When living aboard, having a dinghy is a necessary addition. The dinghy lets you anchor offshore while being able to reach a nearby dock. Exploring the proximity around your vessel is easy with your dinghy.
Nowadays most dinghies are made of fiberglass, although wooden ones are still around. Small plywood boats are easily put together with little expense. Inflatables with a hard fiberglass floor are also common. Most people use a small motor to power their dinghies. Using oars myself to paddle to and from a nearby dock. Not having to use gasoline or listen to an outboard motor is a pleasure.
Solar-powered electric motors are lightweight and very portable, can easily be hooked up to a small solar panel. Paddling to and from a dock, being in tune with winds and weather becomes more important. At first I paid no attention to how tides would affect me, but now I have an app for that.
Most dinghies in use are eight to ten feet, anything smaller would leave no room to carry needed provisions or cargo. Buyers can buy the dinghy online and have it delivered, thus saving a trip with a vehicle to pick it up. Having plenty of room is welcome for those planning to stay aboard or sail for several days or more. This length and weight is still light enough for carrying atop a vehicle. Some sailors haul their dinghies aboard their vessel when going on long voyages or rough weather approaches.
Adding pontoons on either side of the dinghy when living aboard makes dinghies more stable. Always step into the middle of the dinghy while staying low. After losing my balance and getting all wet more than once I know. Wearing gloves keeps hands protected when paddling and potential scrapes.