Owning a boat can be a wonderful experience. It can also be a real pain in the neck. You’ve got a trailer that the boat needs to be on. You’ve got to figure out how to pull that trailer on local roadways. Then you’ve got to launch the boat from the trailer, perhaps pay a site fee to do so, and then afterward you’ve got the inspections, registrations, and cleaning that needs to be done.
Wouldn’t it be nice if boat ownership didn’t have to involve all of that? It can when you own one of the world’s best inflatable boats.
The Best Chart for Inflatable Boats
Inflatable boats have come a long way over the years. Before it was like sitting in an air mattress, hoping the water wouldn’t cause the boat to break. The modern inflatable boat offers a sophisticated user experience, holds multiple people, and is even the perfect venue for early morning fishing. These top-rated options prove that this is a good investment to make into yourself.
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Size of Boat [W x L x D] | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat Set | 4.2 | 66 x 144 x 17 | $$ |
 | Bestway HydroForce Voyager 1000 | 4.5 | 50 x 115 x 18 | $$ |
 | Intex Seahawk 4 Inflatable Boat Set | 4.4 | 57 x 138 x 19 | $$ |
 | Airhead Angler Bay 6 Person Inflatable Boat | 4.1 | 66 x 140 x 17 | $$$ |
 | Intex Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set | 4.2 | 57 x 129 x 19 | $$$ |
 | Bestway HydroForce Caspian Inflatable Boat | 4.6 | 51 x 91 x 13 | $$$$ |
 | Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Tender Dinghy Boat | 4.7 | 60 x 106 x 18 | $$$$$+ |
 | Intex Challenger 3 Inflatable Boat Set | 4.7 | 54 x 116 x 17 | $ |
 | Inflatable Sport Boats Killer Whale | 5.0 | 62 x 128 x 18 | $$$$$+ |
 | Intex Explorer 200 Inflatable Boat | 4.0 | 16 x 73 x 37 | $ |
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Size of Boat [W x L x D] | Price |
What Are the Advantages of the Best Inflatable Boats?
Most inflatable boats are classified as an RIB – Rigid Inflatable Boat. These boats offer a skeleton that works with an inflatable hull. This gives you more stability when you’re out on the water and creates a floor that is much more durable, even with frequent use. Yet durability is only one advantage to consider if you’re looking at the best inflatable boats as a possibility.
Here are some of the other advantages that you will want to take a look at as you look at each make and model.
- They can be used in virtually any type of water. Whether it’s a calm lake or some rough surf, most inflatable boats are able to handle the water conditions that are found near shorelines of all types.
- They offer collision resistance. Inflatable boats have a hull that may have 3-6 (or more) separate air chambers that provide the vessel with support. The thickness of the PVC resists punctures that may happen, while also providing impact support. Even if one chamber becomes compromised, the remainder of the chambers will still keep the boat afloat.
- They can be used in a variety of ways. Many households look at inflatable boats as an easy way to enjoy leisure activities on the water. This may include fishing, floating, or even tubing if the boat has a strong enough motor attached to it. Larger inflatable boats are even used by law enforcement officials and may have cabins or wheelhouses installed for user support.
The best inflatable boats are versatile vessels that can be used for virtually every recreational need. They’re even used for some professional needs. To find the best one for your needs, set your budget now so that you’ll know what features are available in the boat you can afford.
What Are the Prices of the Best Inflatable Boats?
Pricing for inflatable boats can have some good news or some bad news, depending on what your perspective happens to be. Some inflatable boats with basic features can be found for $100 or less at times. Large inflatable boats with premium features may run several thousand dollars. Either way, there is an inflatable boat that fits within your budget that you and your family will enjoy using.
What Do Our Reviews Have to Say?
Intex Excursion
This is the epitome of an affordable inflatable boat. With the ability to seat up to 5 people, you’ll have three air chambers providing you the support you need for a fun day out on the water. An auxiliary air chamber is also included to provide extra buoyancy. The design also includes an inflatable I-beam floor that gives you some added stability and comfort. Welded oar locks are placed on either side as well. It’s not fitted for an outboard, but for some light paddling out on a lake for early morning fishing? This is perfect.
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
HydroForce Voyager
This is an extra strong, 3-ply reinforced inflatable boat that includes inflatable cushions for some extra support. It’s large enough for two adults and one child to enjoy comfortably and includes integrated fishing rod holders and paddle ring with the design. The aluminum oars and an air pump are also included with the purchase price. You’ll be able to inflate this boat in just minutes and then spend all day out on the water if you wish. We strongly recommend checking out the sail kit option as well to explore more ways to use one of the best inflatable boats on the market today.
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
Airhead Angler
This 6-person inflatable boat includes an inflatable floor and a movable seat so that everyone can be as comfortable as possible. Two rod holders are built into the design, as are the paddle rings, so that you can quickly and safely make it out to your special fishing spot. We really appreciated the electronically welded seams, which seem to provide this inflatable boat with some added strength compared to other models. Wrap around guide lines are also included and the heavy duty vinyl is 32 gauge, so it is very puncture resistant as well.
