Boat Types
Dinghies
Dinghies and tenders in Florida: hard vs. inflatable, getting ashore from anchorages, registration and lighting basics, upkeep and what to inspect.
A dinghy is a small boat used as a tender to get between a larger boat and shore, or for short trips on its own. In Florida, dinghies are essential for cruisers who anchor out in places like the Keys, Biscayne Bay and Gulf coast harbors. This page explains the main types, how they fit Florida waters and what to look for before buying.
At a glance
- Typical length: roughly 7 to 14 feet
- Built for: ferrying people and supplies between a boat and shore
- Typical crew: 1 to 4 people, per the capacity plate
- Common propulsion: oars, small outboard or electric outboard
What it's built for
The dinghy's job is simple: get you, your crew, groceries and gear from an anchored or moored boat to a dock or beach and back. There are three main styles. Hard dinghies are made from fiberglass, aluminum or plastic. Soft inflatables have fabric floors or air floors. Rigid-bottom inflatables combine a hard hull with inflatable tubes.
Most dinghies use a small gasoline or electric outboard, though many can be rowed. Larger boats carry the dinghy on davits, a swim platform or the foredeck, while smaller boats tow it behind. For more on inflatable designs, see our inflatables page.
Where it fits in Florida
Florida's anchorages are where dinghies earn their keep. Cruisers anchored in the Keys, at Dinner Key or No Name Harbor in the Miami area, around Fort Myers Beach, or along the Intracoastal Waterway use dinghies daily for shore trips. Owners of sailboats and trawlers traveling the coast rely on them.
Some Florida cities and marinas offer dinghy docks, while others restrict landing. Anchoring rules also vary by location and have changed over time, so check local regulations and the Florida boating regulations page before you plan to anchor and go ashore.
Dinghies have real limits. Small boats are vulnerable to chop, wakes and strong tidal currents, especially in passes and inlets. Night trips need proper lights, and everyone aboard needs an accessible life jacket. Overloading is a common cause of small-boat accidents. Review required safety equipment before your first trip.
Pros and trade-offs
| Pros | Trade-offs |
|---|---|
| Lets you anchor out and still get ashore | Exposed to wind, spray and wakes |
| Light, portable and easy to store | Limited capacity and range |
| Inflatables are very stable for boarding | Inflatable fabric degrades in strong sun |
| Electric outboards are quiet and simple | Hard dinghies can be tippy and heavy to lift |
| Also useful for exploring shallow areas | Dinghy theft is a concern in some areas |
Ownership costs to plan for
Dinghies are among the least expensive boats to own, but they have their own cost drivers. Outboard type matters: small gas engines need fuel system care and regular servicing, while electric outboards need battery charging and eventual battery replacement.
Inflatables need sun covers (chaps) or storage out of the sun to extend fabric life, plus patch kits and occasional seam repairs. Add a lock and cable, davits or chocks for carrying the dinghy, lights and registration if the dinghy is motorized. Insurance is often handled through the main boat's policy; ask your insurer. See boat ownership cost.
What to check before buying
Before you buy
- Inflate the tubes fully and leave them overnight to check for slow leaks
- Look for sticky, chalky or cracked fabric and lifting seams
- Inspect the transom for cracks and secure attachment
- Check the floor, keel and hull bottom for damage or repairs
- Confirm the capacity plate and maximum horsepower rating
- Run the outboard and check that it idles, shifts and pumps cooling water
- Make sure the dinghy fits your davits, deck or storage space
- Confirm any required registration and a hull identification number where applicable
For general inspection tips, see buying a used boat.
Financing
Most dinghies are bought outright, but if a dinghy and outboard are part of a larger boat purchase, include them when you estimate payments with the Boat Loan Calculator. Our Boat Financing page explains how boat loans generally work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register a dinghy in Florida?
In Florida, motorized vessels generally must be registered, and that can include a dinghy with an outboard. Rules and exemptions vary, so confirm current requirements with FWC or your county tax collector.
Should I choose an inflatable or a hard dinghy?
Inflatables are stable, light and easy to store, but their fabric degrades in Florida sun. Hard dinghies last longer and row better, but they are heavier and less stable for boarding. Many cruisers choose rigid-bottom inflatables as a compromise.
Do dinghies need lights at night?
Yes. Small vessels operating between sunset and sunrise must show navigation lights appropriate to their size and propulsion, which for many small dinghies means at least an all-round white light. Check the navigation rules for your situation.
