Inflatable boats are so convenient. Just blow them up, have some boating fun, let the air out, and go home. You don’t need a marina. There are no trailers and no storage fees. A place in the closet or a corner is all the space needed for most models.
You may be thinking of some of the not-so-durable toys that are out there. That is far from all that is available today. While there is a range in pricing, sturdy, full performance, safe boats are available for recreational cruising, fishing, river rafting, and even scuba diving.
Below 10 great models of various configurations and pricing are reviewed to help you choose what is most suitable for your boating desires. There are descriptions, features, photos, and videos for each model. Afterward is a simple comparison table and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom.
Best Inflatable Boats of 2020
- Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat
- Intex Excursion 5 Person Inflatable Boat
- Intex Mariner 4 Person Inflatable Boat
- Intex Seahawk 4 Person Inflatable Boat
- Sports Boats Killer Whale Dinghy
- Bris Inflatable Rescue and Dive Boat
- Newport Vessels Dana Inflatable Sport Tender Dinghy
- Airhead Angler Bay Inflatable Boat
- Hydroforce Caspian Pro Inflatable Boat
- Saturn SD365 Inflatable Sport Motor Boat Dinghy
Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat
The durable Colorado XT has inflatable pontoons and is set-up to accommodate a single fisherman. It’s easy to assemble in an hour or so, stable on the water, and handles well in the rapids. With storage pockets, removable gear bags, and drink and rod holders, it is well organized to take care of your needs ergonomically in the limited area. The built-in wheels make moving it around on land fairly easy and there is a 2-position motor mount if you decide you want to add one.
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- Removable gear bags, 20 storage pockets, 2 insulated drink holders
- Anchor system
- Rod holder
- Powder-coated steel tube frame
- Built-in wheels for easy transport
- 3 oar lock positions
- Adjustable footrests
- Motor mount (motor not included)
- 400-pound weight capacity
- Comes in sage/grey or pumpkin
- 9 feet long, 71.5 pounds
- 2 year limited warranty
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Intex Excursion 5 Person Inflatable Boat
This is a recreational boat for fishing or just cruising around. It provides a stable platform with space for 5 but with that many onboard there won’t be room for a lot of gear. Compact, light, and easy to assemble and inflate, it a great platform for a relaxing day on the lake.
- 5 person capacity
- 3 air chambers plus an auxiliary in the hull for added buoyancy
- Durable vinyl construction
- 2 welded oar locks on each side
- Motor mount fittings, 2 x 54-inch aluminum oars
- All-around grab line
- Easy and fast inflation/deflation with Boston valves
- Includes hand pump
- 144 x 66 inches, 53 pounds
Intex Mariner 4 Person Inflatable Boat
This model is made of extra durable laminated vinyl to resist bumps, scrapes, and UV rays. Nominally made for 4, it will be most comfortable with 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids. The inflatable keel adds to maneuverability and 3 inflatable cushions add to the comfort. There are pouches for gear stowage and for a battery if you decide to add a motor. The Mariner is a superior inflatable suitable for basic recreation or a serious day of fishing.
- Weight capacity of 880 pounds
- 4 person capacity
- Fabricated from tough laminated vinyl
- 3 inflatable seat cushions
- Inflatable keel
- Boston valves for easy inflation and deflation
- Rotating oar locks and oar handles
- Grab handles on each end
- Rock guard and all-around grab line
- Motor mount fitting
- Gear and battery pouches
- Includes oars
- 57 x 19 x 129 inches, 77.6 pounds
Intex Seahawk 4 Person Inflatable Boat
This low-priced lightweight inflatable has a very high weight capacity which accommodates up to 4 passengers. With a heavy-duty durable PVC shell, inflatable cushions, and 3 air chambers it passes U.S. Coast Guard safety approval and is a comfortable boat for cruising around the lake, fishing, or even moving through easy to moderate rapids. A handy high-output pump is included along with motor mount fittings for a maximum of a 1.5HP motor.
- Weight capacity of 1,050 pounds
- 4 person capacity
- Made from heavy, puncture-resistant PVC
- 3 air chambers and inflatable floor
- 2 inflatable seat cushions
- Gear pouch
- Two pairs of welded oar locks
- Motor mount fittings included
- Grab handle on the bow and all-around grab line
- High-output pump is included
- 138 x 57 x 19 inches, 5 pounds
- Low priced
Sports Boats Killer Whale Dinghy
Created by nautical engineers, the hydrodynamic design glides through the water like few other inflatables. Heat-welded seams, a reinforced shell, and aluminum floor and seats make it durable and light. You can get around with the oars but this boat deserves to be treated like a real sports boat with the addition of up to a 15HP motor.
