The Best Inflatable Fishing Boats – TOP 13 Picks for 2024 & What You Need to Know

When you think of inflatable boats, it might conjure up images of cheap rubber rafts that kids used to splash around in at the seaside.

But the technology has come a long way since then.

If you’ve not explored the latest and greatest means by which to catch more fish – then you’re missing out.

So, take a look at this review of the best inflatable boats for fishing in 2024 – and prepare to have your mind blown.

A Quick Guide to Inflatable Fishing Boats & Our TOP 3 Picks for 2024

Before we get stuck into the reviews, here’s a quick guide to what we look out for, and the features and factors you should be considering when you’re in the market for a new inflatable boat.

What is an Inflatable Boat?

It’s important that we’re on an even keel from the get-go, so we should address the terminology so as not to cause any confusion.

There are many types of inflatable “boats,” including float tubes, kayaks, and even some stand up paddleboards.

But for the purposes of this article, we’re going to be focussing on rafts, dinghies, and pontoons.

You can check out this article on the best inflatable kayaks for fishing, and head over here for the best float tubes – if that’s what you would prefer.

And there are also some excellent inflatables in this review of the best SUPs for fishing, too.

To get you started, we’ve chosen our top three inflatable boats that represent what we believe to be the best of the best.

Product	Award	Our Rating	Review
Saturn 10 Heavy-Duty Fishing Boat	The Best Inflatable Fishing Boat Overall	4.7/5.0	Read review
Sea Eagle PackFish7 Fishing Boat	The Best Budget-Friendly Option	4.2/5.0	Read review
Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat	The Best Pontoon-Style Fishing Boat	4.5/5.0	Read review

Up first, we’ve gone for the impressive Saturn heavy-duty fishing boat, which – although expensive – is actually great value considering what you get.

This is a top-quality fishing craft that will last you for many seasons with proper care, and takes our award for the best inflatable fishing boat overall.

For a more budget-friendly option, our number two position goes to the Sea Eagle Packfish.

We could have chosen any number of Sea Eagle products here, but this one is practical, highly portable, and just so darn cute!

A shoo-in for the most portable inflatable fishing boat available – boasting Sea Eagle’s trademark quality.

Finally, last but not least is the Classic Accessories Colorado XL pontoon fishing boat. Another highly portable option, this offers crazy stability and some excellent features for a fun day out on the water.

In our opinion, this is easily the best pontoon-style fishing boat out there.

Do you agree with our choices?

Keep reading for an in-depth review of these boats, as well as the complete list of the best inflatable fishing boats for 2024.

How Do We Choose?

Our team of dedicated experts examine as many products as we can possibly get our hands on, over the course of several hours.

That’s typically around 25-40 boats, examined over a couple of days, depending on what’s currently available and easy to access.

You won’t find obscure products that are hard to purchase, nor will you find fluff that’s been shoehorned in just for the sake of it.

Using our own little guide above, we sort the wheat from the chaff, and whittle down a longlist into a shortlist.

Once that’s done, we’ll explore interviews, YouTube videos, reviews, comments sections, and visit paddle sports stores to get the low-down on each product – from people in the know.

And where possible, we try the gear out ourselves, for a full, hands-on experience.

Finally, in compiling all this information, our shortlist becomes an even shorter list – and that’s what we bring to you.

The TOP 13 Best Inflatables for Fishing in 2024

Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff16 Inflatable Boat

Check Price on Amazon.com

Our next Sea Eagle offering is this feature-rich, fully-loaded skiff-style inflatable fishing craft.

The aptly-named Fishskiff 16 is a two-person, frameless inflatable boat that comes with two premium swivel seats for unbeatable comfort and field-of-view on the water.

Super-tough and durable, it’s made with a 1000 Denier reinforced drop stitch seam, and offers a whopping 1765 lbs weight capacity, so you can bring an absolute mountain of fishing gear with you if you so choose.

