An inflatable boat is an indispensable means of transportation across water spaces. Purchasing the best inflatable boat is an excellent solution for fishing, sports or simple travel.
Every person leading an active lifestyle should have an inflatable boat in their arsenal. It does not take up much space, unlike models with a solid body or a stationary motor, and is also easy to operate and transport.
But how do you choose the best inflatable rowing boat for your needs? There are many factors to consider, such as the size, capacity, durability, performance, and price of the boat. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best inflatable rowing boats on the market, based on reviews and testing.
Read more: How to choose an inflatable boat
Table of Contents
The Best Inflatable Rowing Boats
Best Budget Choice: Intex Excursion 5
The Intex Excursion 5 Person Inflatable Boat Set is a popular and affordable inflatable boat that can be used for fishing, camping, or cruising on lakes and mild rivers. Here is a brief description with some pros and cons of this product:
Description:
- The boat is made of tough, puncture-resistant vinyl material, with an inflatable beam floor for added rigidity and comfort.
- The boat has three air chambers, with a safety auxiliary chamber, Boston valves, full perimeter grab lines, and four oar holders.
- The boat also comes with inflatable seats with backrests, fishing rod holders, and motor mounts.
- The boat includes a pair of deluxe aluminum oars, a manual hand pump, a gear pouch, a carry bag, and a repair patch.
- The boat has an inflated size of 10ft 4in X 5ft 5in X 1ft 5in, a weight of 55.62 lbs, and a capacity of 1,100 lbs or five people.
- The boat can be powered by an outboard motor of up to 1.5 hp.
Pros:
- The boat is easy to assemble and can be ready for water in no time.
- The boat is spacious and comfortable, with enough room for five people and their gear.
- The boat is versatile and can be used for various activities, such as fishing, leisure, or as a tender for larger boats.
- The boat is durable and stable, with a strong PVC material and an inflatable keel.
- The boat is budget-friendly, with a price of around $200.
Cons:
- The boat is not suitable for rough waters or strong currents, as it may get punctured or flipped over.
- The boat is not very fast or agile, as it has a low motor power and a bulky shape.
- The boat is heavy and bulky, which may make it hard to transport or store when deflated.
- The boat may lose air over time, which may require frequent pumping or patching.
Best Overall Choice: Sea Eagle PF7K Packfish Inflatable Fishing Boat
The Sea Eagle PF7 PackFish7 Inflatable 7’ Fishing Boat is a lightweight, portable, and durable one person fishing boat that can be packed into a backpack and taken anywhere. Here is a brief description with some pros and cons of this product:
Description:
- The boat is made of 840 denier nylon fabric, with a 30 mil polykrylar bladder and quadruple overlap seams. It has a dry enclosed hull that keeps you and your gear dry and protected.
- The boat has two air chambers, with a one-way air valve and a pressure relief valve. It also has a built-in stow bag, a floorboard, a seat, and a storage pouch.
- The boat can be equipped with a trolling motor, a fish finder, a swivel seat, and other accessories. It has four rod holders, two drink holders, and multiple D-rings and carry handles.
- The boat has an inflated size of 7’ x 3’3″, an interior size of 4’6″ x 13″, a deflated size of 5″ x 20″ x 20″, a weight of 22 lbs, and a capacity of 300 lbs or one person.
- The boat can be inflated and assembled in less than 5 minutes.
Pros:
- The boat is easy to transport and store, as it can be folded into a backpack and carried on your back or in the trunk of your car.
- The boat is versatile and can be used for various fishing scenarios, such as remote lakes, ponds, rivers, or streams.
- The boat is comfortable and stable, with a high seat that gives you a good view and a floorboard that allows you to stand and cast.
- The boat is durable and reliable, with a strong fabric and a reinforced transom that can withstand abrasion and puncture.
Cons:
- The boat is not very spacious, as it can only fit one person and a limited amount of gear.
- The boat is not very fast or maneuverable, as it has a low motor power and a bulky shape.
- The boat may require frequent maintenance, such as pumping, patching, or cleaning.
Best Premium Choice: Bris 12ft Inflatable Fish Hunter Boat
The BRIS 12.5 ft Inflatable Boat Inflatable Fish Hunter & Person Inflatable Raft Boat is a mid-range inflatable boat that can be used for fishing, hunting, diving, or cruising on calm waters. Here is a brief description with some pros and cons of this product:
Description:
- The boat is made of heavy-duty 1,100 Denier 0.9mm PVC fabric with polyester support, having excellent resistance to tearing, tension and breaking. It has double layers of fabric at the bottom of the tubes for extra protection from sharp rocks and abrasive sand.
- The boat has three air chambers, with a high-pressure inflatable keel and a marine plywood transom. It also has a full perimeter grab line, four oar holders, and two motor mounts.
- The boat also comes with a heavy-duty sectional aluminum floor, two aluminum bench seats, a repair kit, two aluminum oars, a carrying bag, and a foot pump.
- The boat has an inflated size of 12.5ft x 5.58ft, a weight of 82 kg, and a capacity of 760 kg or six people. It can be powered by an outboard motor of up to 15 HP.
Pros:
- The boat is easy to assemble and can be ready for water in about 30 minutes.
- The boat is spacious and comfortable, with enough room for six people and their gear.
- The boat is versatile and can be used for various activities, such as fishing, hunting, diving, or cruising.
- The boat is durable and stable, with a strong PVC fabric and an inflatable keel.
Cons:
- The boat is not suitable for rough waters or strong currents, as it may get punctured or flipped over.
- The boat is not very fast or agile, as it has a low motor power and a bulky shape.
- The boat is heavy and bulky, which may make it hard to transport or store when deflated.
- The boat may lose air over time, which may require frequent pumping or patching.
Conclusion
Inflatable rowing boats are a great way to enjoy the water, whether you are fishing, sports, or simple travel. They are easy to store, transport, and operate, and they come in various sizes, shapes, and prices. The best inflatable rowing boat for you depends on your preferences, budget, and intended use.
We hope that this article has helped you find the best inflatable rowing boat for your needs. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
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