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The world of boating is filled with a myriad of different boats.
There are the traditional wooden or fiberglass boats which are favored by many, and there are inflatable boats that are now starting to become more popular. These boats come in different sizes, shapes and colors, and are used for a host of activities from transportation to fishing.
One reason why these boats are becoming so popular is because they are versatile and portable. They are very portable, and take almost no space when they are deflated making storage easier.
In this review, we shall look at some of the best inflatable fishing boats on the market.
Top 10 Best Inflatable Fishing Boat Reviews
1. Saturn 13 ft. Red – Best Inflatable Boat 2016 & 2020
Saturn have been making quality inflatable boats for years, and this is one of their finest offerings to date. This boat can fit up to 5 people, and comes with a 15 HP motor that helps the boat reach cruising speeds of up to 30 MPH. It has been specially designed to be as stable as possible, making it a great choice for fishing.
Our Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Pros
- Superior stability makes it great for fishing
- Comes with a 15 HP motor that provides excellent performance
- Can fit up to 5 people, making it great for fishing parties
Cons
- You may have to buy wider oarlocks if you want to row the boat rather than use the motor.
This is a great boat if you are interested in fishing or just having a bit of fun on the water. It may get a little crowded if you are go on a fishing trip with 5 people, however, the performance and stability it affords will quickly make you forget that fact.
2. Newport Vessels 8-Feet 10-Inch – best Inflatable Boat to buy
This is one of the best inflatable fishing boats you can buy. It is one of the best looking boats on the market, and is designed with triple-layered polyester reinforced and anti-corrosive coated PVC. This makes it strong and durable, and helps give it protection from corrosion and the effects of destructive elements.
Our Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Made from polyester and PVC for strength and durability
- Comes with Marine Wood Flooring and an Aluminum bench seat
- Is surprisingly maneuverable on the water
Cons
- The floor is a little complicated to set up by yourself
- It is quite heavy, weighing in at 110 lbs
- Can only fit a maximum of 3 people
The stability that you get from the wooden floor makes this an excellent choice for fishing trips. However, the weight and complication of the floor may be a cause for concern, especially when it comes to storage and transportation. Nevertheless, you will probably forget all about this when you finally get the boat on the water.
3. Sea Eagle SE9 Inflatable Motormount Boat – top rated Inflatable Boat
This is one of the most popular inflatable fishing boats on the market right now, and it is hard not to see why. It is one of the most beautiful boats you can buy, and has enough room for 5 people, making it ideal for fishing parties. It is also very light, and only weighs 38 lbs. without the floor.
Our Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Has a hard floorboard for added stability
- Made from Polykrylar, making it rip and tear resistant
- It has more than enough room
- It is very lightweight
Cons
- It is a little tricky to assemble
- Not suitable for use on rough waters
As far as fishing boats are concerned, this is one of the best you will ever own. Even though it is an inflatable boat, it feels like a traditional fiberglass boat. It is very maneuverable, and allows you to carry more gear and people than many of its competitors.
4. Intex Mariner 4, 4-Person – best Inflatable Boat Set for the money
The Intex Mariner 4 is another very popular boat, and has been praised for its durability and strength. The boat is made from strong molecular plastic that makes the boat resistant to damage from impacts, and the effects of the elements. It is quite large, and can fit up to four people. This means that you will have enough space for your friends and your gear as well.
Our Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
Pros
- Inflatable keel helps to increase stability
- Large enough to fit four people and all the gear you need
- Hard plastic floor helps to improve comfort
Cons
- The boat is very heavy, and needs more than one person to carry it
- It takes a long time to inflate and deflate this boat
As far as inflatable fishing boats go, this is one of the most amazing products you can get on the market today. It looks brilliant, and despite the fact that it is quite heavy, this is definitely a boat that you should consider purchasing.
5. Intex Seahawk 4, 4-Person – good Inflatable Boat Set to buy
Another quality product from Intex, the Seahawk 4 comes with everything that you need to have fun on the water. The high output air pump ensures that you get onto the water quicker, and the fishing rod holders on the rear of the boat are an excellent feature to have when you are on a day-long fishing trip.
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Pros
- Ideal for fishing, especially on lakes
- Can fit up to four people
- Comes with 2 air chambers to increase safety
Cons
- The seats do not have back supports
- The motor set up is sold separately
If you are looking for a cheap inflatable boat that will provide you with hours of fun, this is definitely the boat for you. It is very easy to use, stable, and is just perfect for you to take your friends and family for a fun afternoon on the lake.
6. Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat
This inflatable fishing boat is a top of the line pontoon with a host of cool features to help you have the best fishing experience. It is capable of carrying up to 400 lbs. and comes with two removable gear bags to store all your equipment.
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Plenty of storage space
- Comes with a transport wheel to make launches easier
Cons
- The seat can take a while to get used to
- Motor mount is in a weird place, making it hard to steer with one hand
This is an excellent pontoon to buy, especially if you are looking for an inflatable fishing boat that will last you for years to come. If you are passionate about fishing, this is definitely a product you should try.
7. BRIS 10.8 ft Inflatable Boat Rafting Fishing Dinghy Tender Pontoon Boat
This boat is packed full of excellent features to make your fishing trip as enjoyable as possible. It comes with an aluminum floor that helps to increase stability, and a built in oarlock for those that do not want to use a motor. It can carry up to 5 people, and comes with a deep V-keel that helps to guarantee comfort and safety.
