Inflatables have come a long way in the last few years. They used to be these big, clunky things that were slow and difficult to maneuver until technology allowed for these best inflatable boat for fishing.
But now, there are some really great inflatable fishing boats on the market are perfect for any angler.
So, if you’re looking for a new way to get out on the water and reel in those big ones, then an inflatable might be just what you need. Check out our list of the best inflatable boats for fishing and see for yourself.
What is an Inflatable Boat?
An inflatable boat, or raft, is a versatile watercraft that can be used for various applications.
Made from highly durable materials such as PVC or rubber, inflatable boats are capable of withstanding the forces of nature. They can stay afloat even if they suffer accidental damage.
Additionally, these boats can be quickly and easily set up to be effortlessly packed up and transported. Typically equipped with oarlocks and foot pedal pumps, inflatable boats are also easy to maneuver while out on the water.
Whether you need a compact vessel for fishing trips or leisurely paddles around the lake, an inflatable boat is an excellent choice that offers functional flexibility and convenience.
The 8 Best Inflatable Boat for Fishing
Best Overall:Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff™16 Inflatable Frameless Fishing Boat
I was so impressed with the Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff inflatable boat. Its roomy, spacious interior and durable construction perfectly suited for fishing trips on the water.
The boat can easily accommodate up to two people or a payload of up to 1765 lbs, making it a great choice for small groups or families. In addition, it inflates in just 17 minutes with the included BTP Two-Stage Electric Turbo Pump, which makes set-up quick and easy.
And thanks to features like multiple chambers and quadruple overlapping seams, the boat remains sturdy and stable even in choppy waters.
I would recommend the Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff inflatable boat to anyone looking for an efficient, reliable watercraft.
Read: Who makes the best rigid inflatable boats?
Pros
- Spacious interior with plenty of room to move around
- Easy set-up with the included electric pump
- Sturdy and stable even in choppy waters
- Perfect for fishing enthusiasts or small groups
Cons
- More expensive than some other options on the market
Most Capable: Inflatable Sport Boats – Swordfish 10.8′ – Model SB-330A
The Inflatable – Swordfish 10.8′ – Model SB-330A is a great choice for anyone in the market for an inflatable boat.
This model features a contoured design for rear buoyancy and faster planing at takeoff and extended rear pontoons, and a transom area that allows for more maximum weight and larger motors with balanced stability.
Additionally, the seams are HEAT WELDED and guaranteed to last in freshwater, saltwater, and extreme humidity, eliminating the need for problematic glue or nose cones.
Finally, the thick PVC is designed to hold 8 PSI and gets rock hard, providing a stable boat floor that protects against the sun’s heat, and faded material and compares favorably to heavy-duty material used by other brands.
Overall, the Inflatable – Swordfish 10.8′ – Model SB-330A is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a high-quality inflatable boat.
Read: Boat covers by model
Pros
- Contoured design for rear buoyancy and faster planning at takeoff
- Extended rear pontoons and transom area allow for more maximum weight and larger motors with balanced stability
- Seams are HEAT WELDED and guaranteed to last in freshwater, saltwater, and extreme humidity
- Thick PVC is designed to hold 8 PSI and gets rock hard, providing a stable boat floor
Cons
- Tough to assemble for one person
Best Value: Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series
Imagine fishing around on your very own inflatable boat, gliding through calm waters as the wind blows gently against your face.
This dream is easily within reach with the Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series. Boasting a welded-on rotational oarlock for hassle-free rowing, a motor mount fitting for easy attachment to any outboard motor, and oar holders for added convenience, this top-of-the-line boat set is truly built for ultimate performance and usability.
Plus, with a maximum weight capacity of 880 pounds, it can easily accommodate large groups or families. Whether you’re looking for an exciting fishing expedition or simply some much-needed relaxation, this incredible boat set has got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Hop on board and see what the Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series has in store! You won’t regret it.
Read: Oru kayak review
Pros
- Welded-on rotational oarlock for hassle-free rowing
- Motor mount fitting for easy attachment to any outboard motor
- Oar holders for added convenience
- Maximum weight capacity of 880 pounds, making it ideal for large groups or families
Cons
- Poor seam quality
Best for RoughWaters: Newport Vessels 20M1000017 8-Feet 10-Inch Dana Inflatable
I am really impressed with the Newport Vessels 20M1000017 inflatable. This inflatable is so well designed, with its air keel technology for improved stability and steering and its inflatable tail tubes for quick take-offs.
And what I love most about this inflatable is that it’s made from high-quality materials, such as the crisp white PVC fabric with UV treatment and the sturdy aluminium-framed plywood floor.
All in all, this is a fantastic inflatable kayak that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an easy-to-use, durable watercraft.
Plus, it’s super fun to paddle around in. So go ahead and check out this awesome boat today. You won’t be disappointed.
Pros
- Air keel technology for improved stability and steering
- Inflatable tail tubes for quick takeoffs
- High-quality materials, such as the crisp white PVC fabric with UV treatment and sturdy aluminum-framed plywood floor
- Easy to use and highly durable, making it a great choice for water enthusiasts of all skill levels
Cons
- Somewhat difficult to inflate and deflate
Most Portable: Sea Eagle New SE9 Inflatable Motor mount
Looking for a motorized inflatable for fishing that can accommodate 4 adults? Look no further than the Sea Eagle New SE9 Inflatable Motor mount.
This bad boy is made from 38 mil Polykrylar, so it’s super durable and features high-frequency welds for added strength. The inflation and assembly time is a quick 15 minutes, so you’ll be out on the water in no time.
And when it comes to powering this inflatable, you’ve got options: you can use a gas engine up to 3 hp or an electric motor up to 74 lb. thrust.
