Updated June 23, 2024
This website has covered a lot of ground discussing and describing watercraft including canoes, kayaks, rafts, SUPs, various boards, and accessories. The specific category of inflatable canoes has not yet been addressed.
Deep, open-hulled, sit-inside, relatively narrow boats can be labeled canoes, though many times inflatable canoes are lumped in with kayaks. For the purpose of this review, models that are more or less configured like classical canoes with similar performance are considered. (Canoe versus Kayak)
There is quite a number available in the market with a variety of designs and features to suit 1 to 3 paddlers. The goal here is to introduce you to the best inflatable canoe in the range. Starting with a simple comparison table, selected canoes are described with key features, photos, and videos, followed by 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.
For more reviews of canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Electric Pumps for Inflatables Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
Best Inflatable Canoes Reviews
- Sevylor Rio 1-Person Inflatable Fishing Canoe
- Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Inflatable Canoe
- Sea Eagle TC-16 Inflatable Travel Canoe Start Up Package
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Inflatable Fishing Canoe
- Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable Canoe
- AIRE Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Canoe
- Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person Inflatable Canoe
- Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Canoe
- Aquaglide Chinook 120 XL Tandem Inflatable Canoe
- Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Canoe
Best Inflatable Canoe Comparison Table
| Picture | Inflatable Canoe | Length | # of Persons | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Sevylor Rio 1-Person Inflatable Fishing Canoe | 9'9" | 1 | $$ | 4.5 |
  | Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Inflatable Canoe | 10'3" | 2 | $$ | 4.6 |
  | Sea Eagle TC-16 Inflatable Travel Canoe Start Up Package | 16' | 2-3 | $$$$$ | 4.9 |
  | Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Inflatable Fishing Canoe | 10'9" | 2 | $$ | 4.5 |
  | Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable Canoe | 12'10" | 1 | $$$$$ | 4.8 |
  | AIRE Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Canoe | 12'6" | 2 | $$$$$ | 4.8 |
  | Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person Inflatable Canoe | 12 feet | 3 | $$ | 4.4 |
  | Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Canoe | 12 feet 6 inches | 2-3 | $$ | 4.4 |
  | Aquaglide Chinook 120 XL Tandem Inflatable Canoe | 12 feet 10 inches | 2-3 | $$$ | 4.7 |
  | Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Canoe | 10 feet | 2 | $ | 4.2 |
| Picture | Inflatable Canoe | Length | # of Persons | Price | Rating |
Sevylor Rio 1-Person Inflatable Fishing Canoe
Durably constructed it has multiple chambers so that in the unlikely event of a leak or puncture there is enough backup for you to make it safely to shore.
The adjustable seat is comfortable and there is plenty of legroom and space for storage and gear with mesh pockets, D-rings, a paddle holder, and a Berkley rod holder.
Should you opt to get a trolling motor, Sevylor trolling motor fittings are included.
When not in use, its 25.3 pounds pack away in a carry bag for easy portage.
- Length: 9 feet 9 inches
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 25.3 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Rugged 18 gauge PVC construction
- 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover
- Multiple air chambers for safety in the event of a puncture or leak
- Adjustable seats
- Paddle holders
- Berkley Quick Set Rod Holder
- Double-threaded Boston valve for easy inflation/deflation
- Trolling motor fittings
- Mesh pockets for storage
- D-rings
- Includes carry bag and pressure gauge
- Carry handles front and rear for easy portage
- 1-year warranty
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Inflatable Canoe
Made of durable PVC with a polyester cover, the multiple chambers provide redundancy for a puncture and are guaranteed not to leak.
With a capacity of 355 pounds, you’ll need to make sure the two paddlers aren’t too large but it is plenty for most couples.
The elevated adjustable seats put you in just the right position for a day of paddling on a lake or mellow river.
Conveniently included in the package are 2 paddles, a hand pump, a pressure gauge, and a carry bag for its easily managed 27 pounds.
