He was about to get in his inflatable to head to shore. I could be imagining it, but I think I saw him contemplating taking the OB off the stern rail to mount on the dinghy. I've seen that contemplative moment before.

He opted not to and rowed, slowly, to shore. It was then I spied the two 40+'ers nearby with large RIBs(10' I'd guess) with 9+ hp engines.

Both could have sailed into Pulpit Harbor(as we did happily in 5 or 6 knots of wind) dragless, and could have sailed all day at their best performance in light air. Then with a simply crank or button, they were on their way to shore or whatever under power in a minute!

I've too always towed. And watching the Canadian nearby, I realized how lazy I am with my dinghy.