Updated July 14, 2024
Dinghies come in a range of sizes for a variety of purposes in sports and recreation, diving, as a tender for larger vessels, and even for rescue, commercial, and military applications.
Contrary to what might have been the case in an earlier era, there are many full-performance, durable, high-quality inflatable models available today. They typically are easy to assemble and store and much more lightweight than dinghies made exclusively of solid materials. Most can be propelled by paddling or rowing and are also able to accommodate a motor for a little more mobility and convenience.
With thousands of inflatable dinghies on the market today, finding the one to suit your needs could require substantial time to research. To give you a leg up in that process, some of the best have been selected to introduce you to the range. Top models are reviewed below starting with a comparison table, descriptions, key features, photos, and videos, and finishing with a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
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Best Inflatable Dinghy Review
- Inflatable Sports Boats Shark 9.8′ Dinghy
- Bris BSR360 12′ Inflatable Dinghy
- Newport Vessels 9’6″ Del Mar Dinghy
- Brine Marine 8’2″ Dinghy
- Seamax Ocean500T 16.5′ Commercial Grade Dinghy
- Inmar 530-PT 17’5″ Patrol Series Dinghy
- Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker 10’1″ Fishing Dinghy
- Seamax Ocean 430T 14′ Commercial Grade Dinghy
- Hydroforce Caspian Pro 9’3″ Inflatable Dinghy
- Saturn 12′ SD365 Inflatable Sport Dinghy
Best Inflatable Dinghy Comparison Table
| Picture | Inflatable Dinghy | Length | # of Persons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Inflatable Sports Boats Shark 9.8' Dinghy | 9.8 feet | 5 | $$ |
  | Bris BSR360 12' Inflatable Dinghy | 12 feet | 5 | $$ |
  | Newport Vessels 9.5' Del Mar Dinghy | 9 feet 6 inches | 4 | $$ |
  | Brine Marine 8'2" Dinghy | 8 feet 2 inches | 3 | $ |
  | Seamax Ocean500T 16.5' Commercial Grade Dinghy | 16.5 feet | 15 | $$$$ |
  | Inmar 530-PT 17'5" Patrol Series Dinghy | 17.5 feet | 12 | $$$ |
  | Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker 10'1" Fishing Dinghy | 10 feet 1 inch | 2 | $$ |
  | Seamax Ocean 430T 14' Heavy Duty Dinghy | 14 feet | 10 | $$$ |
  | Hydroforce Caspian Pro 9'3" Inflatable Dinghy | 9 feet 3 inches | 4 | $ |
  | Saturn 12' SD365 Inflatable Sport Dinghy | 12 feet | 5 | $$ |
| Picture | Inflatable Dinghy | Length | # of Persons | Price |
Inflatable Sports Boats Shark 9.8′ Dinghy
It has a sturdy 1100 denier PVC shell with quality heat-welded seams and aluminum benches and floor.
Lightweight and portable, it is fast and easy to inflate and assemble and serves well as a tender with a maximum load of 5 passengers.
Add a 15 HP motor and it becomes a swift little speedboat.
This sleek, white beauty also comes with a generous 3-year limited warranty.
- Length: 9.8 feet
- Width: 5 feet
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 1,158 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 16 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 5 adults
- UV, oil stain, and puncture-resistant .9mm 1100 denier PVC shell
- Sturdy heat-welded seams
- 3 inflatable chambers plus the keel
- 1 front and 4 rear heavy-duty carry handles
- 2 front towing D-rings
- Reinforced transom can accommodate a maximum of 15 HP
- Includes 2 removable aluminum benches, 1 seat cushion, an aluminum floor, 2 aluminum oars with lock-in holders, a foot pump, and a storage bag
- 3-year manufacturer limited warranty
- Price: $$
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Bris BSR360 12′ Inflatable Dinghy
Also suitable for fishing and recreation, it comfortably seats 5 adults and its plywood transom can hold a 20 HP short-shaft outboard for a substantial increase in zip.
Bris offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty in support.