- Length: 10 feet 3 inches
- Width: 33 inches
- Weight: 26.93 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 355 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Durable PVC construction
- Polyester cover
- Multiple air chambers for safety in the event of a puncture
- Airtight, guaranteed not to leak
- Adjustable, elevated seats
- Bungee webbing in front and rear for storage
- Stowage in the front and behind the rear seat
- Double-threaded Boston valve for easy inflation/deflation
- Includes carry bag, 2 paddles, hand pump, and pressure gauge
- Carry handles front and rear for easy portage
- 1-year limited warranty
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
Sea Eagle TC-16 Inflatable Travel Canoe Start Up Package
Capable of handling Class IV whitewater it has bow and stern molds and a removable skeg for tracking and knifing effectively through the water.
Stable enough for standing up, it has 2 adjustable, inflatable seats for comfort and durable 1100 reinforced Desitex and all drop-stitch construction for durability. 3 air chambers add to safety in the event of a puncture and there is plenty of space for baggage, legroom, and a third paddler.
This long canoe sets up in 10 minutes and at 60 pounds packs into an easy-to-manage carry bag. The only drawback to this well-crafted premium canoe is that it is a bit expensive.
- Length: 16 feet
- Width: 38 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 800 pounds
- 2-3 paddlers
- Durable 1100 reinforced Desitex with overlapping seams
- All drop-stitch construction
- Front, rear, and center carry handles
- 2 movable, adjustable, inflatable seats
- 3 air chambers for safety in the case of a puncture or leaks
- Rated for Class IV whitewater
- Inflation to 10 psi
- Bow and stern molds for tracking and cutting through the water
- Small removable skeg for tracking
- 4 open and close floor drains
- 3 one-way air valves
- Comes with paddles, a hand pump, and a carry bag
- Rating: 4.9
- Price: $$$$$
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Inflatable Fishing Canoe
It is durable with multiple air chambers for safety should a puncture occur and has plenty of storage and mounting options including Berkley rod holders, paddle holders, D-rings, and mesh pockets that free up your hands for gearing up and fishing.
It inflates in minutes and has front and rear carry handles for easy portage.
At just over 41 pounds when deflated it packs into a carry bag easily transported in your trunk or back seat.
Like the Rio, it also comes with a trolling motor mount if you want to take your fishing to the next level
- Length: 10 feet 9 inches
- Width: 39 inches
- Weight: 41.2 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Rugged 18 gauge PVC construction
- 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover
- Multiple air chambers for safety in the event of a puncture or leak
- Adjustable seats
- Paddle holders
- 2 Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders
- Double-threaded Boston valve for easy inflation/deflation
- Trolling motor fittings
- Mesh pockets for storage
- D-rings
- Includes carry bag
- Carry handles front and rear for easy portage
- 1-year warranty
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable Canoe
With durable reinforced Desitex and a quality construction design including a large removable skeg for tracking and bow and stern molds, it can achieve speeds of 6 mph.
The double concave hull is great for stability and 3 air chambers provide plenty of redundancy for a safe trip to shore in the event of a puncture.
Easily portable at less than 34 pounds, it inflates in minutes and comes with a 4-piece paddle, HP handpump & gauge, and a handy carry bag.
Like the Sea Eagle TC16 reviewed above, this one is a premium model with a pretty high price tag to go along with it.
- Length: 12 feet 10 inches
- Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 33.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 499.4 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable 1100 reinforced Desitex with quadruple overlapping seams
- High-pressure drop-stitch construction
- Adjustable seat with a tall seatback
- Adjustable footrests
- Front and rear carry handles
- Front and rear spray skirts
- Hard nose bow and stern
- 2 movable, adjustable, inflatable seats
- 3 air chambers for safety in the case of a puncture or leaks
- Inflation to 10 psi
- Bow and stern molds for tracking and cutting through the water
- Double concave bow and stern with tapered side-walls
- Large removable skeg for tracking
- 2 open and close floor drains
- 3 one-way air valves
- Comes with a 4-part paddle, a high-pressure hand pump with gauge, and a carry bag
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$$$
AIRE Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Canoe
The continuous curve rocker and flat hull are stable and fast and the manufacturer has enough faith in the 2-layer construction, 14mm inner urethane bladders, welded seams, and double zipper access that it gives a 10-year no-fault warranty.
