An inflatable boat has a variety of uses like for leisure or hobby, fishing, transportation, and search and rescue. When looking for one, make sure you consider different aspects so you can maximize its benefits.
Purpose
An inflatable boat is made of different materials, which is more appropriate for specific functions or depending on its passenger capacity. An inflatable raft or an inflatable sailboat can be less expensive than the versions intended for fishing or rescue since the materials are more lightweight or that it doesn’t have that many features.
Capacity
Again, depending on the purpose, an inflatable boat differs in load capacity. The most common is the 4 person inflatable boat that can also be used for a variety of purposes like as an inflatable dinghy.
Motor
Powering up your inflatable boat depends on its capacity and purpose. The bigger the boat/capacity, so as the required motor power. Make sure that the motor power matches the load capacity or you’ll end up with a slower speed.
Make
You can choose from buying a full inflatable boat or a rigid inflatable boat. The former is for normal water conditions such as calmer waters or leisure boating activities. The latter is more resilient to rougher waters, therefore, generally more durable.
Additional Features
Depending on the purpose, an inflatable boat may have additional features to boost its performance or add convenience. Cup holders, air pumps, oar holders, US Coastal ID are just some of the most common additional features.
Getting the right inflatable boat for your needs entails research. But as long as you know where you intend to use it, it is enough to guide you to get one.
Here at Top Best Reviewss, we rounded up three of the most popular inflatable boat types and the best model for each. Whether you are looking for an inflatable fishing boat, an inflatable pontoon, or dinghies, we have them all here on our list. And the best part here is they are all available to purchase online.
| Name | Key Feature | |
|---|---|---|
| Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series– Editor’s Choice | Made with strong plastic material resistant to abrasion, UV, and impact | Check Price |
| Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat | Generous with storage options – 10 mesh zippers, 12 zippered pockets, 2 insulated drink holders, wired-rear storage | Check Price |
| BRIS 9.8 ft Inflatable Boat Inflatable Dinghy Boat Yacht Tender Fishing Raft | 9.8 feet long for extra stability | Check Price |
Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series – Editor’s Choice
If you are looking for a general leisure purpose inflatable boat, this one’s a good choice. Intex is popular for its great line of inflatables known for their durability, and the Intex Mariner is no exception.
The Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series boasts of its strong molecular material technology that boosts its durability and rigidness in carrying up to 4 passengers at a time and stay afloat. The same helps it resist abrasion, UV rays, and impact, ensuring that passengers are safe while onboard.
This blow up boat is great for leisure boating trips on rivers and close to shoreline areas. It also includes two 54-inch oars made of aluminum. Oars are conveniently secured on oar locks that are welded on the sides of the inflatable boat.
Overall, this is made of a durable 3-ply material that ensures its rigidness on and off waters. It features an extruded heavy-duty flooring material that can absorb the pressure from the load weight of either passengers or cargo. The same material also allows stability while walking on it.
The boat’s keel is also inflatable, increasing its maneuverability and for easier handling and control.
The main hull chamber also features four Boston valves. This allows you to easily fill the chamber with air or deflate as needed. This inflatable boat already comes with a high-output pump for easily inflation and deflation.
You can also use this as an inflatable fishing raft. It has fishing rod holders to ease you from hours of waiting for a catch. It also comes with a gear pouch for your fishing accessories.
If you want to bring your inflatable boat to farther waters, you can equip it with an Intex motor. It already has a motor bracket, a battery pouch, and mount fittings ready.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with strong plastic material resistant to abrasion, UV, and impact | Heavy |
| With an inflatable keel | |
| Equipped with 4 Boston valves for easy deflation and inflation | |
| Maximum weight capacity of 1,100 pounds | |
| With rotatable oar locks | |
| With included 54-inch oars | |
| Comes with fishing rod holders | |
| Comes with a motor bracket with fittings and a battery pouch |
Conclusion
The Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series is one sturdy piece of an inflatable boat that can provide you years of service. It is tough; made with durable materials and is also easy to inflate/deflate. You can also add more mileage to your boating trips by making it an inflatable boat with motor; the motor should be bought separately.
Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat
This inflatable pontoon boat is aimed at providing you comfort and convenience while you engage in your boating activities, particularly fishing or leisure ones. It offers generous storage space for your gear and stuff. It also has adjustable seat and footrest positions to provide you utmost comfort.
The Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat can accommodate up to 400 pounds which includes you and your gear, catch, or whatever you want to bring on your trip.
This inflatable boat is made of durable and weather-resistant materials which can withstand heavy-duty use. The bottom is made of PVC that can defy abrasion, while the top is made of nylon that is durable to oppose the damaging effects of UV rays and even impact. The frame is made of powder-coated stainless steel tubes for strength and durability for years of use.
Bringing your complete boating/fishing gear with you, as well as organizing them, is not a problem. This inflatable boat has generous spaces for them – 10 mesh pockets, 12 pockets with zipper, plus 2 drink holders that are both insulated to keep you hydrated and refreshed throughout your trip. It also features a wire rear storage to keep your wet stuff out in the air to dry.
The Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat is also thoughtful of features that boost your comfort and convenience while at it. It has a durable padded bottom seat made of plastic, which you can also fold down. The footrests that are adjustable to a variety of lengths to accommodate different heights and comfort level.
It comes with 2 7-foot oars made of aluminum, which you can conveniently mount on the integrated oar locks that you can adjust into either of the 3 positions. Oar locks are made of bronze for extra durability and weather resistance.
This inflatable boat has combination air valves so you can easily inflate or deflate it. For safety, the seat is elevated for improved visibility, and footrests are made non-slip. It also has safety labeling according to ABYC standards. It is also best to check your state’s registration requirements as some states require a pontoon boat to be registered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generous with storage options – 10 mesh zippers, 12 zippered pockets, 2 insulated drink holders, wired-rear storage | Heavy to transport even when disassembled (because of the stainless-steel frames) |
| Adjustable seat and footrest | |
| Made of powder-coated stainless-steel tubular frame | |
| The bottom is made of PVC; the top is made of nylon | |
| With 3-position adjustable oar locks | |
| With non-corroding fishing rod holders | |
| Comes with 2 7-foot oars |
Conclusion
The Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat is perfect for solo boating trips, which you can thoroughly enjoy because you can bring a gamut of your gear and stuff with you. It looks professional and modern and clearly looks premium-made.
BRIS 9.8 ft Inflatable Boat Inflatable Dinghy Boat Yacht Tender Fishing Raft
This inflatable boat is the largest among the three, but with a good reason – it is an inflatable raft boat great for fishing. It is also one solid piece of a boat, making it a good rib boat as well. It is just the right size to have the whole family with you on leisure and fishing trips, as well as a reliable piece of transportation during emergencies.
This inflatable boat is 9.8 feet long and can seat up to 4 average-sized adults and up to a total of 1,102 pounds of load. The boat itself weighs 110 pounds, built with aluminum floorboards and a transom made with marine plyboard. It is lined with nylon fabric that is durable and is both weather and abrasion-resistant. The keel is also inflatable for better control and increased reliability.
This blow up raft has seams that are welded for extra durability. Most of its seams overlap to ensure that they don’t tear or fall apart. Welded seams are known to resist humidity, as well as a variety of water types like salt water and fresh water.
The BRIS 9.8 ft Inflatable Boat Inflatable Dinghy Boat Yacht Tender Fishing Raft can fully support different water activities by being a stable base station for you. You can paddle your way or equip with a motor. The platform provides stability for passengers and as an abrasion-proof area for your gear that resists tearing and tension as well.
This inflatable river raft comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 8 feet long for extra stability | Some users complain about the user manual |
| Made with 1,100 Denier 0.9mm PVC fabric | |
| Seams are heat-welded | |
| Sturdy and abrasion-resistant platform made of aluminum and marine plywood | |
| Can seat up to 4 adults and up to 1,102 pounds of load |
Conclusion
The BRIS 9.8 ft Inflatable Boat Inflatable Dinghy Boat Yacht Tender Fishing Raft is perfect if you need a robust inflatable boat for a lot of water activities. You just need to be patient about the whole installation and setup process.
Final Verdict
There are different inflatable boat options fit for a variety of purposes. It is hard to compare different types with each other, and this list can provide you with good options based on your needs. For the sake of comparison, we came up with our best inflatable boat based on user-friendliness – Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series.
From a reliable manufacturer with years of proven expertise in the inflatable industry, you will not go wrong with the Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series.