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 5.6 feet
- Weight: 132 pounds
- Weight Capacity:1,322 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 17.7 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 5 adults
- .9mm 1,100 denier PVC shell with polyester support, double-layered on the bottom of tubes
- Sturdy heat-welded quadruple overlap seams
- 3 inflatable chambers
- Deep V keel with rub strake protection
- 1-way drain valve
- Plywood transom can accommodate a maximum of a 20 HP short-shaft outboard
- Includes 2 aluminum benches, an aluminum floor, 2 aluminum oars with built-in oarlocks, a foot pump, a repair kit, a gas tank pad, and a carry bag
- 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year manufacturer-limited warranty
- Price: $$
Newport Vessels 9’6″ Del Mar Dinghy
It is well designed with a low center of gravity and quality construction using triple-layer PVC with welded seams and an aluminum-framed marine plywood floor.
Great for recreation or as a tender, it can carry 4 passengers, and with a 10 HP outboard motor can move along at a brisk 20mph.
Note that it comes with only 1 aluminum bench (a second can be purchased optionally), a full package of accessories, and a 2-year limited warranty.
- Length: 9 feet 6 inches
- Width: 5 feet
- Weight: 116 pounds
- Weight Capacity:1,124 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 18 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 4 adults
- Triple-layered .9mm 1100 denier UV-coated PVC
- Hot-air welded seams
- Aluminum-framed marine plywood floor
- High-pressure inflatable keel with a V-hull
- Towing and topside D-rings
- Drain plug
- Marine-plywood transom mount can accommodate a maximum of a 10 HP short-shaft motor
- Includes 1 aluminum bench, 2 aluminum oars with oar locks and oar holders, a foot pump, a repair kit, and a carry/storage bag
- 2-year manufacturer limited warranty
- Price: $
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It has a flat bottom design not built for high speeds and can accommodate 3 adults and a 5 HP motor on its marine plywood transom.
Sturdily constructed with thermo-bonded seams and 1100 decitex UV-resistant PVC, it is best suited for a role as a tender.
Brine shows its confidence by providing a no-leak guarantee and a 2-year warranty.
- Length: 8 feet 2 inches
- Width: 5 feet 1 inch
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 970 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 17 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 3 adults
- UV-resistant .9mm 1100 decitex PVC
- Thermo-bonded seams
- Roll-up slat floor design, compacts to 2’ x 2’ x 4’ into its shoulder carry bag
- Marine plywood transom mount can accommodate a maximum of a 5 HP motor
- Includes pump, 1 seat, oars, oarlocks, and repair kit
- No leak guarantee, 2-year bow to stern warranty
- Price: $
Seamax Ocean500T 16.5′ Commercial Grade Dinghy
With a capacity of 15 adults, it is fabricated with 4 layers of commercial-grade Hypalon fabric with overlapping seams, an aluminum floor, and a speedy reinforced V-shaped bottom.
A 30-40 HP motor is recommended but it will handle up to a 50 HP long-shaft outboard.
Well-outfitted with 3 towing rings and a rope, 6 heavy-duty handles, multiple D-rings, and bumpers on the bottom and around the boat, it is available in your choice of black, dark grey, or red.
You’ll probably want a trailer for this beauty as it is a bit heavy and takes a bit to inflate and set up.
- Length: 16.5 feet
- Width: 7.2 feet
- Weight: 350 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 3,260 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 22 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 15 adults
- 4 layers of commercial-grade Hypalon fabric with overlapping seams
- 5 pontoon and 1 keel chambers
- Aluminum floor
- Reinforced V bottom
- Dual heavy-duty lifelines and bumpers around the boat and bottom
- Multiple D-rings, 3 towing rings and rope, 6 heavy-duty handles
- Reinforced transom mount can accommodate a maximum of a 50 HP long-shaft motor
- Includes 2 aluminum bench seats, 2 aluminum oars, 2 heavy-duty storage bags for the hull and floorboard, foot pump, boat repair kit, and spare parts
- Choice of red, black, or dark grey
- Ask about the multi-faceted limited warranty
- Price: $$$$
Inmar 530-PT 17’5″ Patrol Series Dinghy
It uses extra durable 1.2mm Hypertex polyester with a secondary layer all along the pontoon bottoms and rub strakes to resist abrasion.
It will carry up to 12 adults seated on the 2 benches and reinforced seat patches on the tubes, and the marine plywood transom with an aluminum mounting plate can take up to a 60 HP long-shaft motor that can quickly cover the distance to your dive site or back to the liveaboard vessel.
A multitude of other features makes it safe and comfortable including tow rings, lifelines, numerous carry handles, and D-rings, along with a nice array of accessories (pump, pressure gauge, 2 paddles, repair kit, bow bag, and 2 storage bags).
