I think a great compromise for an M17 or and M15 is an inflatable Kayak... My wife and I have 2 singles from Advanced Elements and they work very well. On the way to the first mooring we leave them in the bag. They take no time to fill up and they are a real quality product with mil spec. valves, actually track well (the Advanced Frame models) and are relatively fast. If I had to do it over again I would get the tandem as it can also be paddled as a single. Break down just for moving to another spot can be done in a few minutes. I have not found a way to tow them (I tried once, however it was squirrelly when we were sailing at hull speed) Other companies make really quality inflatable's in Canoes and Kayaks and a host of different price ranges. For us the inflatable kayak's are a perfect choice as we also like to paddle and explore when we get to anchor. Best, Michael Ray, Wendy, and Olivia Molly M. M17 #383 San Francisco Bay