Inflatable Boat

Regardless of the reason why you are interested in buying a blow-up boat, whether it be to go out fishing or to simply sit and relax in the soothing environment on water, what you must make sure is for the boat you do end up purchasing to be of a good quality. In the following, we will show you what are the best boats that you need to inflate in order to use. By doing this, we will help you make a safe and reliable pick without having to do too much research and waste your precious time.

Top 5 Inflatable Boats Comparison

	1. Newport Vessels 9’6″ Del Mar	2. Ancheer Inflatable 10’8″	3. Pinty INB-0108 Premium	4. HydroForce Caspian Pro 9’3″	5. Sea Eagle SE9
	BEST MODEL		OUR CHOICE
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
General Information
Brand	Newport Vessels	Ancheer	Pinty	Bestway	Sea Eagle
Total Dimensions (L x W)	114″ x 60″	128″ x 57″	128″ x 54″	110″ x 60″	132″ x 56″
Interior Dimensions (L x W)	77″ x 24″	N/A	86″ x 25.6″	N/A	90″ x 28″
Weight	116 Lbs	136.7 Lbs	108 Lbs	99.7 Lbs	38 Lbs
Floor	Aluminum Framed Marine Wood	Non-Skid Aluminum with 2-Side Jointers	12.5mm Thick Aluminum	Marine-Grade Aluminum Alloy	Double Layered Reinforced 4″ Thick I-Beam
Build Material	1100 Denier Korean PVC	Triple Layer 0.9mm PVC	1100 Denier 0.9mm PVC	Heavy Grade PVC	K80 PVC
Tube Diameter	18″	18″	15″	N/A	15″
Specifications
Type	Dinghy	Dinghy	Dinghy	Dinghy	Raft
Passenger Capacity	4 Adults	4 Adults + 1 Child	5 Adults + 1 Child	3 Adults + 1 Child	4 Adults
Number of Chambers	4	4	4	4	4
Maximum Load Capacity	1124 Lbs	1102 Lbs	1366 Lbs	1058 Lbs	1200 Lbs
Recommended Motor Paring	9.9 HP	15 HP	15 HP	10 HP	3 HP
Approximate Speed	17 MPH	20 MPH	20 MPH	17 MPH	6 MPH
Inflation Time	≃15 Minutes	≃15 Minutes	≃15 Minutes	≃15 Minutes	≃15 Minutes
Deflation Time	≃5 Minutes	≃5 Minutes	≃5 Minutes	≃5 Minutes	≃5 Minutes
Recommended Tube Pressure	3.6 PSI	3.62 PSI	3.9 PSI	3.65 PSI	3 PSI
Features
Antifraying
Exposure Resistant
Corrosion Proof
Puncture Resistant
Included Accessories
Inflation Pump
Carrying Bag
Oars
Towrope				N/A
Repair Kit
Warranty&Support
Product Warranty	2 Years	1 Year	N/A	1 Year	3 Years
Customer Support
User Manual

Marine Inflating Boats Reviews

Newport Vessels 9’6″ Del Mar

1. Newport Vessels 9’6″ Del Mar

Size is what matters most for people when they look for a blow-up boat, so it is easy to see why the Newport Del Mar model made it all the way to number one in our top as it measures an impressive 9 feet and 6 inches in length. The dimensions that it delivers on the interior make it spacious enough for you to comfortably sit when you are on the water, measuring 77 inches in length and 24 inches in width. This high-quality inflatable dinghy can support a maximum of 4 adults in it at once, the maximum load capacity that it can handle being 1124 pounds.

The type of motor that is recommended you use with it is a 9.9 HP model, and when the maximum load capacity is met, the boat is capable of reaching speeds of up to 17 miles per hour if you are using the appropriate engine. What you will love about it is the fact that it is versatile, functioning great even when a smaller motor is installed or an electric trolling motor.

The aluminum framed marine wood flooring of the dinghy ensures stability, safety, and durability, so there is no need to worry about its construction at all. Also, considering the fact that the build material used to manufacture it is 1100 denier Korean PVC, it is surely an investment that will be by your side for many years. Additionally, it is exposure resistant and puncture resistant, so there are few chances that it might ever get damaged.

