Hi there,
When Vagabond was commissioned I couldn't find a dinghy that would fit into one of the lockers - air floor ones were too expensive so the one I chose had wooden slats for the floor. These were too long to fit in either cockpit locker. When deflated, Doris (the dinghy) slumps on the fore deck between the Samson post and the cabin, secured to 4 D rings fitted there for that purpose. I find it easier to inflate and deflate her on the fore deck too, rather than manhandle her down the length of the boat.
The dinghy seems to have survived this treatment remarkable well over the four seasons I've had her - more than can be said of the carry bag provided. This was little used, it being extremely difficult to persuade a deflated Doris to fit inside it, so is only used between seasons. None the less, the handles tore off at the end of the first season and the rest of it is showing signs of falling apart.
I can't remember the model of dinghy but, judging by the pictures on the Force 4 web site, I think it was a Windward 230SL.