So whether you’re looking to fish or race across the open water, the Sea Eagle New SE9 Inflatable Motor mount has you covered.
Pros
- Made from 38 mil Polykrylar for superior durability
- High-frequency welds for added strength
- Quick inflation and assembly time of only 15 minutes
- Can be used with gas engines up to 3 hp or electric motors up to 74 lb. thrust
Cons
- Some quality control issues have been reported
Best for CalmWaters: Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat Series
If you’re looking for an inflatable boat that can handle fishing, relaxing, and rowing, the Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat Series is great.
It’s made with heavy-duty, puncture-resistant PVC for comfort and durability and has an inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity. The boat contains three air chambers and can accommodate up to three people.
The Seahawk 3 boat set has two 48-inch aluminum oars and an Intex high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation. It also has two quick-fill, fast-deflate Boston valves.
Overall, the Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat Series is a great choice for those who want a versatile and durable inflatable boat.
Pros
- Made with heavy-duty, puncture-resistant PVC for comfort and durability
- Inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity
- Contains three air chambers to accommodate up to three adults
- Includes two 48 inchaluminum oars and an Intex high-output pump
- Two quick-fill, fast-deflate Boston valves for easy inflation and deflation
Cons
- Some users have found the oars to be too short
Best for Fishing: Sea Eagle Green 375fc Inflatable FoldCat Fishing Boat
The Sea Eagle Green 375fc Inflatable FoldCat Fishing Boat is a top-of-the-line inflatable fishing boat that is perfect for those who want to enjoy a day out on the water without dealing with the hassle of a traditional boat.
The boat’s exterior measures 12′ 4″ x 4′ 6″, weighing just 75 lbs. The material used to construct the boat is 1000 Denier Reinforced, and it features quadruple overlap seams for added durability.
The boat’s capacity is two adults or 650 lbs, and it can be inflated in just 10 minutes. The boat also has a 3 hp gas engine (15″ shaft) or a 70 lbs thrust electric motor (45 lbs max weight).
Overall, the Sea Eagle Green 375fc Inflatable FoldCat Fishing Boat is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a day of fishing.
Pros
- Made from 1000 Denier Reinforced for superior durability
- Quadruple overlap seams for added strength
- Can accommodate two adults or 650 lbs
- Inflates in just 10 minutes
- 3 hp gas engine (15″ shaft) or 70 lbs thrust electric motor (45 lbs max weight)
Cons
- Some users have found the boat to be too small for their needs
Most Lightweight: AZXRHWYGS 10 ft Dinghy Boats, 4-5 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Looking for a lightweight fishing boat, easy to transport and environmentally friendly? Look no further than the AZXRHWYGS 10 ft Dinghy Boat.
This inflatable boat is made of PVC clamping net material, which is stronger and lighter than marine plywood and much easier to clean.
It also comes with detachable inflatable PVC bottom plates, 2 paddles (aluminum + plastic material), 2 inflatable cushions, a hand pump with 5 nozzles for easy inflation, a sturdy carry bag, and a motor bracket for adding a motor.
Plus, it has all-around durable crush barriers to protect the hull. So whether you’re looking for a boat for fishing, camping, or just cruising around, the AZXRHWYGS 10 ft Dinghy Boat is a great option.
Pros
- Made of heavy-duty PVC clamping net material
- Detachable inflatable PVC bottom plates for easy cleaning and transportation
- Comes with 2 paddles (aluminum + plastic materials), 2 inflatable cushions, a hand pump with 5 nozzles, a sturdy carry bag, and a motor bracket
- Has all-around durable crush barriers to protect the hull
Cons
- Not suitable for whitewater
How to Choose an Inflatable Boat for Fishing
When choosing an inflatable boat for fishing, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Materials and Durability: The material used to construct the boat should be strong and puncture-resistant to withstand the wear and tear of being on the water. The seams should also be well-constructed to prevent leaks.
- Size and Capacity: The size of the boat will determine how many people can comfortably fit inside it and how much weight it can accommodate. Some boats are designed to be used by just one person, while others can accommodate four people.
- Inflation and Deflation: The boat should be easy to inflate and deflate to set it up for use within minutes. It should also be easy to store and transport to take it with you wherever you go.
- Price: Inflatable boats range in price, depending on their size and quality. Consider your budget when choosing a boat, and select a reasonably priced one without compromising on quality.
If you’re looking for an inflatable boat for fishing, the above factors will help you find one right for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions on Inflatable Boats
What is the Best Inflatable Boat for Fishing?
There are a variety of inflatable boats on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and budget. Consider materials and durability, size and capacity, inflation and deflation, and price.
How Much Does an Inflatable Boat for Fishing Cost?
An inflatable boat for fishing typically costs around $200. However, the price may vary depending on the size and features of the boat. For example, a larger boat with more features may cost more. In addition, the cost will depend on where you purchase the boat. You may be able to find a good inflatable fishing boat for less if you buy online or from a discount store.
What are the Benefits of Using an Inflatable Boat for Fishing?
Inflatable boats offer many benefits for fishing, including portability, storage, and durability. These boats are lightweight and easy to transport, so you can take them on fishing trips or store them when you’re not using them. In addition, they’re constructed from strong, puncture-resistant materials that can withstand the wear and tear of being on the water.
Fishing from an inflatable boat is a great way to spend a day on the water. If you’re looking for a fishing vessel that is both portable and affordable, an inflatable boat is a great option.
Inflatable boats are perfect for small lakes and ponds, and they can be easily transported in the back of your vehicle.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to fish, consider investing in an inflatable boat. Have you ever tried fishing from an inflatable boat? What was your experience like?
