Top rated inflatable fishing boats of 2017 | Advice & Reviews

Inflatable boats for fishing – Buying guide, Reviews, and Comparison

Finding the perfect fishing gear is quite a difficult task, especially if you don’t know what to look for. There are countless options available on the market which can be very confusing at times. If you don’t have the time to look through all the reviews prepared by our research team, this short paragraph will give you all the important details to take into consideration when buying for inflatable boats for fishing. After analyzing the reviews from our team we came to the conclusion that the HydroForce Voyager 1000 is the best available option because it comes with extra strength, a pair of aluminum oars and is large enough to accommodate two adults and one child. If the HydroForce Voyager is not available for purchase, we can suggest you choose the Intex Seahawk 4, a good alternative both in terms of performance and quality.

Our top choices

Following a thorough analysis of some of the top inflatable fishing boat reviews available, we’ve selected a few models that you might want to consider if you haven’t made up your mind about which boat to buy just yet.

HydroForce Voyager 1000

The new HydroForce 1000 raft is perfect for a quiet afternoon spent on the lake with your beloved ones. It is made out of three layers of material, including PVC, reinforced vinyl and woven nylon and stands up against stress caused by UV degradation, abrasion, pollutants and heavy rides. The product is great for a fishing trip as it can support a maximum passenger capacity of 594 pounds.

The raft is also suitable for international shipping, meaning you can get to enjoy this nicely crafted inflatable raft wherever you are. Although suitable for most lakes, we suggest you don’t take this with you for rafting trips on dangerous rapids and waterfalls. The aluminum oars are lightweight enough to provide you guidance, but you won’t be able to stick to a water course easily without training.

All in all, this is a good product which is perfect for an afternoon relaxation in nature. It is perfectly built for fishing trips and, thanks to its large capacity, it will keep you and a close friend safe while still supporting all the fishing additional gears and costumes. Moreover, this inflatable fishing boat is made of sturdy materials and comes with an affordable price tag.

Pros

It comes at a very affordable price. It is one of our most accessible options reviewed in this category.

The raft is made with superior quality fabrics and can accommodate two adults and one child, making it perfect for your afternoon trip at the lake with the family.

This item is also equipped with inflatable cushions and a storage bag to place your essentials while rolling. Purchase this HydroForce product, and you will also receive a pair of 60 inches aluminum oars, as well as a storage bag and an air pump for an easy inflating.

Cons

We don’t recommend using an electric pump with this raft, but the air one provided by the manufacturer. It takes about 10 minutes to inflate fully.

Doesn’t come with a manufacturer’s warranty which makes it quite difficult to return if you received a flawed item.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($148.12)

Intex Seahawk 4

The Intex Seahawk 4 is one of the best inflatable boats for fishing within a reasonable price range. The product is suitable to handle four adults. Thus you can bring your friends along with you down the lake to your next fishing trip. The item is made out of sturdy materials and will last abrasion and impact on the waters. It is specifically designed for recreational boating and fishing on the lake, but don’t take it with you to rafting.

It is fully customizable, meaning you can make it better, stronger and more reliable, even in shallow waters and rapids. Some of the customers were pleased to find that they can add a wooden floor for increased stability, as well as a trolling motor and PVC pipes under the floor. However, if you really want to have enough space inside for all the fishing gear and provisions, you may want to quit a buddy and only make it a three-person ride.

Purchase this item and you can make your very own inflatable fishing boat with trolling motor or enjoy the item with all the initial features. No matter your choice you can count on it for a relaxing weekend getaway with your friends or family.

Pros

Another affordable fishing raft comes in the shape of this Intex item large enough to accommodate four adults. This makes it perfect for a fishing boy trip to the lake during the weekend or just an afternoon relaxation at the pond with your family.

The super tough PVC vinyl construction will resist abrasion and impacts, making it sturdy and steady enough for rapids too.

Comes equipped with an inflation pump, two fishing rod holders, welded oar locks, oar holders, oars and rear inflatable cushions.

Cons

The floor of this raft is soft so you can’t stand up on it. Don’t count on the quick hand pump either as it will take you a long time before it is fully inflated. You should better acquire an electric pump.

Also, the seats are highly uncomfortable according to some of the customers, making this product good only for those with no back problems and with perfect balance. Some other customers claimed that paddling and steering are kind of difficult as the ores are quite short in dimensions.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($88.99)

Classic Accessories Colorado XT

The Colorado XT Inflatable makes for a good acquisition if you are an avid fisherman. The product is made out of strong and reliable materials meaning you can enjoy a good fishing trip for many weekends after the purchase. The foldable and rotative seat allows you to sit comfortably in many positions and avoid putting too much pressure on your back or legs.

