Updated December 9, 2022
For one or two fishermen looking for a convenient easy-to-use small watercraft, it’s hard to beat an inflatable pontoon boat. They are super stable, able to negotiate a range of water conditions, lightweight, portable, and easy to set up.
There are a number of models on the market with different capabilities and configurations to choose from. To give you a head start in your selection process, some of the top models are presented below as an introduction. There is a comparison table to start, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and finally 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:
Inflatable Boats Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes 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
Best Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boats
- Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat Inflatable Fishing Boat
- Classic Accessories Colorado Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat
- Classic Accessories Colorado XTS Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat
- Outcast Fish Cat 13 Pontoon Boat
- AQUOS PF380 FISHME Heavy Duty Pontoon Boat
- Classic Accessories Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat
- Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable Pontoon Boat
- Xproutdoor Inflatable Fishing Float Tube Pontoon Boat
Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boats Comparison Table
| Picture | Boat | Length | Weight | # of Persons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat Inflatable Fishing Boat | 12 feet 2 inches | 75 lbs | 2 | $$$ |
  | Classic Accessories Colorado Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat | 9 feet | 71.5 lbs | 1 | $ |
  | Classic Accessories Colorado XTS Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat | 9 feet | 80 lbs | 1 | $$ |
  | Outcast Fish Cat 13 Pontoon Boat | 13 feet | 170 lbs | 2 | $$$$ |
  | AQUOS PF380 FISHME Heavy Duty Pontoon Boat | 12 feet 6 inches | 129 lbs | 2 | $$$ |
  | Classic Accessories Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat | 8 feet | 43 lbs | 1 | $ |
  | Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable Pontoon Boat | 9 feet | 42 lbs | 1 | $$ |
  | Xproutdoor Inflatable Fishing Float Tube Pontoon Boat | 4 feet 9 inches | 24 lbs | 1 | $ |
| Picture | Boat | Length | Weight | # of Persons | Price |
Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat Inflatable Fishing Boat
The Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat Inflatable Fishing Boat is lightweight, compact, and easily portable with swivel seats for 2 fishermen and room for a substantial amount of gear.
It has a stable aluminum structure with quality 1000 denier reinforced pontoons, a full fabric floor, and sets up quickly.
Fishermen will benefit from 4 Scotty rod holders and useful accessories that include a foot pump, oar set, carry bag, and a repair kit.
If you choose to add a motor, it can accept an electric trolling motor or a small outboard.
Pricing is not low but it does come with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Length: 12 feet 2 inches
- Width: 4 feet 6 inches
- Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
- Number of Riders: 2
- Tube Diameter: 16.5 inches
- 4 air chambers, 10-minute inflation time
- Compatible Motor: 3 HP (gasoline), 70 pounds thrust (electric)
- 1000 denier reinforced PVC with quadruple overlap seams
- Full fabric floor with aluminum cross boards and under bars form a rigid platform
- Folding frame design sets up in 5 minutes
- 2 x 360-degree swivel seats
- Accessories: river oar set, 4 Scotty rod holders, A41 foot pump, carry bag, repair kit
- Color: dark hunter green
- 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Price: $$$
Classic Accessories Colorado Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat
The Classic Accessories Colorado Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat is the budget version of the three models in the line.
With an assembly time of around an hour, it’s stable and comfortable for a single angler and handles well in the rapids.
A highlight is a durable construction with a rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame, pontoons with sturdy PVC bottoms to combat scrapes and abrasions, and 7-foot aluminum oars.
There is a 400-pound capacity with many storage options including mesh and zippered pockets, drink holders, rod holders, and wire rear storage. Should you opt for a small motor there is also a motor mount, and the design includes an anchor system.
