97. 🚤 Dinghy, Wave Runner, or Nothing? The Big Swim Platform Dilemma
If you own a yacht with a large swim platform, you’ve probably faced this exact question:
Should I add a dinghy? A wave runner? Both? Or keep it clean and open?
It sounds like a simple decision — until you start weighing space, usability, safety, storage, guests, and how you actually use your boat. Many owners go back and forth for months… sometimes years.
Let’s break down the real pros and cons of each option so you can decide what actually fits your boating lifestyle.
⚓ Option 1: Adding a Dinghy
A dinghy is often considered the “responsible” choice — and for good reason.
✅ Pros of a Dinghy
- Essential for anchoring: Shore access, provisioning, dining ashore
- Guest-friendly: Easy transport for kids, older guests, and groups
- Utility-focused: Great for groceries, fuel cans, and errands
- Safer in chop than many small personal watercraft
- Increases cruising range when moored or anchored out
❌ Cons of a Dinghy
- Takes up valuable platform space
- Adds davits, cranes, or chocks (visual clutter)
- More maintenance (engine, tubes, covers)
- Can feel like a “chore” rather than a toy
👉 Best for:
Cruisers, anchor-lovers, families, owners who regularly go ashore.
🌊 Option 2: Adding a Wave Runner (Jet Ski)
Wave runners are about fun, speed, and excitement — no question.
✅ Pros of a Wave Runner
- Instant entertainment for guests
- Great for teens and adventurous friends
- Easy water access for snorkeling or exploring nearby coves
- Adds a luxury, resort-style vibe
- Fast and thrilling — no learning curve
❌ Cons of a Wave Runner
- Limited utility compared to a dinghy
- Less practical for groceries or longer shore trips
- Can be noisy (not marina-friendly everywhere)
- Insurance and storage considerations
- Requires strong swim platform systems and lifting gear
👉 Best for:
Day boaters, social hosts, owners who dock more than anchor.
🧘 Option 3: Keeping the Platform Clear (Nothing)
This option is surprisingly popular — especially among experienced owners.
✅ Pros of an Open Platform
- Clean, uncluttered aesthetics
- Easy water access for swimming
- More lounging, sunbathing, and social space
- No extra maintenance or equipment
- Less stress, fewer decisions
❌ Cons of an Open Platform
- Limited shore access when anchored
- Guests may expect “toys”
- You may end up borrowing rides from neighbors
- Less flexibility during longer trips
👉 Best for:
Minimalists, dock-based boaters, owners who value simplicity.
🤔 The Real Question: How Do You Actually Use Your Boat?
The biggest mistake owners make is choosing based on what looks cool, not how the boat is used.
Ask yourself:
- Do I anchor often or mostly dock?
- Do I host kids, teens, or high-energy guests?
- Do I cruise destinations or stay local?
- Do I enjoy toys — or hate maintaining them?
- Do I want flexibility or simplicity?
There’s no wrong answer — only mismatched expectations.
⚖️ The Hybrid Reality (What Many Owners End Up Doing)
Many owners eventually choose:
- A small, lightweight dinghy or
- Seasonal wave runner use or
- *Nothing most of the time — adding toys only for certain trips
Others rotate gear depending on the season or destination.
The smartest setups are flexible, not permanent.
🌊 Final Thought
A big swim platform is one of the best features on a yacht — but filling it just to fill it isn’t always the answer.
Whether you choose a dinghy, a wave runner, or nothing at all, the goal is the same:
Less stress. More enjoyment. More time actually using the boat.
If your platform supports your lifestyle, you’ve made the right decision.