I'm curious if you ever had problems towing your Nutshell? I ask because I've been lucky with prams and several thousand miles of towing mostly along the coast. I don't think I'd trust any tender with a pointed bow for towing long distances.

The only problems I've ever had towing my 9'6" Nutshell or earlier 8' pram, was the few times it would overtake the boat in following seas. In those cases, I've simply added line to the painter. The slack line acting as a drogue and adjusting for length, they've always come through fine. Prams ride like a cork never zig-zagging or swamping in my experience.

At any rate, like you, the dinghy that is big enough for more needs and family will never fit on deck.

I think if I was to do more long crossings offshore, I'd go the inflatable route. But for the east coast of the US, even 2 Bahama trips, we're happy with a rowing dinghy. I'm addicted to oars I guess.