Assembly and inflation are quickly accomplished for such a large dinghy, taking two people around 20 minutes or less.
- Length: 17 feet 6 inches
- Width: 6 feet 8 inches
- Weight: 325 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 2,890 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 22 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 12 adults
- Dual-coated 1.2mm Hypertex polyester, double-layered on pontoon bottoms for durability
- 5 pontoon and 1 keel chambers
- V-shaped bottom
- Non-skid aluminum floor with aluminum stringers for strength
- Black wooden bow floorboard
- Self-bailers with plug
- All-around rub strake
- Rub strakes on keel and tubes for beaching
- 8 soft neoprene carry handles and a stainless bow handle
- Transom D-rings and 15 internal D-rings
- Peripheral interior/exterior lifelines
- Reinforcing seat patches on tubes, 2 benches
- 2 stainless steel tow rings on the bow and 1 each on the rear tubes
- Black marine plywood transom can accommodate a maximum of a 60 HP long-shaft motor
- Aluminum engine-mounting plate
- Includes a foot pump, 2 aluminum shaft plastic blade paddles, pressure gauge, repair kit, bow bag, and storage bags
- Ask for details about the warranty
- Price: $$$
Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker 10’1″ Fishing Dinghy
Stealthy, and easy to inflate and assemble, anglers will love the two 360-degree swivel seats on 7-inch pedestals, numerous rod holders, and 2 Scotty mounts.
All of these added to the stable platform with a 2-part wooden deck makes for superior stand-up fishing.
It comes with two 5-foot oars but there is also a motor mount that can handle a 4 HP outboard or electric trolling motor.
Suitable for a wide range of water conditions, it packs away into a convenient carry bag.
- Length: 10 feet 1 inch
- Width: 5 feet
- Weight: 78 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 1,200 pounds
- Maximum Passengers: 2 adults
- 1000 denier PVC with quadruple overlap seams
- 3 chambers
- 2-part wooden floor
- 2 x 360-degree swivel seats
- 4 built-in rod holders, 2 Scotty mounts, and rod holders
- 2 x 40-inch fish rulers
- Raised oarlock and 2 x 5-foot oars
- Motor mount can accommodate a 4 HP gasoline motor or an electric motor with up to 74 pounds of thrust
- Includes foot pump, carry bag, and repair kit
- Price: $$
Seamax Ocean 430T 14′ Heavy Duty Dinghy
This one has a capacity of 1,982 pounds which means it can accommodate only 9 rather than 15 passengers.
It has the same heavy-duty materials and structure but is suitable for a smaller maximum of a 35 HP short-shaft motor, with the recommended size of 20-30 HP which would be much more economical fuel-wise than the 50 HP motor for the 16.5’ Ocean500T.
It is also a little smaller and easier to manage for setup and portage such that you may consider transporting it in its carry bags rather than using a trailer.
- Length: 14 feet
- Width: 6.4 feet
- Weight: 230 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 1,982 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 19.7 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 10 adults
- 4 layers of commercial-grade Hypalon fabric with overlapping seams
- 5 pontoon and 1 keel chambers
- Non-skid sectional aluminum floor
- Reinforced V bottom
- Dual heavy-duty lifelines and bumpers around the boat and bottom
- Multiple D-rings, 3 towing rings and rope, 6 heavy-duty handles
- Reinforced transom mount can accommodate a maximum of a 35 HP short-shaft motor
- Includes 2 aluminum bench seats, 2 aluminum oars, 2 heavy-duty storage bags for the hull and floorboard, foot pump, boat repair kit, and spare parts
- Choice of red or dark grey
- Ask about the multi-faceted limited warranty
- Price: $$$
Hydroforce Caspian Pro 9’3″ Inflatable Dinghy
The Hydroforce Caspian Pro 9’3” Inflatable Dinghy is a durable little fishing, recreation, and support dinghy.
With heavy-duty PVC construction and a 4-chamber design with an inflatable keel, it inflates and assembles in about 20 minutes.
If rowing doesn’t suit you its marine-grade plywood transom and metal motor mount can accommodate a short-shaft 10 HP outboard motor to speed you to your destination.
It also comes with a steel tow ring, a 33-foot tow rope, oars, omni-directional oarlocks, an integrated drain valve, a repair kit, and a hand pump.
