[cmburch]

Post in NorCal Section may have better response.
I have used my inflatable in Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur. I have an Achilles with a 15hp. The size needed depends on your usage. Too big a boat and it will be hard to lift. For example, if just for you and your wife/girl a 12 footer may be all you can get to the water. A 12 footer may be able to carry 3 men with gear, but it will be slow. The size of the motor is dependent on the transom of the boat. The smaller inflatables are rated for 10-25hp. I have marine grade plywood floor boards in mine. Some use aluminum floor boards. The entire boat folds into a bag about 4' x 3' x 2'. The motor is on a Costco handtruck inside a 5 gallon paint bucket. I would also check CraigsList and I would stick with Achilles or Avon due to the tube material. I have been out in bad seas where the boat completely filled with water faster than can be bailed. Gas tank and gear floating and made it back to shore under power. We just clip our gear to the inside boat D-rings in case the boat flips in surf. I had that happen once at Carmel River SB. Getting back into the boat I clip my BC to the outside grab line so it does not float away. I have tied off to kelp, but the wind picks up in the afternoon and it may tear off. So I also carry 100' line and an anchor I got from Walmart. It may be 8lbs or so. We also use it for Abalone diving Sonoma/Mendocino. We also use it for rafting American River.

Yes, those transom mount wheels are commonly used and easy to install or make. As for getting in the water easily, depends on your location. Monterey Breakwater, MacAbee Beach OK. Lovers Point, Carmel River SB near the mouth or other Carmel and Big Sur locations as well as many Sonoma and Mendocino locations it may be better to have 2-4 men. I am assuming of course that a trailer will not be used.

I have a <75lb 15hp 2-stroke. My Achilles is not rated for 25hp. I think if I put in a one piece floorboard and attach it to the transom it will make for a more stable boat. I went lightweight on everything due to the option of rough and somewhat steep entry points along the rugged Northern California coast. Also, my wife is relatively tall and strong for her size, but is pretty skinny. Launching from the Monterey Harbor, Breakwater, Stillwater Cove, Point Lobos there is no problem. Santa Cruz Harbor is also nice. Elkhorn Slough/Moss Landing is nice for bird watching. I have also used it in the San Francisco Bay - Alviso for bird watching - Mare Island for Halibut in San Pablo Bay.