Best Inflatable Fishing Boats: 9 Top Picks for Every Angler

Inflatable fishing boats have transformed the way anglers get on the water. They are portable, lightweight, easy to store, and surprisingly stable on the water making them a practical option for fishermen with limited budget and storage. As it fits seamlessly in your car’s trunk and can be launched from anywhere.

Many of them are made from tough materials that resist punctures and come with features like rod holders, motor mounts, and comfortable seating.

In this guide, we have rounded up 9 of the best inflatable fishing boats out there breaking down there features and pros and cons, so you can find the right one without wasting time or money.

Why Choose an Inflatable Fishing Boat?

If you have fished the same stretch of water for years, you must notice an increase in the number of people taking up the sport while the fish stocks are dropping. But with the inflatable fishing boat you can escape the crowd. Here’s why the boats are a game-changer:

1. Easy to Store: Rigid counterparts like aluminum boats, bass boats, deck boats, ski boats, etc., require dedicated storage. On the contrary, inflatable fishing boats can be packed in a bag and stored in your car’s trunk. The boats can be stored in a storage room or a garden shed. Make sure you fold them carefully to preserve them for years.
2. Easy to Transport: A traditional boat, even a tiny rowboat, requires a vehicle to tow it to a water body. It can be tiring, especially if you are a frequent angler. Inflatable boat is incredible, instead of hitching them to the back of a truck, store it in your trunk, pull it out, inflate it, and you are ready for the voyage. The only downside is that the inflatable boat takes several minutes to inflate.
3. Lightweight: Inflatable boats are easy to carry around, and you can even lift in and out of the water. The watercraft is ideal for elderly and people who go on frequent fishing trips.
4. Affordable: One of the biggest reasons for their popularity is the price. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a rigid boat, a traditional inflatable fishing boat costs only a few hundred dollars. It enables many fishermen a cheaper solution to enjoy fishing on the water.
5. Launch from Anywhere: Light, agile, and portable inflatable fishing boats are the go-anywhere boats on lakes and rivers. You are not restricted to one shore or bank with a ramp or pier. Simply put it in your car or carry it on your shoulders to your favorite fishing spot.

9 Best Inflatable Fishing Boats for Beginner and Professional Anglers

Feature	Sea Eagle Packfish 7	Classic Accessories Colorado XTS	Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker 10	Airhead Angler Bay	Stryker Pro 320	Force 4 Windward O2 Lite	Intex Excursion 5	Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Elite	Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 130
Capacity	1 Person	1 Person	2 Persons	4 Persons (Also 6)	5 Persons	2 person	Up to 5 (Practical 2-3)	1-2 Persons	1 Person
Loading Capacity	300 lbs	400 lbs	1199 lbs	Varies	2054 lbs	393 kg	1100 lbs	Varies	650 lbs
Length	7 ft	9 ft	10 ft	9ft	10.5 ft	7.7ft & 8.6ft	10.4 ft	15 ft	13 ft
Weight	22lbs	80 lbs	44 lbs	31lbs	187lbs	14.5 kg	55.14 lbs	55+ lbs	41lbs
Material	840 Denier Nylon, 30mil Polykrylar, 1000 Denier PVC	Nylon Top, PVC Bottom, Steel Frame	1000 Denier Reinforced PVC	Heavy-Duty Vinyl	German Mehler PVC, Stryker Shield	800 Decitex Lightweight PVC	Puncture-Resistant PVC	3-Layer Material	Duratex (PVC), Drop-Stitch Floor
Motor Mount	No	Trolling Motor	Up to 4 HP Outboard	Trolling Motor	Jet Outboard	Up to 6 HP Outboard	Up to 1.5 HP Outboard	No	No

1. Seaeagle Packfish 7

Image Credit/Seaeagle

Seaeagle Packfish 7 is a one-person grab and go fishing boat. The frameless 7-foot boat only takes 3 to 4 minutes with a foot pump and only a minute to inflate the seat, you’ll be ready to hit the water in 5 minutes. The boat has two air chambers with a Deluxe one-way valve, making inflating it easy. A dual chamber also offers better security; even if one chamber leaks, you will still have another to keep you afloat. Packfish 7 has an 840 Denier Nylon external protective layer, a 30mil Polykrylar Bladder, and a 1000 Denier PVC coated polyester protective floor making the boat able to carry 300lbs.

