We'll see how it goes in Mexico. I don't think this dinghy will do as well in a chop or difficult beach landings as a hard bottom. On the plus side, when we're out in a gale, it is stowed in the aft lazarette. I'm no purist on this. If it doesn't work for a new purpose, we'll get something else. So far so good. We expect to be in a full suit of foul weather gear if we have much of a chop... or just get wet. We have a 4 stroke 5 horse, so speed isn't in the equation. It won't plane with a boatload of people. The bow up attitude helps with spray until we get to the beach landing.