Best Inflatable Boats for Fishing
Inflatable boats are a great option for anyone who wants a boat but may not have the space or budget for a traditional boat. Today’s inflatable boats are not the same as the inflatable boats I remember from my childhood. Today’s boats are stronger, sturdier, and built to last. My family began looking into boats because we love to fish. Like many families, we did not have the money or space for a traditional boat. The inflatable boat solves all of that for us both with the low cost and the extreme portability. This guide list, what I believe, are the best boats for your money.
1. Fish Master 325 – FT325
The Fish Master 325 proves the saying that good things come in small packages. It is available from Kodiak Outback for less than $400. This boat weighs less than 50 pounds but has a five person, 900 pound capacity. Despite its large carrying capacity, the Fish Master quickly folds into a small nylon carrying bag. This fishing boat has many great features which include:
• Removable inner hull
• Wooden bench seats
• Oar holders and swivel oarlocks
• Fishing rod holder
• Water drain plugs.
• NMMA certification
The inner hull can accept a 3hp motor at the stern.
2. Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat
Intex Mariner is another great inflatable boat for under $400. The Mariner boasts a 4 person, 704 pound capacity. It is made from SUPER-TOUGH™ PVC vinyl that helps it hold up to tough use and higher pressure. The mariner offers extreme portability along with:
• Plastic flooring
• Inflatable keel
• Gear and battery pouches
• Two rod holders
• Welded on oar locks
• Rock guard
The package that Cabelas offers comes with three inflatable seat cushions, a high-output pump, and 54 inch aluminum oars. The only drawback to the Intex Mariner is its weight of 85 pounds.
3. Red Star Marine Navigator II 500 Series
The Red Star Marine Navigator is on my list of must haves for this summer. It has a holding capacity of 5 people and 836 pounds yet weighs just 57 pounds and can be folded up after use and placed in a carrying case. For less about $500, the Red Star is a great inflatable boat for fishing but can also handle up to class III white water for rafting. Some features of the Red Star Marine Navigator are:
• Rigid hull
• 2 main air chambers
• I-beam inflatable floor with drain plug
• Quick inflation and deflation valves
The Red Star also comes with 3 cushion seats, gear pouch, oars, pump and carry bag. A 3hp motor can be purchased separately.
4. Back Country Inflatable Canoe
The Back Country Inflatable Canoe offers a great choice for those looking for a two person fishing boat. When inflated, the Back Country, is the size of your average canoe but when deflated is easily placed in a relatively small duffle bag. For roughly $300, this canoe is ideal for a quick day trip to the lake or for a family camping trip. The outer shell is crafter out of 600 Denier polyester and heavy-duty tarpaulin. Its many features include:
• Two tracking fins
• Two abrasion rails on the outside
• Molded carrying handles
• D-rings along the top of the boat to tether the boat when not in use or to strap gear to the boat
5. FoldCat 440fc Inflatable Pontoon Boat
The FoldCat 440fc is the granddaddy of all inflatable boats. It is a two person inflatable pontoon boat that is nicer than any standard pontoon boat I’ve ever seen. Sold by Sea Eagle, the FoldCat is available in packages that range from $1,800 to $2,000. The only remotely negative thing I can say about the Foldcat is there is a few hours’ worth of assembly required before the initial use. With a weight of just over 100 pounds, this would not be the ideal boat for someone to use alone. The hauling capacity is 4 people or 950 pounds. With a 4 hp motor, the boat can reach speeds of 10 miles an hour. Some of the basic features of the FoldCat 440fc include:
• 2 oars and oarlocks
• Built-in motor mount for gas or electric motor
• Four air chambers
• Nylon hull carrying bag
• Quadruple overlap seams
Depending on the package purchased, you can also get up to three swivel seats in addition to the rod holders and river guide oar sets.
Whichever of these great boats you pick, you are sure to have a great time on the water this summer. As always, please remember to follow all boating and safety rules. Please wear a life jacket.
