Having been on a number of RYA courses in mainly RIBS and bad weather, I would definately say a wrap around or one that could raise a decent bimini for shetler from the weather would put you one step above other schools. I reckon 6-7m would be a good size, stable and big enough to move around in, but not too big as to be difficult to handle for a first timer.
However, whether you could justify the expense against the benefits financially is another story. If money was no aboject, I would get a cabin RIB or a wrap around, but ensure that the wrap around did not have massive windage and good visibillity to ensure the students could still handle it easily enough.
There is a Redbay stormforce for £29k on their website that looks ideal.
Pre-owned Boats - Redbay Boats