- Length: 9 foot 3 inch
- Width: 5 feet
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Weight Capacity:1,058 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 18 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 3 adults and 1 child
- Heavy-duty Tritech PVC
- 4 chambers with an inflatable keel
- Rigid floorboards
- Steel tow ring, 33-foot tow-rope
- Omni-directional oarlocks
- Safety grab ropes and carrying handles
- Integrated drain valve
- Marine-grade plywood transom with a metal motor mount can accommodate a maximum of a 10 HP short-shaft motor
- Includes oars, 1 seat, repair kit, 33-foot tow rope, and a hand pump
- Price: $
Saturn 12′ SD365 Inflatable Sport Dinghy
The Saturn SD385 Inflatable Sport Dinghy is a heavy-duty sport model great for recreation and fishing.
It has 1100 denier Korean PVC with polyester support, double-layered on the bottom of tubes, with a rubber strake keel protector for abrasion and scrape resistance.
It comfortably seats 4-5 adults and comes with an array of features highlighted by a high-pressure air floor, inflatable V-keel, and quick setup.
The transom will accommodate a 30 HP motor which can transport 2 passengers up to 25mph.
It also comes with oars, removable aluminum seats, a hand pump, a repair kit, a spare anchor rope, carry bag, and a 2-year warranty.
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 5 feet 8 inches
- Weight: 110 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 1,433 pounds
- Tube Diameter: 18 inches
- Maximum Passengers: 5 adults
- 1,100 denier Korean PVC shell with polyester support, double-layered on tube bottoms
- 5 air chambers
- Safety valve to prevent overinflation
- Rubber strake protector along the keel
- High-pressure air floor
- Inflatable V-keel
- Safety grab ropes
- Stainless steel D-rings for towing
- One-way drain valve and plug
- Removable aluminum seat benches
- 24mm marine grade plywood transom can accommodate a 30HP outboard motor
- Includes 2 aluminum oars, repair kit, carry bag, hand pump, spare anchor rope
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Price: $$
Best Inflatable Dinghy Buying Guide
Key Benefits of an Inflatable Dinghy
- Versatility – Inflatable dinghies have been designed and configured to perform a great variety of sporting activities, come in a fairly broad range of sizes, and can perform in a range of fresh and saltwater conditions. Accessories are available to augment the experience including seating, motors, canopies, fishing rod holders, and storage components.
- Stability – The wide flat design of inflatable dinghies is especially stable compared to other designs. It provides a great platform for fishing and performs well at high speeds when motorized, and in rapids and surf.
- Durability – With today’s high-quality materials, construction designs, and techniques used for seam sealing, inflatable dinghies are durable enough to withstand a broad range of hazards to keep you safe and have a long productive life.
- Portability and Storage – Inflatable dinghies regardless of the size are lightweight compared to solid-body models. Prior to inflation, they can be contained in bags that are convenient to store and take up an amount of space such that a car trunk is usually all that is needed for transport. Most models take only 10-30 minutes to inflate and assemble. For some of the larger models, some owners will find it more convenient to transport on a trailer and an electric pump can also be a nice accessory to ease the burden of inflation.
- Price – Aside from all the above benefits, a major reason to go with an inflatable dinghy is the price. Materials are less expensive than on solid-body boats making them an attractive choice for beginners and the economically conscious buyer.
Materials
The most common material for inflatable tubes and pontoons on a dinghy is PVC. There are different thicknesses and it can be supported with other materials like nylon and polyester. It is sometimes doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled in the more vulnerable areas. Heat and/or specialized glues are used for a durable seal to prevent leakage. For rigid components like the framework, benches, transoms, and flooring, aluminum, and marine-grade plywood are commonly employed.
Boat Size
The high-quality dinghies reviewed here range from just over 8 feet to 17.5 feet with maximum capacities of 2 riders up to 15. There are smaller and larger models available but this is pretty representative of the range available for general consumer usage. You will need to consider what you want to use it for and how much boat you need for the task. All the sizes could benefit from the addition of a motor but the largest models really require one to be fully functional.
Features and Accessories
Some items in this category are necessities. Aluminum oars or paddles, a storage/carry bag, and an easy-to-use pump are such items. For the larger models, an electric pump is a big help. Padded seating, rod holders, and storage containers or compartments are often part of the original package or can be added as an upgrade. Canopies, anchors, coolers, and dry bags are all items available that can enhance comfort and convenience.
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