The inflatable fishing boat is easy to carry with four handles, after inflating, before that, you can fit it in a nylon backpack. Seaeagle Packfish 7 is a high-quality, well-made inflatable fishing boat with built-in pouch pockets and built-in stow bag for storage.

The inflatable fishing boat has 2 built-in fishing rod holders and a 36-inch fish ruler on either side. It has a hands-free oarlock attachment system allowing you to concentrate on fishing without losing your oars.

Pros

• Overlapped double stitched industrial strength nylon thread
• Lightweight, portable, fast setup, and very easy to carry
• Pouch pockets, road holders, and oarlock attachment system
• Comes with a three-year warranty

Cons

• You cannot attach a motor to the boat
• The boat interior is a little tight, there is no room for extras like a cooler

2. Classic Accessories Colorado XTS Fishing Pontoon Boat

Image Credit/Classic Accessories

The Colorado XTS fishing pontoon boat is designed for gentle recreation boating in lakes and calm rivers. This inflatable fishing boat is designed for fishing with built-in rod-holders that can be mounted in six positions, twenty pockets, and two insulated drink holders.

The 9-foot and 80lbs Classic Accessories Colorado XTS Fishing Pontoon Boat can carry 400lbs. Colorado XTS inflatable fishing boat is built to withstand all elements with a tough nylon top, abrasion-resistant PVC bottom, and powder coated steel tube frame. The pontoon boat is intelligently designed for a trolling motor mount that can be adjusted to suit left and right-handed preferences.

Colorado XTS has a handy swivel seat and adjustable footrests, allowing you to fish effectively or relax on the lake. The boat and oars disassemble into a compact size that can be conveniently transported with the built-in stowable transport wheel.

Pros

• Ample wire storage, two pockets and drink holders
• Heavy-duty construction
• Adjustable swivel seat and footrest for comfortable fishing
• Ability to mount trolling motor

Cons

• Heavy motor and battery can affect the balance sometimes

3. Seaeagle Stealth Stalker 10

Image Credit/Seaeagle

Seaeagle Stealth Stalker 10 inflatable fishing boat can be used in rivers, lakes, bays, and calm or rough water. The 10-foot boat weighs 44lbs (20kg), can accommodate two people, and can carry up to 1199lbs (544kg). It has a 36 mill 1000 Denier Reinforced PVC construction with Quadruple overlapped superior glued seam for a strong construction.  It has a round-hull configuration with wide sectional floorboards, offering plenty of fishing space.

The floorboards have the hold mounting brackets and can be swiveled 360 degrees, providing all day comfort and back support. The board also makes it a fantastic choice for standing and seated fishing. Stealth Stalker 10 has four strong rod holders and 40-inch fish rulers on either side of the boat.

Seaeagle Stealth Stalker 10 can be rowed and can accommodate small outboard motors. The inflatable fishing boat is designed to accommodate a small outboard up to 4hp, allowing you to move quickly and freely in open water.

Pros

• Stable and practical inflatable fishing boat
• Ideal for stand and sit fishing in rivers, bays, and lakes
• Ready for voyage in 15 minutes
• Portable and easy to store in the trunk of any car or the back of an SUV

Cons

• The interior is a little tight for two anglers

4. Airhead Angler Bay Inflatable Boat

Image Credit/Airhead

Airhead Angler Bay is a family inflatable fishing boat. It can carry up to 4 people and offers ample space for fun fishing trips. The Angler Bay also has a version that can accommodate up to 6, which is excellent for big families. Its heavy-duty vinyl construction and electronically welded seams ensure durability and reliability in the water.

Airhead Angler bay Inflatable Fishing Boat has a wrap-around grab lines and handles to carry it around easily. The boat has a trolling transom motor mount for optimal fishing setup. It also has a mount for swiveling oar locks, side mounted oar holders, and 2 rod holders for convenience.

Angler Bay fishing boat also has a comfortable inflatable, cushioned floor and a movable seat for a relaxed long fishing trip. Its patented speed safety valves deliver quick inflating and deflating.