Suitable for a six horsepower engine and capable of speeds of up to 17 MPH, this is one of the best inflatable boats for fishing on the market, for use in a variety of water conditions.

Pros

• Outstanding build quality.
• Articulated fishing rod holders.
• Canopy included.
• Solid, drop-stitch flooring.
• Carry bag, pump, and SUP paddle included.
• Paddle park.
• D-rings and multiple accessory mounting points.

Cons

• Pricey.

Takeaway

A top-quality fishing skiff from one of the best inflatable boat companies in the world, this is Sea Eagle at the top of their game.

And there’s plenty of space on that deck for one of these awesome fishing coolers, and/or a four-legged-friend if you prefer.

Inflatable Sport Boats Swordfish Dinghy

Check Price on Amazon.com

Here we have another quality dinghy-style inflatable, with the Sports Boat’s Swordfish model.

With an attractive, sleek design, it’s 10.8 feet in length, with extended rear pontoons and transom area that allows for a higher maximum weight capacity and larger motors with balanced stability.

The drop-stitch air flooring is super stable and reversible, so you can choose the look you prefer, with a teak deck effect as a stylish choice.

Aluminum bench seats are included, with a removable seat cushion and bag also thrown in for good measure. Made from thick, 1100 denier reinforced PVC material.

The boat is UV, oil stain, and puncture-resistant, and is fully United States Coast Guard approved.

And you’ll be up and ready to venture out inside ten minutes with this highly portable inflatable fishing boat, and take up to five people with you on your next adventure.

Pros

• Rugged and durable construction.
• Attractive aesthetic.
• Heat-welded seams.
• Suitable for multiple conditions.
• Front towing D-rings.
• Aluminum oars, bag, and foot pump included.
• Compatible with a 15HP engine.

Cons

• Expensive.

Takeaway

This beast of an inflatable boat has been built to last – and look good while doing it. While it’s a little more expensive than some other options in this review, you’re probably not going to get much better than this at its current price point, and when it comes to performance, this is going to leave everything else in its wake.

Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat

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As far as pricing goes, I think we’ve found the two inflatable fishing boats that are the most polar opposites possible.

This offering from budget inflatable specialists Intex is easily the cheapest inflatable fishing boat out there (without sacrificing quality – at least).

A versatile recreational craft suitable for calmer waterways, it’s been made with a heavy-duty, puncture-resistant PVC, with an inflatable I-Beam floor for extra rigidity, and contains three air chambers just in case you do get a puncture.

It’s also the lightest option out there by far, which makes it a breeze to take to and from the water, and yet it has a very respectable weight capacity of 790 lbs.

This is perfect for taking on your next family vacation, and you can sneak away and throw a rod in when the kids are finally asleep.

Pros

• Outstanding price point.
• Very highly rated.
• Suitable for up to three people.
• Oars, pump, and repair patches included.
• Gear pouch for storage.
• Two fishing rod holders.
• Grab lines for safety.

Cons

• It’s not going to be the most durable boat out there.
• Not the best option for serious or regular anglers.

Takeaway

This Intex inflatable boat is the very definition of excellent value – just check out some of those reviews if you’re not convinced. And it’s even compatible with a small trolling motor, so as a versatile recreational and fishing craft – you really can’t go wrong at this price point.

BRIS Catamaran-Style Inflatable Boat

Check Price on Amazon.com

Another budget-friendly fishing inflatable now with this inflatable boat that has been designed for lake fishing.

Tough and durable, it has been made from a 1100-denier three-ply fabric that is PVC coated to provide stability and agility, and it features aluminum bench seats that can hold a maximum of four occupants up to 1200 pounds.

The drop-stitch deck is rigid and super stable, and you can walk around on it as if it were a hardwood floor.

Suitable for a small outboard motor or electric trolling motor, the boat has been treated with heat-welded seams for durability, and is suitable for use in salt and freshwater.

For extra peace-of-mind, there are two air chambers in each side tubing, so you can be sure to return safely to dry land in the unlikely event that one is compromised.