Double-mesh drain holes keep excess water and debris off the floor and the Cheetah seats are comfortable and have storage pockets.
Additional storage is provided by 17 sets of cargo loops. Beginners will love it and experienced paddlers will appreciate the quality, durability, and performance, as well.
It comes in a variety of colors including yellow, red, blue, green, and orange, is compact, inflates quickly, and carries a pretty hefty price.
- Length: 12 feet 6 inches
- Width: 39 inches
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 475 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Durable 2-layer construction, denier PVC on the tubes and floor, 14mm inner urethane bladders, with welded seams, and double zipper access
- Continuous curve rocker design
- 3 air chambers
- Leafield B7 valves
- 2 adjustable Cheetah seats with stiff backrests and storage pockets
- 3 sets of self-bailing double-mesh drain holes
- Low-profile bow and stern grab handles
- 17 sets of cargo loops
- Includes repair kit
- Comes in yellow, red, blue, green, or orange
- 10-year no-fault manufacturer’s warranty
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$$$
Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person Inflatable Canoe
The Sevylor Big Basin Canoe is a stable and durable 3-seater best for a smooth lake or easy whitewater paddling.
The airtight system is leak-proof with a Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation and uses multiple chambers for safety in the event of a puncture.
The 3 adjustable seats are comfortable but at 12 feet the legroom and floor space are not superabundant but quite suitable for a recreational family outing.
Spray covers help keep you dry, it inflates in minutes, and at 35 pounds portage is easy in its carry bag.
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 37 inches
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 490 pounds
- 3 paddlers
- Heavy-duty PVC construction, tarpaulin bottom
- Double-threaded Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation
- Multiple air chambers
- Guaranteed not to leak
- 3 adjustable seats
- Carry handles
- Spray covers block splashing
- Carry bag, and pressure gauge included
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$
Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Canoe
Another great canoe from Sea Eagle, this one comes in at a much lower price than the two reviewed above.
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro will hold up to 3 paddlers, though 2 will find the legroom more accommodating.
It’s durable, sets up in 10 minutes, and has comfortable movable seating.
2 skegs will help in tracking and maneuverability as you shoot the Class III rapids it is rated for, and inflatable spray skirts will keep you drier.
3 chambers give you a backup if there is leakage or a puncture, and it comes with 2 paddles, a foot pump, a pressure gauge, a repair kit, and a carry bag.
- Length: 12 feet 6 inches
- Width: 33.85 inches
- Weight: 32 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
- 2-3 paddlers
- Heavy-duty 38mm PolyKrylar (K80 PVC) construction
- Open and close drain valve
- 5 one-way inflation/deflation valves
- 3 air chambers for safety if there is leakage or a puncture
- 2 inflatable, movable seats
- Inflatable spray skirts
- 2 paddles, a foot pump, pressure gauge, repair kit, and carry bag
- 2 skegs for tracking
- Suitable for Class III rapids
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$
Aquaglide Chinook 120 XL Tandem Inflatable Canoe
The Chinook Tandem 120 XL is a stable canoe with adjustable seating, great for 2 parents with a child sitting comfortably in the middle on a saddle seat for a day of recreational flatwater paddling.
The UV-resistant Duratex, 600D polyester construction, and 3 air chambers provide a durable safe platform.
There are comfortable high-back seats with footrests, a retractable skeg for tracking, and substantial storage options with fore and aft bungees, mesh storage pockets, and multiple storage straps.
It sets up in minutes but you’ll need to purchase a pump separately.