But what is really great about this product is the amount of available space for storage. Basically, you can store all your essentials, fishing gear, rods, and snacks and still have enough room left for your capture of the day.

You can use the removable side pockets by combining them until creating a portable gear bag for all your fishing necessities. Moreover, the attached transport wheel makes it easy for you to reach your favorite fishing spot and carry around your inflatable boat without putting too much effort into it. Also, the two-piece 7-foot aluminum oars will make your fishing experience easier, especially if you encounter muddy waters or obstacles.

Although this item is significantly more expensive than the other ones reviewed, we are talking about a full pontoon fishing boat with plenty of qualities and features accessories.

Pros

It comes with enough storage space. The removable gear bags provide up to 20 pockets for extra storage place as well as two insulated drink holders. Keep your refreshments cold at any time and simply enjoy a quiet afternoon on the lake.

The seat mount and the footrests are fully adjustable to fit different leg lengths and provide you with the most comfortable experience while fishing.

Made from strong materials and with a powder-coated steel tube frame for maximum steadiness and reliability on the water.

Features an overall capacity of 400 pounds, enough to carry all your essentials and fishing gear.

Cons

You have to buy the trolling motor separately, and it must be registered in the state you want to conduct your fishing trips. Also, the product doesn’t ship outside the United States, and the overall shipment procedure takes a little while.

The most expensive item out of the ones we reviewed but we are talking about one of the best inflatable pontoon fishing boats within a medium price range.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

Intex Challenger Kayak

This Intex kayak is perfect for an afternoon spent at the lake with your best buddies or family members. The affordable price and the overall top quality of this product will probably determine you to order a few extra items for all your family members. The product is easy to maneuver and will handle well on most slow-moving rivers. It is also quite easy to assemble and inflate so you won’t waste too much time before enjoying its perks on the waters.

The colorful graphic design perfectly completes the rough and sturdy exterior, made from strong and durable materials in order to resist most regular obstacles during a ride. The kayak features two Boston valves for quick inflation and deflation using the manual hand pump provided on purchase.

However, although the maximum weight supported stated by the manufacturer is 220 pounds (or 100 kg), some customers claimed they received a kayak supporting only up to 160 pounds. The product description either has a flaw or doesn’t support the initially claimed weight. Nevertheless, if you weigh under 160 pounds, you should definitely purchase this kayak and enjoy a quiet afternoon down the lake for a proper workout routine. Admire the views, improve your kayaking skills and even compete with your friends!

Pros

This kayak has a very affordable price, suitable for a one-person trip down the river anytime you want.

It is made from durable welded materials and features an eye-catching graphic exterior.

The cockpit of this kayak is specifically designed to add comfort and maximize the interior space while the inflatable I-beam floors will add stability to the overall product.

Comes with an inflatable seat with backrest, again for extra comfort while rafting or rolling.

The product comes with a pair of 84-inch aluminum oars, as well as a repair patch and a manual hand pump for easy inflating.

Cons

Only suitable for one person so don’t think about a romantic trip down the lake with this kayak.

Some of the items ordered came with holes in them and, even though the spare patches did the trick, they were only meant as a temporary solution, before sending the item back and receive a refund.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($69.99)

Intex Mariner 4 Boat

Right from the beginning, the Intex Mariner 4 strikes like a very sturdy inflatable product. The maximum passenger capacity of 880 pounds or 400 kg makes it perfect for a family trip as it can accommodate up to four adult people. The product is made from a very tough laminated vinyl specifically designed to resist abrasion, impact and UV ray damage caused in time.

The boat’s flooring is also made from a heavy duty extruded plastic for maximum comfort and rigidity, meaning you can get up without losing your balance or having to lean on other passengers. The four different Boston valves allow for a quick fill and fast deflation so that you won’t lose too much time assembling or disassembling the product.

It also comes with three inflatable seat cushions for maximum support and comfort, allowing the passengers to have a nice experience on the water. The price of this item is very affordable, meaning you can find it for online purchase for little over two hundred dollars, depending on the seller. The price also includes the inflatable seats, a repair patch kit (no glue though), as well as a pair of 54-inch deluxe aluminum oars and a manual hand pump.

Pros

The product is highly resistant to damage caused by abrasion, impact or sunlight, making it a perfect choice for a quiet afternoon spent down the lake.