- Weight capacity of 1,268 pounds
- 5 person capacity
- Designed by nautical engineers
- 1100 denier reinforced PVC shell
- Heat-welded seams
- 3 inflatable chambers plus the keel
- Aluminum floor and seats
- Includes removable seat cushions and storage bag
- 2 aluminum oars with lock-in holders
- Foot pump
- Can accommodate 15HP motor
- 3 year limited warranty
- Overall length 10.8 feet, 80 pounds
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Bris Inflatable Rescue and Dive Boat
This is the largest in the line of inflatables by Bris that is extremely durable, stable, and can support a lot of weight suitable for fishing or even scuba diving. With 2.4mm of 2000 denier on the bottom of the tubes and a denier covered aluminum floor, this model is can handle 9 passengers and an outboard motor up to 40HP.
- Weight capacity of 2,094 pounds
- 9 person capacity
- 2000 1.2mm PVC fabric, double-layered on the bottom of the tubes
- Heat-welded seams
- Aluminum floor with PVC fabric
- Includes removable seat cushions and storage bag
- 2 aluminum oars with lock-in holders
- Foot pump, carry bag, repair kit
- Marine plywood transom
- Tow rings at the aft
- Can accommodate 40HP motor
- 3-year warranty
- Overall length 15.4 feet, 216 pounds
Newport Vessels Dana Inflatable Sport Tender Dinghy
The Dana is the smallest in a line of 5 inflatables by Newport Vessels. With a superior design, low center of gravity, and durable materials like triple-layer PVC, and marine plywood with aluminum framing, this little model is quite steady, can carry 3 people, and with a 10HP motor will reach speeds of 20 mph. It’s excellent as a tender or for fishing.
- Weight capacity of 1,060 pounds
- 3 person capacity
- 3 layers of .9mm/1100D UV Coated PVC, glued using advanced German engineered adhesives
- Marine wood floor with aluminum framing
- 1 aluminum bench seat
- Grab rope, 3 D-rings, self-bailing drain plug
- Air keel for easy planing
- Pump, carry bag, repair kit, 2 aluminum oars
- Marine plywood transom mount
- Can accommodate a 10HP motor
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Overall length 8 feet 10 inches, 116 pounds
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Airhead Angler Bay Inflatable Boat
This simple, lightweight dinghy is made of durable materials and is a stable platform suitable for up to 6 persons. It has an inflatable floor and an adjustable movable seat, a number of drink and rod holders, and wrap-around grab lines. It’s a relatively low-priced option for a basic inflatable that will perform well for fishing in calm waters or mild currents.
- Weight capacity of 1,200 pounds
- 6 person capacity
- Heavy-duty 32 gauge PVC, electronically welded seams
- 3 air chambers
- Movable inflatable seat
- 4 drain plugs
- Wrap-around grab lines
- Battery storage bag, ditty bag
- Several molded drink holders, 2 rod holders
- Location for a motor mount
- Overall length 11.6 feet, 28 pounds
Hydroforce Caspian Pro Inflatable Boat
The Caspian Pro is a very durable, easy-to-assemble inflatable with a 4 chamber design, heavy PVC, and a range of components. The air hammer pump enables 20-minute inflation and high-pressure inflatable keel aids in maneuverability. Carrying handles, a steel tow ring and included 33-foot tow-rope also help move it around easily. It’s a well-designed stable platform for a day on the water.
- Weight capacity of 1,058 pounds
- 3-4 person capacity
- 4 chamber design
- Heavy grade Tritech PVC
- Metal motor mount on a marine-grade plywood transom
- Rigid floorboards
- Inflatable keel
- Steel tow ring, 33-foot tow-rope
- Omni-directional oarlocks
- Safety grab ropes and carrying handles
- Integrated drain valve
- Includes oars, seats, repair kit, and air hammer pump
- One year warranty
- Overall length of 9.2 feet
Saturn SD365 Inflatable Sport Motor Boat Dinghy
The Saturn SD385 is a heavy-duty inflatable great as a dinghy, fishing boat or for recreational cruising. 1100 denier PVC is doubled on tube bottoms with a rubber strake protector along the keel for durability. With this ruggedness and loads of features and accessories listed below, it is still lightweight enough for one person to carry.