Pros

• Affordable price point.
• Carry bag, pump, and repair kit included.
• Super lightweight and compact.
• Versatile use.
• Highly portable.
• Aluminum oars.

Cons

• No rod holders.

Takeaway

A great option if you’re looking for a quality, multiple occupant fishing boat when you’re on a budget. It makes a nice alternative to a kayak, with the bonus of being compatible with a trolling motor.

There’s no canopy option, so you might want to wear one of these protective fishing hats if you’re going to be out there in the sun.

Solstice Outdoorsman Inflatable Fishing Boat

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The Outdoorsman inflatable fishing boat from Solstice offers even more affordability, and is capable of accommodating up to four people (although that’s very much overkill for fishing purposes).

Made from heavy-duty reinforced vinyl, it has welded seams for extra strength and durability, and suitable for use in a variety of conditions.

The hull design has been bolstered to improve stability, and it comes with two sets of oar locks, making it easy to row from both main seating positions.

Inflating and deflating is speedy thanks to the Boston and compression valves, and the dual inflatable cushion seats are comfortable enough for this style of craft.

Two fishing pole holders are conveniently located, and it can actually accept a two horsepower gas or electric motor to the stern for extra power.

Pros

• Great price.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Versatile use.
• Inner hull grab lines.
• Bow and stern handles.
• Rugged, durable construction.

Cons

• Oars and pump not included.

Takeaway

A simple but effective fishing raft that offers a versatile recreational experience at an affordable price. Just make sure you’re always wearing a certified fishing PFD – no matter how cheap or expensive your craft is.

Sea Eagle 375fc Inflatable FoldCat Boat

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Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more innovative, Sea Eagle manages to come up with this “Foldcat” inflatable fishing boat.

With two pontoons made from 1000 Denier reinforced materials, with quadruple overlap seams, it’s as airtight, tough, and durable as you would come to expect from the inflatable specialists.

But the real genius lies within the patented folding frame design, which offers a rock-solid fishing platform without the need for nuts and bolts.

It also ensures it’s one of the sturdiest inflatable fishing boats with minimal setup time, and you’ll be ready to go in under five minutes.

And the casting bar included offers extra peace-of-mind for standing casts and reels, on what is surely one of the most stable inflatables out there.

Pros

• Solid, durable construction.
• Very sturdy on the water.
• Transom motor mount.
• 360-degree swivel seating.
• Raised oar locks.
• Four Scotty rod holders and mounts.
• Bow and stern carry handles.
• Highly portable.

Cons

• Setup time is a little “inflated”.
• Not suitable for whitewater.

Takeaway

As an alternative to a more traditional raft, dinghy, or kayak, this is a clever inflatable that offers excellent stability thanks to its pontoons.

But the folding frame design is just brilliant, ensuring it’s a highly portable craft you can get to the water’s edge with ease.

Why Choose an Inflatable Boat for Fishing?

Now that we all know what we’re talking about, let’s briefly explore their advantages, and why you should be considering an inflatable boat for fishing in the first place.

Perhaps the most obvious plus point is portability and storage. You don’t need a large driveway and trailer with one of these inflatables, and it won’t take up all the space in your garage.

Likewise, when it comes to getting to and from the water, you can just throw the thing into the back of your vehicle and be off at a moment’s notice.

Inflatable boats are much more lightweight than their hardshell or aluminum counterparts, which also ensures that putting in and taking out will be easier along the water’s edge.

And you can do that almost anywhere – there’s no need to wait for a boat ramp to become available.

If it’s silence and stealth you’re after, inflatable boats have you covered. You don’t have to use loud, smelly motors that disturb the peace, and the hull in general is much quieter in and on the water.

But even if you do use one with a motor, you can still switch to paddles or oars, ensuring you don’t spook any fish – or anyone else who happens to be enjoying a relaxing day in the great outdoors.