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
Newport Vessels Dinghy
If you want an inflatable boat that can be outfitted with a motor, then this is the boat for you. It is created with USCG-rated triple-layers 1,100D PVC and a special coating which makes it suitable as a sport boat tender. It also deflates down so that it can be carried along in a standard storage bag. You’ll get a foot pump with this boat, but we recommend making an investment into a battery-operated pump for better results. Nearly 9 feet in length, with a maximum load rating of over 1,000 pounds, this boat is an affordable investment you’re going to love using time and time again.
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
Inflatable Sport Boats Dinghy
Out of all the inflatable boats in this category, this one is the best of the best. It’s nearly 11 feet long, has welded seems that are guaranteed to combat saltwater, and offers aluminum bench seats that won’t make you feel unstable when cruising with this strong, but light boat. The Manufacturer Certification of Origin is also included so that boat registration doesn’t have to be a headache. It seats 5 with a maximum load rating of 1,268 pounds, so everyone in the family can enjoy some time on the water. If you’ve been wanting a good boat to have a lot of fun, but don’t want to deal with all of the trailering and storage issues a boat tends to entail, then this is the one you will want to own right now.
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
A Quick Guide to Inflatable Boats
Many tend to either love inflatable boats or hate them. When you’ve purchased a bad inflatable boat, then you’ve known the heartache of having a lumpy piece of junk that takes up space in your garage and smells like the ocean puked all over your house.
Yet when you own one of the best inflatable boats, you have a convenient powerboat that gives you maritime freedom without large ongoing costs.
How can you make sure that you love your inflatable boat instead of hating it? It starts by reviewing the best inflatable boat reviews to make sure you get a good picture of the vessel’s performance before purchase. Some boats are going to flex more than others if you throttle them up. Some will pop the equivalent of a boat wheelie. If you don’t want that, then the reviews will give you some forewarning.
You’ll also want to consider these design differences to make sure that you’re getting the best inflatable boat for your specific needs.
- Hypalon Vs PVC. Many inflatable boats are constructed with PVC because it offers an affordable, lightweight user experience. Recent innovations in PVC have also made new boat materials much stronger. Hypalon is robust, but heavy. If you want a heavy duty RIB, then Hypalon is the right choice for you. For recreational use, PVC with a good thread count is a better option.
- Rigid Slats Vs Air Decking. Some inflatable boats, especially those with entry-level pricing, promote having an “air deck” for its floor. Air decking gives your ride some added softness and won’t be tough on your knees. Rigid flooring gives your boat a floor “skeleton,” so the vessel will have less flexing during acceleration.
- Additional Features. Inflatable boats should offer some basic accessories, even if you are looking at a fairly basic model. This may include a repair kit, oars, upgradable seats, carrying bags, and a pump. The best inflatable boats will have multiple air chambers, an inflatable thwart, and some optional fins or tabs.
Some inflatable boats are also designed so that you can fit an outboard motor to them. If you plan on purchasing an inflatable boat this large, then it may be a good idea to provide portable electric power to improve stowage and transport of the vessel. If you are purchasing a RIB, then you may still need to have a trailer for transport as well.
Roll-up inflatables can fit into spaces that are as small as a vehicle trunk. It all depends on what your boating needs happen to be.
How Can I Find the Best Inflatable Boat?
To find the best inflatable boat for your needs, you’re going to need to ask yourself a few questions. This is because every inflatable boat has the potential of being the best boat for you – assuming that the manufacturer makes it seaworthy, that is. Some inflatable boats can be pretty fragile and that doesn’t make them suitable for frequent use.
- What activities do you plan to enjoy while out on your boat? An inflatable boat for fishing needs different features than an inflatable boat for exploring a bay or a cove.
- How fast do you want your boat to be? Hooking up an outboard motor to some inflatable boats is just a bad idea. Other inflatable boats can be virtually impossible to move using only manpower.
- How many people are going to be using the boat? Many roll-up inflatable boats are intended for 1-2 users. Larger models might offer space for 3. Entry-level RIBs might give you space for up to 6.
It is important to remember that a cheap inflatable rubber boat is not going to offer the same performance as a top-of-the-line RIB. You’re not going to receive a first class experience when you’re shopping in coach. Expecting a cheap inflatable to perform the same as a boat with a wheelhouse is unreasonable, yet is the reason behind so many negative reviews in this category.
Are You Ready to Explore in Today’s Best Inflatable Boats?
Inflatable boats have come a long way in a short period of time. It wasn’t that long ago when an accidental toothpick exposure could sink your boat. Now you can purchase a roll-up inflatable that you can take camping with you, out to your local lake, or even to low-wave ocean shores and have a great time without needing to bring along the trailer.
Yet you can also invest into a RIB-style of inflatable boat and receive the traditional boating experience if you wish. These boats are easy to maintain, cost very little to operate, yet allow you to explore as much as you want.
In order to find the right vessel for you, the first step is to explore the best inflatable boat reviews. Look to see how reliable the model happens to be. If something happens to it, will it be easy to repair? How many people can it hold? Is there a weight tolerance limit that cannot be exceeded?
From there, look to the features that you’re going to need. If you love fishing, then you have very different needs than if you plan to use one of the best boating tubes with your vessel. Look for a model that will effectively meet your needs on a consistent basis.
Then your job is simple: enjoy your brand new boat.
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