Ancheer Inflatable 10’8″

2. Ancheer Inflatable 10’8″

This high-quality inflatable dinghy boat from Ancheer has all the qualifications to be among the top products on its market. First of all, we must mention the fact that it measures an impressive 10 feet and 8 inches in length, which shows just how spacious and imposing the boat is. The interior dimensions will surely astonish you as well considering the fact that it measures 128 inches in length and 57 inches in width on the interior.

Due to this spacious interior design, it is actually capable of seating 4 adults and 1 child as long as the loading capacity does not exceed 1102 pounds. When it comes to the type of motor that is recommended to be used for it, you should go with a 15 HP model. If you add this type of engine, when the capacity of the boat is full, it will be able to reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. It won’t take long at all for you to inflate the boat with the help of the pump that it comes with, the procedure taking approximately 15 minutes.

When it comes to the deflation time, it is short as well, taking approximately 5 minutes. As expected from a high-quality inflatable dinghy, it is puncture and exposure resistant, so you do not have to worry about its durability. Additionally, to further strengthen the fact that it is a reliable investment to go with, you should know that it is made with triple layer 0.9-millimeter PVC, while the flooring is made with non-skid aluminum.

Pinty INB-0108 Premium

3. Pinty INB-0108 Premium

This inflatable dinghy from Pinty is one of the most practical options to go with, serving well regardless of the type of activity you want to perform while using it. What needs to be highlighted as it is extremely important is the fact that this is one of the most spacious models on its market, measuring an impressive 128 inches in length and 54 inches in width in total, and 86 inches in length and 25.6 inches in width on the interior.

This impressive design makes the boat capable of accommodating 5 adults and 1 child with ease, as long as the passengers do not weigh more than 1366 pounds together. The recommended motor paring for this boat is a 15 HP model, so speed is another perk to be enjoyed with it. When the boat is full, you will be able to reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour if you go with the recommended engine size. Considering the fact that time is extremely valuable, we have to praise the INB-0108 Premium for the fact that it takes only about 15 minutes to inflate it and 5 minutes to deflate it with the help of the pump that it comes with.

To ensure durability and reliability, the construction that it boasts makes it corrosion proof, puncture resistant, and highly resistant to the elements. In addition, the flooring that it features is made from 12.5-millimeter thick aluminum, while the construction of the boat itself is made with 1100 denier 0.9-millimeter PVC.

HydroForce Caspian Pro 9’3″

4. HydroForce Caspian Pro 9’3″

One of the most impressive highlights of the Caspian Pro 9’3” model is the fact that this inflatable dinghy boat features no less than 4 chambers, 3 for the tube and 1 for the kneel. This translates into superior buoyancy that is highly needed when you are on the water. Although it is not the largest boat in our top, it is spacious enough to comfortably fit 3 adults and 1 child at the same time. It actually measures 110 inches in total length and 60 inches in total width, so it is easy to understand why space won’t be too big of a problem with it.

The marine-grade aluminum alloy that the flooring is made from ensures durability. Also, the durability aspect is highly strengthened by the heavy grade PVC build material that it boasts. The maximum loading capacity of the dinghy boat is 1058 pounds, which is more than enough even for those who want to use it for fishing and who are very passionate about their hobby, trying to catch as many fish as possible when they are on the water.

The recommended motor paring for this boast is a 10 HP model, so it will be able to provide speeds of up to 17 miles per hour when using the appropriate engine. It takes only 15 minutes to inflate the boat and 5 minutes to deflate it with the help of the pump that accompanies the product. Additionally, after realizing what an impressive construction it actually boasts the fact that it is exposure and puncture resistant should not come as a surprise at all.

Sea Eagle SE9

5. Sea Eagle SE9

It is almost impossible to make a top with the best blow-up boats without including a model produced by the renowned Sea Eagle company as it is one of the market leaders. The SE9 is the perfect example of excellence as it not only delivers a great overall design, a quality, durable construction, but it comes at a rather affordable price as well. With this multi-purpose inflatable, you will be able to do whatever you want on the water, activities like fishing, yacht tending, rowing, and mild whitewater rafting finally being accessible to you.