If you’re looking for a swivel seat and a few more features you can consider the XTS model reviewed below, but this is a high-quality well-built boat at a reasonable price that comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
- Weight: 71.5 pounds
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 4 feet 8 inches
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Number of Riders:1
- Pontoons have durable PVC bottoms and nylon tops
- Powder-coated steel tube frame
- 10 mesh pockets, 12 zippered pockets, and 2 insulated drink holders
- Wire rear storage and battery platform
- Anchor system with pulleys and fillable mesh bags
- Adjustable footrests
- Foldable padded seat
- 3 oar lock positions
- Rod holders
- Motor mount (motor not included)
- Accessories: 2 x 7-foot 2-piece aluminum oars
- Colors: sage green/black
- 2- year limited warranty
- Price: $
View More From Classic Accessories
Classic Accessories Colorado XTS Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat
The Classic Accessories Colorado XTS Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat is the premium model of the three in the line
This one is the same size as the model just above but slightly heavier at 80 pounds with variations in several features.
It has basically the same durable materials, structural components, and storage options. The major differences are the padded swivel seat, 6 instead of 3 rod-holder mounting positions, a carry bag, and a transport wheel which makes the movement of the assembled boat along the shore to and from the water much more convenient.
The pricing difference between the two models is substantial, so you’ll need to consider carefully if these augmentations are worth it.
- Weight: 80 pounds
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 4 feet 8 inches
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Number of Riders:1
- Pontoons have durable PVC bottoms and nylon tops
- Powder-coated steel tube frame
- 10 mesh pockets, 12 zippered pockets, and 2 insulated drink holders
- Wire rear storage and battery platform
- 2-position integrated anchor system with pulleys and fillable mesh bags
- Adjustable footrests
- Padded swivel seat
- 3 oar lock positions
- Rod holders mountable in 6 positions
- 2-position motor mount (motor not included)
- Accessories: 2 x 7-foot 2-piece aluminum oars, a carry bag for unassembled portage, and a stowable transport wheel for covering ground on the way to and from the water after assembly
- Colors: blue/grey
- 2- year limited warranty
- Price: $$
View More From Classic Accessories
Outcast Fish Cat 13 Pontoon Boat
The Outcast Fish Cat 13 Pontoon Boat is a heavy-duty high-capacity model that can carry up to two anglers and is capable of taking on rapids and strong currents.
It has an 11-piece durable aluminum frame with a removable front section to convert from two riders to one and sturdy well-constructed 13-foot PVC pontoons that provide stability for the movements of the anglers and water conditions.
There is plenty of space for storage and accessories and a 750-pound capacity.
The package includes an anchor system but a motor mount, pump, and 8-foot 2-piece oars need to be purchased separately.
This is a high-performance premium pontoon fishing boat and has a higher price than the other models reviewed here to match.
- Weight: 170 pounds
- Length: 13 feet
- Width: 5 feet 5 inches
- Weight Capacity: 750 pounds
- Number of Riders: 2
- Tube Diameter: 20 inches
- 1,000 Denier PVC pontoons with 32-ounce/square yard weight and durable vinyl seam construction
- Sturdy 11-piece aluminum frame
- Removable front frame section converts it to a one-person model
- 2 padded seats
- Two 8-foot 2-piece oars are optional
- Anchor system included
- 2 Summit II valves
- Motor mount and pump are not included
- Color: green
- Price: $$$$
View More From Outcast Sporting Gear
AQUOS PF380 FISHME Heavy Duty Pontoon Boat
The Aquos PF380 FISHME Heavy Duty Pontoon Boat has a large open deck design that is roomy enough for two anglers and their gear with its 970-pound capacity.
The durable PVC pontoons include two side reinforcing pontoons that provide an extra degree of stability to accommodate the movement of the anglers and a range of configurations of gear and accessories. Stainless steel guard bars are included for an extra margin of support for stand-up fishing and a framework for optional accessories like rod holders.
Suitable to mount up to a 6 HP outboard motor or a range of electric trolling motors, you’ll have to purchase oars separately.
While possible to set up in 20-30 minutes, many boaters prefer to use a trailer.
Pricing is in the high middle range of models reviewed here and it comes with the manufacturer’s attractive “only replace no repair” warranty.