- 5 person capacity
- Separate internal air chamber design
- Safety valve to prevent overinflation
- 1100 denier Korean PVC
- Double-layer fabric on tube bottoms
- Rubber strake protector along the keel
- Marine-grade sectional plywood floor
- 24mm marine grade plywood transom
- Inflatable V-keel
- Safety grab ropes
- Stainless steel D-rings for towing
- One-way drain valve and plug
- Removable aluminum seat benches
- Includes aluminum oars, repair kit, carry bag, hand-operated inflation pump, spare anchor rope
- Suitable for a 30HP outboard motor
- Comes in red or light grey
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Overall length 12 feet, 120 pounds
Best Inflatable Boats Comparison Table
| Picture | Inflatable Boat | Length | # of Persons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture | Inflatable Boat | Length | # of Persons | Price |
  | Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat | 9 feet | 1 | $$$ |
  | Intex Excursion 5 Person Inflatable Boat | 12 feet | 5 | $ |
  | Intex Mariner 4 Person Inflatable Boat | 10.75 feet | 4 | $$ |
  | Intex Seahawk 4 Person Inflatable Boat | 11.5 feet | 4 | $ |
  | Sports Boats Killer Whale Dinghy | 10.8 feet | 5 | $$$$ |
  | Bris Inflatable Rescue and Dive Boat | 15.4 feet | 9 | $$$$ |
  | Newport Vessels Dana Inflatable Sport Tender Dinghy | 8 feet 10 inches | 3 | $$$ |
  | Airhead Angler Bay Inflatable Boat | 11.66 feet | 6 | $$ |
  | Hydroforce Caspian Pro Inflatable Boat | 9.2 feet | 4 | $$$ |
  | Saturn SD365 Inflatable Sport Motor Boat Dinghy | 12 feet | 5 | $$$$ |
Best Inflatable Boats Buying Guide
Types of Inflatable Boats – What sort of inflatable boat most suits your needs? You can start by thinking of the number of people involved and the planned activities. There are small canoe-like boats for 1 or 2 with little storage space for gear and accessories and even smaller kayak models designed for one with even less gear space. Or you can consider larger rafts made for 2 up to 10 people with lots of room for party materials, and gear for fishing or even scuba diving. Some models are ultra-stable and can accommodate relatively large outboard motors. The range of sizes, styles, and possible activities is large.
How often do you plan to use it? – This is a consideration when deciding how much it is worth spending. If you plan to use it often then you will want to make sure it is durable and has all the features you need for fun and safety. In that case, spending a little more for the features and the long-term quality may well be worth it. For very infrequent use and no major commitment to certain boating activities, say fishing or river rafting, then purchasing a lower budget model may make sense for you.
Materials – The usual material for the inflatable portion is PVC. It is generally strong enough for aquatic use and relatively cheap. There are different thicknesses to consider and in some cases, designers double and triple it for more vulnerable areas. For rigid parts in the boat and accessories, aluminum is an important material to look for. Oars, bench slats, flooring, and framework often include lightweight durable aluminum. Marine plywood is also in use for floorboards, benches, and transoms and often it is framed in aluminum.
Decking Design and Materials – The floor of the boat can be noninflatable and that’s where you may find aluminum or marine plywood, but it can also be a solid fabric. These usually glide through the water more efficiently than inflatable bottoms, often have a self-bailing system, and may provide a more stable surface to stand on. Inflatable bottoms are more comfortable to sit (or lay) on.
Setting Up – Convenience is the key. You want a boat that can be put together and ready to go in relatively few minutes without additional tools. If a pump is included it should be efficient and relatively effort-free to use.
Features and Accessories – A good functioning pump and aluminum oars fit into this category. Padded seating, cup holders, rod holders, and storage containers or compartments are all often included. Depending on what your goal for use is you can add to or improve the basic set-up with a few simple purchases.
Comfort and Legroom – You want to be able to relax and feel comfortable on an inflatable just like on any comparably sized boat with a hardened structure. Tolerating scrunched up legs for long periods makes for a less than pleasurable experience. Beware of capacity descriptions that seem to pack a lot of people into a small space and consider that you will need to be able to stretch out a bit. Seat backs and cushions can also make a world of difference.
Safety and Stability – Generally speaking inflatable boats are designed to be stable and safe especially if you select models with high-grade materials and designs like those described here and those produced by major manufacturers. Aside from selecting an appropriate model, you can make sure that it is inflated to the correct and full PSI. Underinflation will lead to instability. You can assure the proper pressure by using a pump with a pressure gauge included. In addition, you don’t want to overload the boat. There will be guidelines provided as to maximum capacity person-wise and weight-wise. Make sure body weights added to loaded gear and accessories are below the recommended maximum weight. 20% less is a reasonable amount to plan to keep the load safe.
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