It measures an impressive 132 inches in length and 56 inches in width in total and 90 inches in length and 28 inches in width on the interior. These generous interior dimensions allow it to accommodate a maximum of 4 adults at once, the maximum loading capacity that it delivers being 1200 pounds. The 4 chambers that it features provide a superior buoyancy in order for your experience when using it to be just perfect. Unfortunately, there is a minor downside to this model when compared to the other boats that we previously reviewed, more precisely that it is recommended to pair it with a 3 HP motor.

This means that the maximum speeds it can reach are not as impressive, the approximate speed of the inflatable raft being only 6 miles per hour. Nonetheless, considering the high-quality K80 PVC construction and the double layered reinforced 4-inch thick I-Beam construction of the flooring, speed should not be a big impediment as durability is guaranteed.

Intex Explorer 200

6. Intex Explorer 200

With a weight capacity up to 210 pounds, the Explorer 200 can accommodate 2 people at once without a problem. This is the best-selling product on the market for all the right reasons, people adoring it as it not only comes at an incredibly cheap price, but provides an enhanced durability which ensures years of use before anything actually happens to the boat.

It is made of 13-gauge PVC plastic, this construction ensuring it is puncture resistant. It features a comfortable inflatable floor on which you can sit for hours and relax. It comes with an air pump that you can use to easily inflate the boat when you want to use it, a repair patch for emergency situations, and two 48-inch French oars for paddling. The welded oar locks on the boat provide stability when you are paddling so that you won’t get tired too quick.

When it is inflated, the boat measures 73 inches in width, 16 inches in height, and 37 inches in depth, so there is enough room to sit comfortably inside it. Furthermore, the manufacturing company backs it with a 2-year warranty against defects.

Intex Excursion 5

7. Intex Excursion 5

If this is not your first time buying an inflatable, then you are already accommodated with the superior quality provided by the products Intex releases, one of the leading companies on this market. The Excursion 5 is proof of Intex’s devotement to quality, this boat boasting a rugged construction which ensures it will not be perforated easily. Furthermore, it manages to remain comfortable despite the strong construction, its I-Beam floor providing you with a great surface to sit on while still putting safety first.

It features 3 air chambers which ensure maximum buoyancy, thus guaranteeing you will stay afloat during the ride. As the name suggests, it is designed to be used by a maximum of 5 people at a time. It features two inflatable seats which are spacious enough for two people to sit on them. Also, these seats feature convenient backrests which make the experience on water even more comfortable.

It features Boston valves on the two hull chambers, thus allowing quick times when it comes to inflating and deflating the boat. Furthermore, the manufacturing company, Intex, backs the inflatable for 2 years. Thus, if anything does happen to it during this period of time, it will be replaced or repaired if possible without you being charged.

Blow-Up Boats – Interesting Facts

Inflatable boats have become the preferred choice of people who live near water as they are much less expensive than yachts and classic boats. Also, modern models deliver a durable construction that ensures they will not puncture or get damaged easily, thus being reliable and long-lasting investments. There is an array of perks to be enjoyed with these inflatables, but we will debate this specific subject in another section of the article.

The lightweight boats feature sides and bow made from flexible tubes that contain pressurized gas. When it comes to the main types of inflatable dinghies, you can opt for soft inflatables and rigid inflatables. But, as you will see later in the article, there are more classifications for these boats, these two types strictly referring to the rigidness of the construction.

The speed and portability that the dinghies deliver are what makes them one of the most desirable options to go with. You will be capable to deflate them and inflate them at the specific location where you are going, so not much space will be occupied in the car by them. Additionally, they can be used for a wide variety of experiences, like fishing, short scuba diving excursions, yacht tending, and so on.

Basically, they are the most versatile and convenient types of boats to go with, so if you are planning on spending a big portion of your free time on water, we recommend that you give these inflatables a try rather than having to spend a ton of money on a classic, traditional boat or yacht.

