The military inflatable — the Inmar/Zodiac combat rubber raiding craft — is the small boat of choice for the Navy SEALs and special forces. It gets airdropped as a unit, the operators inflate it on the water, add a fully waterproof multifuel outboard, and go anywhere, in any weather.
My own Zodiac 12.5 with a 25hp two-stroke Merc has proven the concept to me first-hand. After about seven years of the most extreme swell and surf and epic adventure motor-surfing the Bay, I can say with certainty: these vessels are unbelievably capable — good for anything, anywhere, anytime.
It's the whole Shipshape idea in miniature — the right simple boat, prepared and understood, will take you further than a fancier one that isn't.
Photos coming soon. In the meantime, the links above have the best shots of this boat.
Whatever's at the top of your list, Dustin can help you understand it, find it, and buy it right.