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Large enough to carry 5 people
- Can fit a 15 HP motor
Cons
- Aluminum floor makes the boat very heavy
This is a very stable boat, making it the perfect choice for any fishing excursion.
8. Intex Excursion 5, 5-Person Inflatable Boat Set
This is a brilliant inflatable boat, especially for large fishing parties. It can carry up to 5 people, and comes with three different air chambers for increased buoyancy. It also comes with an inflatable I-Beam floor for added comfort and rigidity.
Our Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Can carry up to 1000 lbs.
- Comes with a repair kit
Cons
- Not suitable for use on rough water.
This is an excellent choice for a family or a group of friends, but it is not the best if you would like to go fishing in the ocean.
9. Bestway Trophy Runner 2 Person Inflatable Boat
This inflatable fishing boat comes with a mounted fishing rod holder to help make your fishing trip both fun and stress free. The inflatable floor and seat cushions help to provide maximum comfort, while 5 air chambers help to increase buoyancy.
Our Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Easy to store and transport
- Rod holders provide extra convenience
Cons
- You cannot mount a motor
- Can only fit two people
This is the perfect boat for those that would like to go on a relaxing fishing trip on a lake.
10. Intex Challenger 2, 2-Person Inflatable Boat Set
The Intex Challenger is one of the best 2-person inflatable boats you can purchase right now. It can hold about 250 lbs. though there have been owners that have carried up to 275 lbs. without any issues. It is made from 20-guage PVC vinyl that resists damage from the elements, making this an excellent choice for those that are looking for a boat that will serve them for years to come.
Our Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
Pros
- PVC vinyl makes this a very durable boat
- Easy to inflate and deflate
Cons
- Not much leg room for taller people
This is a great little boat to get if you are interested on taking your child on a fishing trip with you.
Types of Inflatable Fishing Boat
When inflatable fishing boats first appeared, they were used mainly for emergencies and rescue operations. However, they have since taken on a variety of different roles, spawning different types of inflatable boats.
For instance, there are inflatable rafts, kayaks, pontoon boats and float tubes, which are all good for fishing trips. Whitewater rafts and catamaran kayaks are also inflatable, but they are specially designed for rough water, and therefore are not suitable for fishing trips.
Inflatable rafts are very affordable, which makes them popular in the fishing community. This is especially true for those that would like to go fishing in groups, as many of them can hold between 4 – 6 people. Inflatable kayaks are also very popular, especially among people that like to go on solo fishing trips.
Pontoon boats are used mainly by anglers, and are excellent for fly fishing and lake fishing. They are also very good in rough water, and some can even run on Class V rapids. Float tubes are more like inner tubes than actual boats, but they are very popular among anglers as they provide a cheap, easy way for them to fish away from the shore.
Inflatable Fishing Boat Buying Guide
Before you purchase an inflatable fishing boat, there are a couple of questions that you need to ask yourself so that you are sure that you are making the right purchase. Below are just a few of these questions, and a guide that should help you figure out what type of boat is best for you.
What type of boat are you looking for?
There are two types of inflatable boats, roll-up inflatable boats like the Saturn 13 ft. boat, and rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs) like the BRIS fishing dinghy. Each category has its own pros and cons.For instance, roll-up boats are easier to store, but RIBs feel more stable and are usually larger. Additionally, most roll-ups are not suitable for use on rough waters, while RIBs can be used regardless of the weather, and can even be taken out onto the ocean.
Therefore, if you have enough storage space, and would like a robust boat that you can take anywhere with you, then RIBs are the boats you should be considering. However, if you do not have much space and are looking to just go fishing on a lake or slow moving river, then roll-up boats are the better option.
Is the boat made from PVC or Hypalon?
The material that the boat is made out from will affect the price, making this a very important consideration to make. PVC is very popular because it is very affordable and lightweight, and thanks to modern technology, is also very strong. However, Hypalon is very expensive, and heavy, though it is much stronger and more durable than PVC.
The choice between the two materials should not only take into account your budget, but also your use of the boat. If you plan on using the boat regularly then Hypalon is the best option, but if you are only going to be using it occasionally, then PVC makes more sense.
Are there any accessories?
Regardless of the boat you are buying, there are certain accessories that should be included in the price. Things like oars, seats, a repair kit, an air pump and a carry bag should all come as standard with most purchases. However, you should also look for features like multiple air chambers and inflatable keels. These help to increase buoyancy and safety, and the keel will also help improve maneuverability.
Does it have an Air Deck or Rigid Floor?
As mentioned earlier, most inflatable boats have either inflatable floors (‘air decks’) or rigid floors made from aluminum or plywood slats. If you are looking for a lightweight boat that is easy to assemble and has excellent ride comfort, then you should consider getting a boat with an air deck. However, if you are looking for a high-speed vessel that does not flex as much and uses the power of the motor more efficiently, then you need to get a boat with a rigid floor. However, you must keep in mind that the rigid floor slats have been known to trap careless fingers. Therefore, you will have to exercise extra care if you purchase one to avoid unnecessary injuries.
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