Pros

• Heavy-duty welded seams to lock in the air
• Trolling motor mounts with battery storage bag
• Ideal for family fishing trips in the lake and calm waters

Cons

• Not as lightweight
• Only includes two fishing rods

5. Stryker Pro 320 Inflatable Boat

Image Credit/Stryker

Stryker Pro 320 Inflatable boat is a 10.5-foot boat constructed with high-grade German Mehler PVC with the latest thermowelding technology for superior strength and durability. The boat also has a 1.8mm Stryker shield wrapped under the bottom of the boat for extra protection.

The watch is for adventure seekers, it has a 20 transom that can accommodate a jet outboard engine. With the capacity of 2054lbs, the inflatable boat can accommodate five people. Stryker Pro 320 is quipped with a military grade wrap around life line and interior grab lines. The boat comes with many accessories, including oars, a double set of aluminum seats, a boat, floor, and bow bags, foot pump, repair kit, and smart cargo bag bench cushion.

The inflatable fishing boat also has D rings around the interior to attach accessories, fishing rods, and more. Stryker 320 has a Stryker launching wheel system to transport it easily to the water.

Pros

• Ideal for rough and calm waters
• Suitable inflatable fishing boat for a friend’s fishing trip
• D-rings and bases to plug and use different accessories.
• Comfortable and wide interior

Cons

• Significantly expensive compared to other options

6. Force 4 Windward O2 Lite Lightweight Inflatable Boat

Image Credit/Force4

Force 4 O2 Lite is made from high quality 800 decitex lightweight PVC making it half the weight of other similar inflatable boats. It comes in 2.35m and 2.65m configuration and can be carried out in a rucksack. The carrying comfort of the 14.5kg boat is great, but you must beware of any loose objects inside the bag as they can fall through the side flap.

Inflatable Windward boat can carry up to 393kg and has a transom to mount an outboard motor of up to 6HP. The high-pressure deck has an adjustable rail mounted aluminum bench seat. Force 4 Windward O2 Lite has three D rings at the front for towing. The boat does not have handles but ropes on the sides to pull it towards the water easily.

One of the downsides of the Windward O2 Lite is the oars. They are the smallest, which affects the rowing performance. But the boat has open rowlocks so you can use your own oars.

Pros

• Handy rucksack to comfortably carry it anywhere.
• 2-year warranty on fabric and seams
• D-rings and open oarlocks

Cons

• No carrying handle
• Included oars are fairly small

7. Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat

Image Credit/Intex

Intex Excrusion 5 inflatable fishing boat is perfect for a day on the lake. It is an easy-to-assemble boat and can be ready for water in minutes. The 10.4ft boat has a capacity of 1100lb and weighs only 55.14lb. According to Intex, the Excursion 5 can accommodate up to five, but for us, it can hold two adults with lots of stuff or a family with little kids.

The boat has a heavy-duty puncture-resistant PVC vinyl construction to bear rocks, hooks, and other sharp objects. Excursion 5 has three air chambers with a Boston valve on the two main hull chambers for quick fill and deflate.

The inflatable fishing boat has two pairs of fishing rod holders and swivel oar locks on the front and back. Moreover, it has grab handles on the front and back with a wrap-around grab line. You can also connect a small 1.5hp outboard motor for quicker fishing trips.

Pros

• Comes with a storage duffle bag, repair patch, gear pouch, and air pump
• 3 air chambers and an auxiliary air chamber in the hull for extra safety
• Four fishing rod holders and oar locks.
• Ideal for a family Sunday fishing trips

Cons

• Not suitable for 5 adults

8. Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Elite Inflatable Kayak

Image Credit/Advanced Elements

Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Elite inflatable kayak is an incredible boat for all kinds of waters. The fifteen-foot kayak has a convertible design, allowing you to easily transform it into a one-person boat from the standard two-person seating. Advanced Elements convertible kayak has a hard drop-stitch floor and backbone to keep it rigid and straight. It also provides enhanced tracking and hull speed.

The slim and sleek kayak has lots of storage. You can store things under the bungee cords on the front and under the front and back covering. One thing that surprised me was the stability; it did not tip over easily, offering a safer ride. Advanced Elements Convertible Elite Inflatable Kayak has 3 layers of material for extreme puncture resistance.