- Weight: 129 pounds
- Length: 12 feet 6 inches
- Width: 6 feet 4 inches
- Weight Capacity: 970 pounds
- Number of Riders: 2
- 4 chambers with 2 outer reinforcing chambers for extra stability
- Durable marine-grade PVC pontoon construction with a rubber strike bottom for abrasion resistance on landing and bottom contact
- Rust-resistant stainless steel and composite plastic base
- Large-capacity aluminum deck (94 x 51 inches)
- 1 x 360-degree swivel folding seat
- Stainless steel guard bar
- Compatible Motor: 6 HP maximum gasoline motor, range of electric trolling motors
- Oars not included
- Color: white
- 3-year “only replace no repair” warranty
- Price: $$$
Classic Accessories Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat
The Classic Accessories Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat is small, lightweight, and sturdy, with all the basics at a budget price
Like the other Classic Accessories boats reviewed here, it has a rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame and durable pontoons with PVC bottoms and nylon tops which stand up well to scrapes and temperature extremes.
It has a basic folding molded plastic seat, adjustable footrests, substantial ergonomic storage in armrest pockets, and a rear storage platform.
Rated for Class 1 rivers, navigation can be negotiated with the provided 6-foot 2-piece aluminum oars.
A 1-year limited warranty accompanies the very low price.
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Length: 8 feet
- Width: 4 feet 7 inches
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Number of Riders:1
- Pontoons have durable PVC bottoms and nylon tops
- Powder-coated steel tube frame
- Fabric rear storage platform
- Integrated armrest zippered pockets and small mesh stuff pockets
- Mesh under-seat apron
- Adjustable footrests
- Foldable molded plastic seat
- Accessories: 2 x 6-foot 2-piece aluminum oars
- Rated for Class 1 rivers
- Colors: blueberry/silver
- 1- year limited warranty
- Price: $
View More From Classic Accessories
Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable Pontoon Boat
The Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable Pontoon Boat is durable and lightweight with a frameless design and incredible 4-minute inflation and setup time. When you are in transit it’s 42 pounds packs away into a handy carry bag.
At 9 x 4.5 feet, there is room for a fair amount of gear on the deck behind and under the seat or in the side/stern bag. Fishing is comfortable on the 360-degree padded swivel seat or standing up on the 1000 denier fabric-covered floorboard.
It is easy to maneuver with the oar set included in the package or you can opt for a small outboard or trolling motor.
The package has rod holders that double as oar mounts, a foot pump, a repair kit, and a carry bag. The pricing is moderate and there’s a generous 3-year warranty against defects.
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 4 feet 6 inches
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
- Number of Riders: 1
- Tube Diameter: 16 inches
- 2 air chambers
- 4-minute inflation and assembly time
- Frameless design
- Optional motor mount
- Compatible Motor: 3 HP (gasoline), 55 pounds thrust (electric)
- 1000 denier reinforced PVC with quadruple overlapping seams
- Inflatable 360-degree swivel seat
- Aluminum step bench/footrest
- Full fabric 1000 denier floor with floorboard for standing
- Stow pouch, side/stern bag, and stripping apron for storage
- Accessories: oar set, 2 built-in rod holders, foot pump, carry bag, repair kit
- 4 carry handles
- Colors: white with blue trim
- 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Price: $$
Xproutdoor Inflatable Fishing Float Tube Pontoon Boat
The Wistar Inflatable Fishing Float Tube Pontoon Boat is a good name for this strange watercraft. It’s a short, lightweight, budget vessel that will do the job as a fishing boat in easy conditions and puts you so close to the water that you can opt to use swim fins to help propel it.
It has a simple aluminum frame with durable 4-foot 9-inch nylon pontoons and a padded seat with leg rests. There is no standing possible. You will fish in place in your seat.
Equipped with a pair of oars and mounts for placement, there are dual-zipper compartments on each side of the seat and a mesh one on the seat back for storage.
It inflates and sets up in minutes and at 24 pounds packs away into an easily carried bag.
