The Best Inflatable Boats
Inflatable boats are portable on land and quick to assemble for the water, making them a great choice for holidays or day trips out of town. If you want to hit the water, we found plenty of affordable options that are great for pools and calm water. However, just because these boats don't have a solid hull, it doesn't mean that they can't survive in more adverse conditions. We also found several options that can handle a bit of rough water with ease or even equip you for a coastline cruise. Take a look at our favorite inflatable boats, and get ready for your next maritime adventure.
What to Look For
When searching for the best inflatable boat, there are several important considerations. Be sure to check the capacity and load limits before you buy if you’re planning to have a group aboard. If you’re looking for a craft for fishing, you’ll also want to be sure there’s room for some cargo on deck. Our top pick for leisure is the Intex Explorer 100. This compact vessel is an absolute bargain, and it draws on the experience of a seasoned manufacturer to offer you a long-lasting quality that outdoes most other options at this price point. If you’re looking for a dependable boat for solo adventuring, the Colorado Pontoon is one of our favorites for the job. Read on below, and you’ll be ready to hit the water in no time.
Intex Explorer 100 Inflatable Boat Series
A welcome to watercraft
Those familiar with inflatable vessels will have surely encountered the Intex name. Their inflatable boats come in a ton of shapes and sizes, from kayaks to rapid water rafts. Their best, however, is the Intex Explorer 100. This boat channels this extensive waterborne expertise into a plain and simple single-person craft, which you can call your own for an incredible bargain price. Though you won’t be crossing the Atlantic in this humble boat, it’s a great way to get started in pools or calmer waters.
Pros:
- With dual air chambers inside for safety, it can amazingly stay afloat after a puncture.
- The inflatable floor makes this boat snug and comfortable. It’s the perfect venue for a sunny nap in the pool.
- The bright orange color is easily visible in the water, giving you a clear view of children playing aboard.
Cons:
- The compact dimensions of this boat can make it a bit too tight for large adults.
Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon
A seat with a view
This heavy-duty pontoon is a trustworthy vessel if we’ve ever seen one. Indeed, Classic Accessories’ inflatable boats are made to carry you far and wide across the waters of the great outdoors. This model offers safe passage to a single explorer, thanks to a host of utilities onboard and the durable construction that’s ready to handle any eventuality. Oars come included, too, so you’ll have everything you need to get on the water.
Pros:
- This boat has ample storage, including 10 mesh pockets, 12 zippered pockets, two insulated drinks holders, and an open-air basket on the rear. This leaves plenty of room to carry fishing supplies, snacks, drinks, and more.
- The abrasion-resistant PVC bottom defends the hull from underwater debris.
- These bronze oarlocks offer three different positions for rowing, letting you find your comfort zone.
Cons:
- This professional option is one of the best out there, but you’ll notice the jump in price compared with amateur options.
Poolmaster 87320
Leisure cruiser
If you’re just looking for a simple craft for lounging and leisure, this option from Poolmaster is an inexpensive way to stay afloat. The fun sealife prints will look right at home by the poolside. You’ll be comfortable lounging atop this inflatable center seat, and the 60-inch length will accommodate most inside. Two durable oarlocks also give you the option to add your own oars, so it’s a playful introduction for younger rowers.
Pros:
- Thanks to a tow rope attached to the front, this boat can be tethered in place when not in use.
- The high inflatable sides make this boat harder to tip over than other lightweight vessels.
Cons:
- This bargain option isn’t the most durable, so using it in murky lakes and rough rivers is risky.
Newport Inflatable Dinghy
Face the ocean frontier
Serious boaters will be impressed by the range of dinghies on offer from Newport. Their heavyweight vessels aren’t your standard consumer-grade inflatable. And if you attach a motor, you’ll be ready to set forth into the high seas in no time. This professional boat requires a larger investment than leisure options, but you get a dependable quality to match the price. The resilient seafaring construction is built to last and could see you adventuring into the waves for years to come.
Pros:
- Thanks to the triple-layered polyester and anti-corrosive coated PVC, this boat can easily resist the punishment of saltwater and extreme weathering.
- The large 18-inch inflatable tubes offer unrivaled stability for when the going gets rough.
- The low-set marine wood flooring gives this dinghy a low center of gravity, so you can still achieve high speeds with cargo onboard.
Cons:
- The string holding the oar locking caps is quite short, which can make it tricky to remove them on the move.
Bestway Hydroforce Tropical Breeze Raft
Room the whole crew
Aquatic adventurers looking for a floating paradise to relax and unwind should take a look at the Hydroforce raft. This mobile vessel could offer respite from beach swimming or serve as a mobile sun lounge in larger pools. The detachable sunshade creates a cool lagoon at the rear of the raft, the perfect venue for an afternoon nap in the sun.
Pros:
- The six built-in cup holders and an onboard cooler bag let you bring the party to the water in this vessel.
- The safety grab rope attached to the front and rear and heavy-duty handles surrounding the perimeter will allow swimmers to easily climb aboard.
- The two extra-wide backrests offer a comfortable spot to rest while afloat.
Cons:
- There’s no anchor included to keep this boat secure in flowing water, and it will require a large weight to do so because of its size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill my inflatable boat without a pump?
Getting even the smallest of these inflatable boats to full capacity using your lungs alone could take hours. Some of the larger crafts come bundled with an electric or manual pump for quick inflation. Check before you buy. If it’s not included, we’d recommend equipping yourself with a pump to save time and exertion.
Can I repair my inflatable boat if it gets punctured?
There’s always a way to fill holes in the lining, but the patience it will require depends on the material of your vessel. Small punctures on lightweight inflatable rafts can often be patched up with a puncture repair kit, so we advise having one to hand in case disaster strikes.
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