The kayak weighs over 55lbs (30kg) which is quite heavy for a solo traveler. It is hard to carry it to the water, and heavier for a person to row it. Moreover, the boat has handles on the front and back but nothing on the left and right.

Pros

• Long kayak, enough space for two people and some storage
• 3 layers of material to ensure puncture-proof exterior
• Incredibly stable and easy to maneuver
• Easily convertible from a two-person to a single paddler

Cons

• Heavier to carry and row
• Seats are not comfortable and the mounting is not strong

9. Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 130

 

Image Credit/Aquaglide

Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 130 is named after the Blackfoot River in Montana. The kayak is designed for the solo angler and offers plenty of space for storage. The 13ft boat is made of Duratex (PVC) with a drop-stitch floor for durability and performance. It can load up to 650lb.

The kayak offers customizable storage options, cargo bungees, and stainless-steel D-rings to attach gear, bags, and more. Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 130 package comes with useful accessories, like adjustable storage bag, removable fin, and soft cooler. Moreover, it has universal accessory mounts for mounting cupholders, POV cameras, rod holders, and more.

Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 130 Inflatable Fishing Boat has five drains to drain water from the boat. Moreover, the Halkey-Roberts valve enables quick and easy inflation and deflation.

Pros

• Customize storage options to pack your camping gear
• Accessory mounts to attach different accessories
• Lightweight packable design for effortless transportation

Cons

• Does not come with a paddle and pump

Key Features to Look for in an Inflatable Fishing Boat

AdobeStock/Irina

Before you buy anything, there are a few key factors that you should consider to make a sound decision.

Size & Capacity

Inflatable boats come in various sizes, many of which are small enough to hold a person while others can accommodate up to 5 people. So, consider how many people you plan to go with on a fishing trip, and the equipment to choose the right size.

Similarly, evaluating the weight you are carrying and the boat's capacity is crucial, because the last thing you want is capsizing your boat and losing the precious equipment in the river. A typical 2-person inflatable boat can hold up to 400 to 500 pounds. Moreover, most boat manufacturers provide precise information about the capacity and how many people it can accommodate.

Materials

Material of an inflatable boat can significantly impact its durability and lifespan. Old boats were made from rubber, but modern inflatable boats use soft PVC, vinyl, Hypalon, and polyurethane for durable and lightweight construction. The materials are more resistant to abrasions, punctures, UV rays, extreme temperatures, and chemicals, making them suitable for fishing trips in all conditions.

Accessory Compatibility

Many accessories and handy features can make your inflatable fishing boat much more practical and valuable. Some features include rod holders, motor attachment, and additional storage.

No, everyone needs a motor, but if the boat can accommodate one, it can extend your range. Similarly, storage and rod holders make fishing trips much tidier, fun, and less dangerous. Moreover, it also keeps the sharp objects in check, protecting the boat’s body from puncture and other damages.

FAQs

How safe is an inflatable boat?

Modern inflatable boats are engineered with safety in mind. They have puncture resistant construction and come with multiple air chambers. So, if one of them gets punctured, the other chamber can independently keep the boat afloat.

For added safety, always wear a life jacket and carry a repair kit for emergencies.

Can inflatable boats be used in the ocean?

Yes, some inflatable fishing boats can be used in the ocean. The ideal one should be rated for saltwater use and made from UV-resistant materials to withstand the harsh marine environment.

Always check the manufacturer's recommendation when buying an inflatable fishing boat for the ocean and cautiously use it in rough conditions.

How long does the inflatable fishing boat last?

The lifespan of an inflatable fishing boat varies depending on:

1. The quality of the materials
2. How frequently it’s used
3. How well it’s maintained

With proper care, a quality inflatable fishing boat can last 5 to 10 years or even longer.

Conclusion

The best inflatable fishing boats offers unmatched portability, affordability, and ease of storage. It is an excellent option for beginners and professional anglers, who want to reach new destinations easily.

From ultra-portable Seaealge Packfish 7 to the feature rich Stryker Pro 320 and lightweight and stable Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 130 kayak these 9 fishing boats can be launched from anywhere, making them perfect for any fishing adventure.

If you are looking for a reliable motor for your inflatable fishing boat. OBparts has the variety to help you find the right outboard engine for your boat. In addition, we have used engine parts and new outboard engine parts to keep your adventures afloat.

Posted by Brian Whiteside