Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Brian Drew

Inflatable fishing boats are very versatile and inexpensive. They can be carried to any place and are very easy to use. They are very lightweight, making them easy to carry around. They are generally best suitable for angling. But some fishing enthusiasts also use these recreationally.

Before buying an expandable angling vessel, there are a few simple questions that need to be answered, such as:

• What is the main usage?
• What are the safety features that you need?
• How many people would be using it?
• What are the kinds of oars preferred?
• Should the vessel have a transport wheel?

Once these questions are answered, it will be fairly easy to choose the right kind of angling vessel. Generally, the different types of boats available are made with different materials. Some are made with different grades of vinyl, while some are made with durable nylon material.  Some even have some advanced technological features in them. 

Nowadays, these expandable fishing vessels are used in many ways such as for short scuba diving excursions, catching fish, whitewater rafting, Rescue boat racing, water skiing, etc. 

Below are the best 5 Inflatable boats for 2023

Best 5 Inflatable Boats	Key specifications	Full Review
Colorado XT	Length – 9 footFrame type – SteelCapacity – 400 poundsDimensions – 108″x 56″x 26″Weight – 71.5 Lbs.	Read here
Inflatable  Boats with Motor | 4-stroke 1.4HP Superior Engine Outboard Motor	Type: 4 stroke 1.4 horsepower Displacement: 37.68cc Engine:1E40F,4-stroke,air-cooled	Read here
Intex Excursion 5	Capacity – 1000 lbs.Material – Vinyl – 30 gaugeDimensions – 144″ x 66″ x 17″ Weight – 57.6 lbs.	Read here
Intex Explorer 200	Capacity – 210 lbs.Dimensions – 73″ x 37″ x 16″Material  – 14 Gauge Vinyl	Read here
Intex Seahawk 4	Capacity – 1050 lbs.Dimensions – 138.2” x 57.1” x 18.9”Weight – 46 lbs.	Read here

Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boats | Classic Accessories Colorado XT  

This one is perfect for a single fisherman. It has good storage space for various angling gear. The build of this vessel is superior and is very suitable for angling and going on lakes or rivers with a Class 1 rating. 

The entire setup takes very less time and is easy to set up. With a carrying capacity of 400 pounds, some really great quality features are incorporated. These are mentioned below.

Features:

• Removable gear bags provided the set.
• The storage space is huge which can be customized and comes with 20 pockets and two insulated drink holders.
• It has a powder-coated steel tube frame, with abrasion-resistant PVC on the bottom and durable nylon on the top.
• The 7-inch aluminum oars are held by brass oarlocks.
• A transport wheel, that makes it easy to access angling spots easily.
• Good cleat and pulley controls that can be fitted on either side of the boat.
• A multi-position rod holder.
• An adjustable cushioned seat with integrated back support.
• Wire storage and battery platform.
• Front retention cord.
• Weatherproof motor mount that can be mounted in two positions
• Detachable foam fly patches. 
• The anchor system comes with a fillable mesh bag.

Some good safety features of this pontoon, are:

• Footrests are non-slip ones.
• The stripping basket is removable.
• There is better and improved visibility as it rides high.
• Has safety labeling according to ABYC standards.

Inflatable Fishing Boats with Motor | 4-stroke 1.4HP Superior Engine Outboard Motor 

The 4-stroke 1.4HP Superior Engine Outboard Motor is an outstanding engine. An ideal match, this motor suits inflatable fishing boats, sailboats, and small yachts.  

The features that make this motor highly attractive are its durability, compact size, and easy maneuverability.  With very less noise, it makes for quiet driving. 

Best Inflatable Boats for Fishing | Intex Excursion 5, 5-Person Inflatable Boat Set  

It is a large and comfortable expandable vessel, with a seating capacity of 5 people. Mostly meant for recreational use and for catching fish, this is an ideal choice for big families. With a carrying capacity of 1000 pounds, this expandable angling vessel can easily accommodate three adults and two kids. There is good space for storage too. The ample storage space helps keep all the gear associated along with the other necessities. 