The pricing is the lowest of the boats reviewed here and it comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Length: 4 feet 9 inches
- Width: 4 feet
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Number of Riders: 1
- 600 denier nylon pontoons (57 x 14 inches)
- Aluminum frame
- Adjustable leg rests
- Nylon dual-zipper storage compartments
- Padded seat
- Mesh storage on the seatback
- Maneuverable with swim fins
- Oar holders
- Accessories: a pair of oars, hand pump, Aquaseal repair kit, carry bag
- Colors: green/black
- 2-year warranty
- Price: $
Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing Buying Guide
Construction Materials
The inflatable pontoon fishing boats discussed here all use inflatable pontoons and in most cases a metal frame.
- Pontoons – Most are made from heavy-duty PVC which is resistant to extremes in temperature and abrasions and punctures. Many models also use nylon for additional external protection. The air bladder can be of different plastic materials but commonly those used are thick grades of puncture-resistant vinyl or urethane. Quality bonding methods are important to maintain integrity. The best models are pretty reliable and employ heat seals, gluing, and/or advanced sewing techniques.
- Frame – There are a few designs that are frameless but most inflatable pontoon boats use a metal frame to support a deck and connect the pontoons. Steel and aluminum are the most commonly used materials. Aluminum is sturdy and light, though often more expensive. Steel is heavier and subject to rust and corrosion, so it is important for it to be powder coated for resistance. The design usually allows for simple and fast assembly and disassembly and the capability of being packed into a portable bag or container along with the deflated pontoons.
Ease of Use
A major feature of inflatable pontoon boat design is stability. This is important for anglers as they configure fishing gear, cast, and fish all while controlling the vessel in a range of water conditions.
The boats reviewed here are all relatively small 1 or 2-person vessels that are designed to be propelled with oars. Most give you the option of mounting a small outboard or electric trolling motor, as well.
While stability is a key feature, most are best used on relatively calm water. The manufacturer usually gives guidance on the type of conditions the boat can handle. The most capable can function in up to Class 2 rapids.
Size
The weight, length, width, and capacity all have major implications. It needs to be large enough to handle one or two riders and their gear. The longer, wider, heavier models will probably handle rougher conditions better. In addition, size is important to consider for transport options. Many can be conveniently packed into a bag that fits nicely in a car trunk. Other models require more space and in some circumstances, owners decide it is more convenient to transport it assembled on a trailer.
Set-up
The major benefit of inflatable pontoon boats is that they are easy to assemble, transport, and store. Of the models reviewed above, there are those that can be inflated and set up in around 5 minutes. The most complicated of them only takes a maximum of 30 minutes. Those taking the longest time have a frame and floorboards that require assembly that also adds weight and occupied space to the unassembled package. Most come with a carry bag and are lightweight enough for one or two persons to carry to a car and place in the trunk for transport.
Accessories and Other Features
When you go fishing there is a lot of gear to take along. With the economy of space on these small boats, the capability of storing and placing these items ergonomically with ease of access is important. There are features and accessories available to consider in your selection of the right model for your needs. Some to look for are rod holders that free up your hands. Zippered and mesh pockets, wire baskets, cup holders, and deck space provide spots for gear, food, beverages, coolers, spare clothing, etc. A padded seat that swivels adds to the comfort and supports the movement to access items. Some models have built-in anchor systems that can come in handy. If you are thinking of using a motor, most have a motor mount. Be sure to check how much power and what types of motors are compatible. If you’re planning to propel it with oars, most boats include a pair in the package but some don’t, so take note of it. Lastly, pontoons require a pump for inflation. Most packages include a hand or foot pump that for the most part is pretty quick and efficient. Electric pumps are also available to take the physical effort out of the process.
If you are considering using a motor or an electric pump with your pontoon boat, here are some reviews that may interest you:
Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Electric Pumps for Inflatables
Further reading: How to Care for an Inflatable Pontoon Boat Personal Pontoon Boats 101
For more reviews of canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Inflatable Boats Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes 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
Feedback and Comments
I hope you found this post on inflatable pontoon boats for fishing interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Leave a Reply