Some of the Caribbean’s most remarkable places can’t be reached by a large yacht. They sit deep inside winding mangrove rivers, hidden behind limestone cliffs, or tucked into sheltered beaches that only a small, capable dinghy can reach. That’s exactly where sailor Xander and his small crew took their True Kit Discovery 330 — turning a remote corner of the Dominican Republic into the highlight of their season.
This is how a lightweight inflatable catamaran transformed a quiet detour into an unforgettable exploration.
Los Haitises National Park — A Perfect Match for a Lightweight Catamaran
The adventure takes place in Los Haitises National Park, a vast and lesser-known region of the Dominican Republic. With hundreds of square miles of mangrove forest, cave systems, and calm sheltered waterways, it’s an ideal environment for a dinghy that can handle shallows, tight channels and soft landings.
The Discovery 330 is purpose-built for exactly these conditions - fast, stable and incredibly efficient with a small outboard.
Travelling Light — And Exploring Further
Xander sailed from Maine into the Caribbean with a clear priority: keep weight down and equipment simple. For long coastal passages and remote anchorages, a tender has to be:
- Lightweight and easy to handle alone
- Stable for gear, crew and pets
- Efficient with smaller engines
- Comfortable over long distances
- Capable of shallow-water access
The Discovery 330 meets all of these requirements, which is why it has become a favourite among long-range cruisers and liveaboards.
Confident Boarding for Pets and Crew
Before entering the mangroves, the crew boarded - including Phoebe the dog, who took her usual position at the bow. True Kit’s twin-hull platform offers exceptional stability, and with it’s flat, landing craft style bow, it gives pets and people the confidence to step aboard without hesitation.
That stability remains a signature Discovery trait throughout the entire journey.
Effortless Handling Through Mangrove Channels
As the group worked deeper into the forest, the water narrowed and the canopy closed overhead. The Discovery 330 stayed composed and efficient throughout.
Efficient Catamaran Hull Design
The twin-hull layout reduces drag, improves tracking and keeps the boat level at slow speeds - ideal for tight corners and photo-ready moments.
High Speed with a Small Outboard
With only an 8 hp outboard, the Discovery 330 can reach around 18 knots in open water.
For cruisers, that means less engine weight, better fuel efficiency and no compromise on performance.
Deep Inside the Mangrove Forest
As the waterways grew narrower and the limestone walls rose higher, the versatility of the Discovery 330 came into its own:
- Stable at low speeds
- Maneuverable in confined spaces
- Light enough for extended exploring
- Comfortable for every passenger — including Phoebe
In a quiet clearing, the group stopped to stretch their legs and even encountered a wild horse emerging from the forest. It’s the type of moment that only happens when your tender can take you far beyond the typical anchorage.
Soft Landings and Easy Shore Access
One of the Discovery 330’s understated strengths is its soft, forgiving landing surface. Whether on sand, mud or rocky terrain, the inflatable deck provides secure footing and a gentle transition from water to land — a noticeable advantage for families, photographers and pet owners.
Why the Discovery 330 Excels in the Tropics
This Caribbean journey demonstrates why the Discovery 330 is such a strong choice for cruisers:
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Highly efficient twin-hull design
- Impressive speed on small outboards
- Exceptional stability for passengers and pets
- Soft inflatable deck for comfort and safety
- Shallow draft ideal for mangroves, reefs and beaches
- Premium Valmex® fabric and thermo-welded seams
It’s a dinghy built for real explorers - capable, comfortable and ready for the kind of trips most tenders simply can’t manage.
Find the Right True Kit for Your Journey
The Discovery 330 is perfect for cruisers, families, long-range explorers and dog owners looking for a lightweight, high-performance dinghy.
Other models in the range include:
- Navigator — classic yacht tender
- Tactician — fishing-focused kayak-catamaran hybrid
- Stowaway — ultra-portable rowing tender
Explore More with True Kit
Some of the world’s most memorable places can only be reached by a small, capable boat. Whether you’re exploring mangrove tunnels, island chains or remote beaches, the True Kit Discovery 330 gives you the confidence to go further.
Discover the Discovery 330 and start planning your next adventure.
