I, too, could really use some form of tender but suffer from lack of locker space for a “proper “ inflatable.
At Seafair Milford Haven this year the skipper of a Welsford Houdini (which has even less space) solved the problem by using an inflatable rubber ring about a metre in diameter. Progress was made by kneeling on the floor and paddling with what looked like two table tennis bats. Getting in and out required more agility (and faith in the absence of powerboat wash) than I currently possess and you had to put up with wet knees - but it worked!
I considered putting my drysuit on over my elegant shore-going clobber and swimming ashore (Well, it was good enough for James Bond! ) but didn’t have the guts to try it as I still haven’t solved the other problem of getting back aboard after a swim.
Anchoring off has a great appeal in the upper reaches of an estuary but wading through knee deep mud when the tide’s out does not, so I prefer a nice floating pontoon every time when I want to go to the pub.
On the subject of anchoring off, Graham, I’ve tried the “hypotenuse” method you describe as a quick fix for getting the boat out into deeper water . I only use it on deserted beaches (which can still be found by small boat sailors in the Ionian) as you need to walk your shore line about 20 feet sideways to get the boat 5 feet from the shore. Not always possible.
My preference is to use an anchor “angel” – a couple of dive weights and a large snap hook on the end of a bit of string.
Four or five boat lengths from shore I chuck the anchor over the stern and let the rode run through my hand as I approach. When close enough I make off the anchor rode and motor against it to dig the anchor in. Two shore lines at about 45 degrees are set running, I then clip the angel to the anchor rode and let it down about 4 feet or until it’s just off the bottom. As it slides down the anchor rode it pulls the boat away from the quay. Obviously, the deeper the angel goes the further it can pull you out. Secure the shore lines and you’re done! Phew!
To go ashore, pull yourself towards the quay with a shore line, stretching the anchor rode straight, and step off the boat. Drop the shore line and watch the angel gently sink, pulling the boat away from the hard stuff and laying the anchor rode flat on the seabed, away from other people’s props. An offshore wind is catered for by the two shore lines and although an onshore or side-on wind might stretch the anchor line out, lifting the angel, you won’t touch the quayside. Between gusts, the angel will pull you back into position. Using a heavy anchor chain, like the cruising yachts, has much the same effect but the angel puts the weight where it does most good and won't saw lumps off the gunnels.
