I fish often with a couple of friends with Hobi Cat pontoons. I have to work like H... to keep up with them going up or down stream. They have less wetted surface than my ODC 816 (score 1 for them). They have a hard smooth hull (score 2 for them). My nylon cover gains weight when wet, The hard hulled Hobi"s don't (score 3 for them) Being an old racing sailor I know how these 3 items can effect performance!
Is there anything or any way a fabric outer cover on an infaltable can be treated to reduce these draw backs?
I really doubt it but have to ask. I have found that proper inflation helps a lot.
On the plus side I believe my 'toon is more stable and can carry more gear.