The boat features four Boston valves on the main hull chambers for quick inflation and deflation, making it easy to use anytime, anywhere. Practically, it won’t take you more than 10 minutes to fully inflate and around 7 minutes to deflate it after you are done using it.

The deflated item doesn’t occupy too much space, meaning you can store it almost anywhere – your garage, your basement or the trunk of your car when going camping.

The maximum capacity of this product is very large – it can room up to four adults with a maximum capacity of 400 kg or 880 pounds.

Cons

The bottom of this raft is quite weak, so you will have to be very careful when handling it on shallow waters.

Some customers claimed the product arrived with holes, especially in chamber 3, determining the product not to be suitable for long-term use.

There is no warranty available.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($257.99)

Buying guide

Finding the ideal inflatable fishing or pleasure boat is not a simple endeavor, especially when there are so many excellent options available on the internet. If you’re having trouble deciding which inflatable boat for fishing is the best option for you, this buying guide will help you make a more informed decision and select the finest option for you and your family.

Budget limitations

Depending on your budget, you can choose from a large selection of inflating boats available for purchase online. Because the majority of the things are reasonably priced, our previously mentioned product reviews may be of assistance to you. The cost of each item is a very significant attribute, and we strive to gratify our customers by delivering them products that are within a fair price range while yet containing high-quality features and materials.

When looking for the greatest inflatable boat to use for ocean fishing or river angling, it’s important to remember that the price is extremely important if you want to ensure that it’s made from high-quality materials.

A more modest price may imply fabric flaws or inferior-quality materials, as well as less comfortable accessories and less space for keeping your tools and bags as a result of the lower cost.

The aim of your purchase

There are a plethora of options available on the internet, but only one will meet your needs. As a result, before acquiring a boat, consider what you want it to do. Are you looking to purchase an inflatable item that can be used for fishing? Do you want to use your boat only for recreational purposes? Do you want to bring your friends or family with you, or do you only want to accommodate one person at a time? Is it your goal to find an inflatable fishing boat that includes a tent?

Depending on your preferences and the answers to the previously mentioned questions, you may want to consider a kayak or a pontoon boat designed specifically for fishing. These are single-person apartments that are reasonably priced, constructed of strong materials, and provide ample storage space on the interior. A pontoon boat is an excellent choice for fly fishing and other easy angling excursions. Kayak fishing, on the other hand, will undoubtedly teach you more about these vehicles, as well as about the oars and how to handle such goods in a variety of different sorts of water.

Rather than the opposite, if you are looking for a product that will provide ample space for you and a few of your closest friends or family members, you may want to consider purchasing a family-friendly inflatable boat. These are ideal for leisurely boat journeys down the lake and spending a nice afternoon on the pond, simply taking in the scenery and taking in the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside. In this scenario, you should make certain that you have a dependable inflatable fishing boat motor.

Storage capacity

Another crucial factor to consider when choosing any form of inflatable boat is the total amount of storage space that the boat has. Consider the fact that some of the boats may claim to be able to accommodate a particular number of adults, yet this would result in an overcrowded item with insufficient space for everyone else. While it comes to one-person units such as kayaks or pontoon things for fishing, packing too many items aboard the boat might make it difficult to handle properly, especially when traveling through rapids or shallow water, as previously said.

As a result, it is preferable not to use up all of the available capacity of such items. Preserve the presence of a person on the shore or pack some essentials in your car. Remember to only bring the bare necessities because you will not be spending the night aboard the boat. Don’t overpack; only bring what you’ll actually use, and always give a little extra room to stretch out your feet or your arms after using the oars.

A pontoon fishing boat, on the other hand, may come in handy for all of your future fishing excursions, especially because the model we evaluated has plenty of storage room.

Accessories provided

Last but not least, we recommend that you check over the accessories list before making a decision on which sort of inflatable boat to purchase. Almost all of them should come with a patching kit in case of an emergency, although it is advisable to just use the patch as a last resort rather than relying on it for an extended amount of time.

Regardless of the item you wish to purchase, a pair of large and strong oars should be provided as a standard. Look for ones that are constructed of aluminum, as they are exceedingly lightweight and easy to manipulate. Make certain, however, that they are large enough to be effective as well.

Unfortunately, some of the things we previously examined do not come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which means you must be extra cautious when placing your order for these items. Some of the things may arrive damaged, so be certain that you have the option to return the item and receive a full refund if you are not completely satisfied with the quality of the product you ordered.

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