This particular expanding rubber dinghy also meets the safety standards and is US Coast Guard approved.

There are many features equipped in this lightweight angling boat. They are as follows:

Features:

• It is designed with heavy-duty PVC vinyl which is puncture-resistant.
• It has an inflatable beam floor, 2 inflatable seats with backrests, and a middle seat.
• There are three air chambers, a Boston valve, and a motor mount fitting.
• It has 4 built-in fishing rod holders, a 360-degree grab line, and a gear pouch.
• Two welded oar locks and holders are provided.
• It also has two aluminum oars which are 54 inches long.  
• A pump that makes inflating and deflating easy is also provided in the set.

The main advantages of this inflatable vessel are the compact design, good and easy storage, large and spacious seating, and safe and waterproofness.  However, the oar size could be a bit larger. 

This one is meant for fishing and boating in calm waters. It makes for an ideal option for any small family excursion. 

Small inflatable fishing boats | Intex Explorer 200, 2-Person Inflatable Boat Set    

The Intex Explorer 200 is a small expandable vessel, ideal for 2 people. Nice and compact, this boat is very affordable. This by far, is the greatest advantage of this fishing vessel.

A relatively small dinghy, this one is easy to handle, making for a really great angling experience, in calm waters. Made from 13 gauge vinyl, this expanding boat has a weight capacity of 210 pounds. One adult and a child can fit in easily. 

Some of the many good features that make up this awesomely affordable dinghy are as follows.

Features:

• It has an inflated floor, which offers rigidity.
• It has welded oar locks for greater ease in rowing.
• The 2 oars that are part of the set are 48 inches long, French oars.
• There are two air chambers.
• The vessel also comes with an all-around grab rope and a small repair patch.
• A mini air pump to inflate and deflate is also part of the accessories that are provided in the series.

Overall, this one is a nice and compact angling vessel, ideally suited for calm waters or pools. As the hull is very thin, the vessel is very lightweight and easy to carry. The repair patch that is provided is good for smaller holes. The problem arises if the holes are bigger. 

As the capacity is just 210 pounds, care should be taken and the boat should not be overloaded. But, it is definitely worth the price and makes catching fish a great fun time, on this boat. 

Cheap fishing boats | Intex Seahawk 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set  

The Intex Seahawk 4is a really good and durable boat, which is made of tough materials. This expandable vessel easily fits four people. It can be used for fishing in calm waters, recreational boating, or even as a precautionary measure in case of floods. 

The material used to make this expandable fishing vessel is a highly durable PVC Vinyl, which is 30 gauge. This makes it abrasion resistant and also impact resistant. This also does not damage easily, either due to impacts, abrasions, or sunlight.

The oars that are supplied with the set are made of aluminum. Along with the oars, this boat also has oar holders and welded oarlocks.

Quite affordable, the Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat is very spacious and an entry-level vessel. Ideally suited for casual floating, cruising, and fishing, it can fit four people comfortably. 

The various features of the Intex Seahawk are:

• It is made up of tough PVC vinyl of 30-gauge.
• It comes with good safety features – two air chambers.
• There are rear and front inflatable cushions.
• It has two holders for fishing rods located at the rear with a gear pouch.
• The set comes with an inflation pump.
• It is equipped with a grab handle on the bow and a grab line.

Easily portable, this angling vessel offers good comfort and is simple to operate. The advantages clearly outnumber the disadvantages here. 

Conclusion 

There are plenty of products available for fishing enthusiasts. While some are quite basic, there are plenty that has everything you could need in an inflatable fishing boat. Be sure of the kind of expandable angling vessel that you want and invest in something durable and well-built. 

The material that the boat is made of is another important point to consider. And if you need an ample amount of storage space, choose something that gives you neat storage space. And last, but not least, having safety gear onboard is really a good idea.