- Length: 12 feet 10 inches
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 550 pounds
- 2-3 paddlers
- Heavy-duty polyester fabric-reinforced Duratex hull material, durable high UV-resistant 600D polyester material on the shell
- Stiff, X-beam floor
- Threaded cockpit floor drains
- 3 air chambers for safety in the event of leakage or a puncture
- 2 Adjustable high-back seats each with 2 rod holders on the back
- Hook and loop foot braces
- 1 saddle seat (for your kid)
- Splash guards fore and aft
- Fore and aft bungee webbing for storage
- Paddle rests
- Backrest mesh storage pockets
- Multiple accessory straps
- Retractable, quick-release skeg
- Includes carry/storage bag
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$
Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Canoe
The lowest-priced inflatable canoe in this review, the Intex Explorer K2 is a nice starter model for one or two paddling on mild, easy lakes and streams.
The low-profile seating is comfortable and a removable skeg aids in tracking and maneuverability.
It has adjustable seating, mesh pockets for storage, and handles at each end for easy portage of its 31 pounds.
In spite of the low price, it is constructed of durable vinyl with 3 air chambers for safety in the unlikely event of a puncture or leakage.
Inflating in minutes with the provided high-output pump and high-quality Boston valves, the package also includes two aluminum paddles, a repair kit, and a storage bag.
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Rugged vinyl construction
- 3 air chambers
- Inflatable I-beam floor
- Quick inflation/deflation with Boston valves on each side
- Removable skeg
- 2 adjustable seats with backrests
- Grab-line and handles at each end
- 6 mesh pockets for storage
- Package includes a high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation, 2 aluminum paddles, a repair patch kit, and a carry bag
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $
Inflatable Canoe Buying Guide
Weight and Portability
A key advantage of an inflatable canoe is that it is relatively lightweight and when deflated can be stored in an easily portable bag. You don’t have to consider trailers or car racks, the canoe will in all likelihood fit into your car trunk or even the back seat and take up only a small space in your closet or garage.
Weight Capacity
In selecting the right canoe for your purposes how much weight it will hold is important. The manufacturer provides guidelines for the amount of weight that the canoe can tolerate and still maintain performance and safety. This includes not only the seating capacity but also whatever gear, baggage, or accessories you plan to bring. This is of particular concern for fishermen and campers. There are canoes designed for 1-3 paddlers with a tolerance for additional weight. Models reviewed here have a weight capacity range of 350 to 800 pounds.
Materials
Lower-priced models may use vinyl as the primary material. Most of the better-quality designs use PVC, polyester, or new-age materials developed from them. It is essential that it is lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and reuse. Seams need to be well sealed with welding being superior to gluing or stitching. The most advanced techniques use materials that will perform under higher pressure such that the hull is more rigid and can deliver a performance like a hard-body canoe.
Multiple Air Chambers
Even most of the cheaper models these days have multiple air chambers. This is an important safety feature. Although the materials and designs may be very durable, in the event of a puncture or leakage, there will be enough air remaining in the undamaged chambers so that you have ample opportunity to make it to shore to make repairs or abort your journey.
Fins or Skegs
Many inflatable canoes use fins, otherwise known as skegs, installed on the rear underside. This is a feature common on kayaks that assists in navigating in a straight line with less sideways slippage.
Accessories
A number of items are essential for using an inflatable canoe. Canoes oftentimes include some or all of them in the package at the time of purchase. If they are not included, you will need to obtain them.
- Pump & Pressure Gauge – There are high-pressure hand or foot pumps that operate with such efficiency that inflation time is often 10 minutes or less. Electric pumps are also available and probably worth the price for the convenience they provide.
- Paddles – These are often in the package but you will probably want a higher-performance paddle when you get more experienced. Some inflatable canoes work best with single-bladed paddles and some with double-bladed kayak paddles.
- Fishing Rod Holders are often included in models designed for fishing. If fishing is your objective you should make sure this option is available.
- Life Vests or PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) are not generally included in canoe packages but are essential for each person on board to wear for safety. Life Vests Life Vests for Women
For more reviews of canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Electric Pumps for Inflatables Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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