When it comes to maintenance, you’ll find the inflatables to be very durable these days, and you might be surprised to learn they won’t get damaged as easily as a hardshell if you hit an obstacle.

Last but by no means least, inflatables cost considerably less than typical hardshell craft or bass boats – which can often set you back thousands of dollars.

A Buyer’s Guide to Inflatable Fishing Boats

There are plenty of factors to consider when you’re in the market for an inflatable fishing boat.

Read on for some great tips and advice on what to look out for.

Type of Inflatable

“Inflatable boat” can be a broad term used to describe a number of different watercraft.

However, as mentioned in the introduction, I’ve chosen to focus on the three types I most associate with the word “boat.”

You can check out this article on inflatable boats versus inflatable kayaks to see a more detailed explanation of the differences with each.

In this article, we’ve covered:

Raft Inflatables

Raft inflatables – identified by an air chamber that encircles the whole craft, rafts typically do not use outboard motors, and are more like a floating platform powered by oars.

They’re certainly not the fastest boats in the water, but they can usually accommodate a lot of people and/or gear.

Rafts are commonly the most affordable of the three options, but there are more expensive, highly-durable models that are made with premium materials.

Dinghy Inflatables

Dinghy inflatables – are designed to be used with a trolling or outboard motor, and are recognized by their pontoon-style stern with solid transom.

Ideal for use in larger bodies of water – including coastal environments, you can reach crazy speeds in an inflatable dinghy given the right motor.

They nearly always have aluminum seating slats that are placed perpendicular to the hull, with a reinforced floor that is usually reversible and/or removable.

Pontoon Inflatables

Pontoon inflatables – are of a catamaran style, with two distinct air chambers on either side of the craft that offers unbeatable stability on the water.

They’re also highly maneuverable, and very comfortable given their raised seating position and foot bars for rowing.

The type you choose depends on a number of factors, including the conditions in which you’re fishing, how you want to power your craft, and how many people you want to take with you.

Materials and Durability

Perhaps the two biggest concerns with inflatable boats is how long they’re going to last, and how puncture-resistant they are. This boils down to what they’re made of – and how they’re made.

These days, most inflatable boats are constructed out of one of three materials – PVC, polyethylene, and Hypalon (or derivatives thereof).

They might also use aluminum flooring or framing – which is often powder-coated for anti-corrosion protection in saltwater.

The longevity of each will depend on the quality of the craft itself, but Hypalon is the preferred choice of the US Military and Coast Guard, so that’s head-and-shoulders above the other materials when it comes to durability.

That said, reinforced PVC and/or polyethylene is more than capable of standing up to the rigors of the great outdoors, and look for craft with electronically heat-treated seams for extra strength.

Check out the video below for some detailed information on how to ensure your inflatable enjoys the longest life possible with a bit of care and repair.

Size/Number of Occupants/Portability

Inflatable boats tend to be wider than they are longer – especially when compared with some kayaks.

You’ll find that they’re not often much larger than 10 feet from bow to stern.

This makes them super-stable, but they’re not going to be all that fast unless you’re using a motor.

The wider deck space will also afford you room to move around – as well as the chance to carry more occupants if you so desire.

That’s just not possible in most fishing kayaks – unless you’re using one of these tandem models, which some anglers prefer for the extra space.

The size of the inflatable should also be considered when it comes to how portable the craft is going to be. Will it fit in the back of your vehicle – or are you likely to need a trailer?

Bear in mind that you’re not going to be able to stand in all of them – so check to see if that’s possible if it’s something that is essential to your fishing technique.

And take a look at these articles on the best rods and reels on the market – in case you fancy an upgrade with your gear.

Seating

Comfort is very important when it comes to choosing the right kind of fishing craft for your needs, and you’ll notice that different types of inflatables have different types of seating.

You can find vessels where you simply sit on the deck, boats that use aluminum slats as seats, inflatable seats that are often removable, lawn-chair-style frames, and premium swivel chairs in more expensive models.

