price | No |
| Inflatable catamaran | Boarding, stability, payload per kg | Different ride and shape | Yes |
| Polyethylene hard dinghy | Near indestructible, kind to topsides | Heavy | No |
| Folding hard dinghy | Rigid hull with reduced footprint | Assembly time | Partly |
Who should look hardest at a catamaran tender
- Divers and spearfishers — the open transom is transformative.
- Anyone with a dog aboard.
- Liveaboards carrying jerry cans, water and bulky provisioning.
- Older or solo sailors, where a 14–31 kg boat beats a 60 kg RIB every single day.
Who should not
If your tender runs long distances into short, steep chop — a typical harbour commute against wind over tide — a monohull RIB will be more comfortable. Get a demo in real conditions before you decide, not a flat-water run at a boat show.