Chris Walton Fishing has to be dealt with the right kind of equipment; different fishing tasks ask for different sets of gears. The product in focus here is — an inflatable fishing boat, a reliable boat that adapts to different water bodies with support and comfort like an expensive million-dollar boat.
The onboard support and storage to keep anglers going are some of the significant traits of the product. Before sharing the list of the best inflatable fishing boats, we discuss a few considerations to pay heed to before buying.
Buying Guide to Fishing Boat
Inflatable fishing boats are the easiest to transport which makes them ideal for camping and other such adventures. While there are innumerable types of fishing boats in the market, there is nothing as convenient as an inflatable fishing boat. Following is a quick overview of criteria that will help you in buying a fishing boat:
Material
The material used in crafting the boat is important to consider. The modern inflatable boats are made using either PVC or Hypalon materials. Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is common in most boats, as it tends to be lighter and more affordable than other materials. On the other hand, Hypalon is basically a synthetic rubber that lasts for a long time and provides protection against UV rays.
With regards to flooring, PVC-reinforced floors or wooden floors enhance the support and comfort on board. The modern inflatable fishing boats are impossible to sink and are also incredibly stable. These are the reliable ones capable of lasting for decades.
Endurance
Resilience in outdoor locations becomes another pivotal factor to consider. Inflatable boats that have meager chances of resisting any sort of change in size or form are definitely not worth the money. Consider boats that stand the test of time against elements such as temperature, oil stains, punctures, and debris, to name a few.
Best Inflatable Fishing Boats
Deciding which inflatable boat to settle for is the most complex job before you venture out for an expedition. Here are some of the best inflatable fishing boats that will help you with your activity:
1. Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set
Intex has been thriving in the fishing accessory industry, courtesy of the quality of products they have been manufacturing for decades. Intex’s Mariner is a National Marine and U.S. Coast Guard I.D certified boat that comes with layers of protection against sunlight, abrasion, and impact.
This four-seater boat has extruded plastic flooring that is reliable to stand on. The boat has plenty of space to accommodate fish and a large tackle box. The addition of four Boston valves on the hulling chamber assists in quick inflating and deflating. The boat runs on a manual hand pump, which is effortless in steering in the harshest conditions for both newbies and professionals.
The supreme quality of PVC adds strength and durability to the overall construction of the boat. The major downside of this boat is the weight limit of 880 pounds, which may not be ideal for large folks.
2. Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Tender Dinghy Boat
Featuring second on the best fishing boat list is the Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Boat. The boat is equipped with three layers of top-quality Korean PVC, while the seams are hot air welded. The floor is marine-grade wood coupled with an aluminum frame, which is durable and instills confidence even when anglers are standing.
As far as the accessories of the boat are concerned, it features d-rings for towing, a sturdy aluminum bench seat, a foot pump, two reliable aluminum oars, and a repair kit. This USCG-approved fishing boat has space to accommodate a maximum of up to three persons in one trip.
The boat is easily the best portable dinghy boat that can be tagged inside the trunk as an ideal camping companion. Furthermore, the boat comes with a 2-year warranty backed by the manufacturer.
3. Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat
Classic Accessories is another popular name in the fishing boat category, thanks to the exquisite design and the comfortable accommodation. Built using premium quality materials, this boat features heavy-duty and wide pontoons with a PVC base for resistance against abrasion.
The steel tubing adds strength to the boat’s frame, while the nylon top enhances the overall experience. This fishing gear includes several storage options — a rear storage rack, a dozen zippered pockets, ten mesh pockets, and two drink holders. In terms of safety, the Colorado Pontoon Boat boasts non-slip footrests, safety labeling as per ABYC standards and a dual-side stripping apron.
Fused with nifty features from top to bottom, this pontoon boat is versatile with plenty of seating space for anglers. The 2-year limited warranty from the manufacturer ensures quality assistance when asked for.
4. Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat Series
The five-person capacity Intex Excursion is an affordable, and spacious boat to help with your seamless fishing expedition. The boat is made from heavy-duty vinyl, meaning it has superior protection against elements like a puncture. It also comes with three air chambers that vouch for extra buoyancy and safety.
The boat is laden with quite a few handy features, including two inflatable seats with backrests, motor mount fittings to add a trolling motor, oarlocks, oar holders, fishing rod holders, and handles for transport. The manual pump supplied with the boat takes only about 15 minutes to inflate the entire boat.
This incredibly well-crafted boat has an official capacity of up to five people or 1320 lbs. Excursion 5 comes with a carry bag that along with the grab line makes this easy-to-carry for camping or any outdoor adventure.
5. Inflatable Sport Boats Killer Whale
The fifth and final spot is for the Killer Whale Inflatable Sport Boat. Among the most prominent names in the yacht business, the brand’s — Killer Whale is a real tough nut when steering in the harshest of conditions. The boat is embossed in 1100 denier reinforced PVC and 9mm thickness, meaning there will be no concern over puncture and abrasion.
The 10’8 inches long and 5-inch wide boat has enough space to accommodate up to five passengers or two anglers. The 24mm-thick aluminum flooring is steady at all times and is comfortable for anyone on board.
This inflatable boat is powered using a 15HP motor that provides more speed and reliability on different kinds of water. This is by far the best travel-friendly inflatable boat with effortless transport and disassembling qualities.
Also Read: Best Fishing Poles For Kids To Help Them Get Started
Wrapping Up
An excellent and nifty option for fishing — inflatable boats help you make the most of the activity without fretting about puncture, abrasion, or other elements. The Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set takes the thumbs up, while we recommend Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Tender Dinghy Boat as the best in terms of portability.
Inflatable boats have become a common choice for anglers looking to cut down on buying expenses. There are plenty of boats on the market, share your recommendations to help us explore more of those.
FAQs
Are all inflatable boats suitable for rivers or lakes?
Most inflatable fishing boats are convenient on both rivers and lakes. However, you have to pay attention to detail in all aspects of the boat, so you can be assured if the boat works well on different water bodies. Avoid using float tubes and rafts during your trip, as these have little to no potential in waters with strong currents.
How to safely store an inflatable boat?
The widely accepted principle of storing inflatable fishing boats is to have them stored in a dry area, most likely at room temperature. Store the boats by deflating them completely and pack them in their respective carry bag. Also, remember that there must not be any signs of water either in the carry bag or boat.
