Better than an inflatable? Duncan Kent took the Seahopper folding boat to the beach to test it as a yacht tender

Folding boats test – Seahopper

OUR VERDICT: 8/10

A classic-looking wooden dinghy that’s well-built, sturdy, stable and customisable – all for a very reasonable price. Better still, you can order her with a full sailing rig, meaning she’ll not only do sterling duty as a cruising tender, but also keep the kids (and mum or dad) happy for hours!

PROS

■    Ruggedly built
■    Customisable
■    Stiff and stable under way
■    Very good to row
■    Good value

CONS

■    8ft long when folded
■    Not the most stable when alongside a yacht/pontoon
■    Wooden boats require regular maintenance