I prefer to tow....but put it on the deck in heavy weather or I have been toying with a bracket idea on my transom ladder but I have lost interested in that idea for the moment!
While cruising I think an inflatable is good and for rougher weather should be able to be stowed in a locker.
For short hops, towing is fine but keep a good eye on it. If the painter line chafes through, forget that beach BBQ.
A rear davit is most useful. It will keep the deck clear and tend to keep the dinghy out of harm's way.
I liked your transom bracket idea and I had been thinking that way a long time ago. I can see that your set up would work in flat calm but difficult to engage in any sort of chop or swell.
If the engagement could be sorted out and the dinghy secured properly, how is it when you are sailing re windage, visibility etc??
I got the original idea from my flat bottom 2m zodiac I use to hoist it up the transom with the back stay but now I have a 2.6 rib so it has to come up backwards....yes windage and vis is a problem but it's mostly lining up the bracket bolts that seems painful for the time being. I did see another yacht with the same set up a few weeks back but didn't get a chance to check it out before it departed.
I HAVE A CONCRETE TENDER.
I'VE HOOKED 85 REMOTE CONTROL HELICOPTERS TO IT AND IT FLOATS BEHIND MY YACHT ON A ROPE.