And speaking of expense, the better the seating, the more you’ll have to pay.

So, take this into consideration when deciding what is important to you. More often than not, you need to think about how physically fit you are, as well as your overall size.

Please don’t cram yourself into a tiny cockpit with a really uncomfortable seat just because it’ll save you a bit of money. Life is too short for that kind of nonsense.

Storage Options

Inflatable boats can offer a lot of space for storing extra gear and equipment, and some models are capable of handling high weight capacities, so you can bring even more stuff if you so choose.

However, they don’t have dedicated tank wells or storage hatches like kayaks do, so you’ll need to look for boats that offer other means of securing your belongings while you’re out on the water.

Check for boats with D-rings that you can lash your gear to, as well as under seat storage spaces if the craft offers raised seating positions.

You can always try using one of these kayak fishing tackle boxes, as some of them will work just as well with inflatable boats as they will on a kayak.

And I highly recommended getting a good quality fishing dry bag – to help protect your valuables and devices when you’re out there.

Propulsion

How you power the craft is another important consideration.

One of the main differences between inflatable boats and inflatable kayaks is the former are more commonly powered with gas or battery motors, while the latter will use a double-bladed paddle.

It’s essential you understand which boat is compatible with which motor. You don’t want to end up having a super-powerful engine weighing down the back of a tiny raft.

Check to see the maximum amount of horsepower each vessel is compatible with – if you’re 100% set on using a gas powered motor.

Alternatively, if you’d rather take things down a notch, make sure the craft has the option of adding a trolling motor. With that in mind, it will also need somewhere you can stash the battery pack.

At the very least, an inflatable boat needs to have a good set of oars, with quality oar locks to allow a smooth rowing cycle. The last thing you want is the oars floating off down the river.

And you never know when something might go wrong with the engine, or your motor battery dies to leave you stranded.

Remember, you need to have a modicum of fitness to manually pilot an inflatable boat – even more so than a kayak. They just don’t track nearly as well, are considerably slower as a result, and take a lot more effort to move.

As such, most anglers who choose to use an inflatable boat will be doing so with a suitable motor on board.

Fishing Friendly Features

You can fish from almost any watercraft, but it certainly helps if it comes with some decent fishing friendly features at the point of sale.

Of course, you can always feel free to kit out any inflatable boat to be an angler’s dream, but if you’re not so hot on DIY, or you’re just looking for convenience, it’s a good idea to look out for some FFFs as standard.

Rod holders and accessory mounting options are perhaps the two most popular additions, and the option of adding one of these awesome fish finders becomes much easier – for example.

Many inflatable boats come with a fish measuring ruler built-in, which makes things super-easy for an at-a-glance guide to the size of the whopper you just landed.

Oar parks are essential, so you can keep them out of the way when not in use – and close to hand in case of a problem if you’re using a motor.

Most of all, you’ll be looking to keep your hands free as much as possible, so you can actually get on with fishing, and spend less time worrying about the boat itself. Anything that helps you do that is a bonus.

And before I forget, take a look at this article on the best kayak anchors for fishing – which will also come in handy for all small boats.

Cost

As you can tell from the review, when it comes to price, inflatable boats vary wildly.

This is actually pretty awesome, as it ensures the sport is accessible to all, as there’s an affordable option out there for everyone.

You don’t have to spend the megabucks to get out there and enjoy fishing from an inflatable boat.

But if you are looking for alternatives, you can always check out this budget-friendly fishing kayak review.

Remember to buy the best you can afford, while suiting it to your own experience and skill level, as well as how often you’re actually going to use it.

And get something good the first time – as it seriously helps the planet by cutting down on waste.

Summary

I hope this article has encouraged you to consider the best inflatable boats for fishing in 2024. I don’t know about you, but I’m seriously impressed by the current technology.

They just keep getting better all the time.

Let me know which model you’re considering and why in the comments below.

Stay safe out there, tight lines, and happy fishing!