Looking for the Right Boat – How to Proceed

As you have already figured out up to this point, the possibilities are limitless when you have an inflating boat. Of course, your capability of performing the activities that you want with the inflatable depends mostly on the quality of the boat. Therefore, it is mandatory that you make the right purchase. To make your life easier, we have written this section of the article where you will find useful guidelines to help you reach the best decision possible.

• Decide What Type You Want to Go With

According to their functionality, size, construction, and other important design and performance elements, there are 5 main types of boats, more precisely inflatable dinghies, inflatable rafts, inflatable kayaks, inflatable pontoon boats, and inflatable sports boats. Before you start your search for the inflatable, we recommend that you take your time and analyze what each type of boat has to offer and what characterizes it so that you know for sure what type of inflatable you must look for. This is going to make your shopping experience a lot easier and will be less likely to make a wrong choice as well.

• Check Out the Passenger Capacity

One of the main aspects to look into when making the purchase is the passenger capacity that the boat delivers. Take into consideration how many people you usually take with you on your fishing or rafting trips, and search for a boat that is compatible with this number. Generally, inflatables that can accommodate a bigger amount of passengers come at a more expensive price. This is an aspect that you must be aware of as it might affect your final decision, having to compromise if your budget is not big enough for big a capacity boat.

• Make Sure That the Interior Dimensions Suit Your Needs

Regardless whether you are planning to use the boat all by yourself or if you take friends and loved ones with you, an element that you have to pay attention to is what the interior dimensions of the inflatable are. We recommend that you invest in a model that delivers a generous width so that you may sit comfortably inside it.

• Look For a Quality, Durable Build

Obviously, the durability and the quality of the boat’s construction is one of the most important aspects that you have to take into consideration when you go shopping. After all, you would not want to end up buying a boat that you will have to throw away 1-2 years later as it has corroded or it has been punctured. When it comes to manufacturing quality, we recommend that you invest in a boat that features an aluminum floor and a reliable heavy grade PVC construction.

• Do Not Forget to Check the Inflation and Deflation Times

Convenience is one of the key advantages that convince people to invest in inflatable dinghies, the high level of convenience being provided by the fact that the user can deflate the boat in order to carry it more easily in the car. For you to be assured of the fact that your money is being spent on a quality product, make sure that the inflation and deflation times are as short as possible. A high-end inflatable should fully inflate in approximately 15 minutes and deflate in around 5 minutes, not wasting a big portion of your time.

Is It Worth Purchasing?

All blow-up boats differ from each other when it comes to fine details in their design or overall performance, but what they all have in common is the fact that they come with a plethora of advantages. In this section of the article, we will present to you the reasons why it is worth investing in an inflatable dinghy. Thus, whatever doubt you had regarding making the investment will surely go away.

• Generous Loading Capacity

Although you are tempted to think that the inflatable is not capable of carrying large weights, this is as far away from the truth as possible. As a matter of fact, the buoyancy of the tubes along with the structure of these boats makes them capable of holding impressive weights. Therefore, if you are a fisher, you do not have to worry that the dinghy will not be capable of accommodating your tackle boxes. Also, if you have a large family and you want to enjoy your free time together on the water looking at the beautiful skies and breathtaking sceneries, the inflatable will safely accommodate you all without a problem. Generally, the loading capacity of these boats ranges from 1000 pounds to 1500 pounds, depending on factors like construction quality and size.

• Fuel Efficiency

Due to the fact that these boats are extremely lightweight when compared to their traditional counterparts, they require smaller engines to propel them. Due to this precise reason, inflatables actually consume less fuel when they run. As time passes, this important advantage becomes even more crucial as it shows you are going to save a lot of money. Also, you will participate in helping save the environment as you won’t be using a boat that practically eats fuel in large proportions.

• Safe and Stable

When you are on the water, safety and stability are two factors that you must pay the most attention to. Despite the fact that the term “inflatable” lets you think that the boat is not too stable, with the modern, high-end models on the market this is not an issue at all. Featuring large buoyancy tubes on each side as well as a flat and stable bottom, the craft delivers an impressive stability that guarantees complete safety when using it. Additionally, the tubes that the inflatables feature enhance the ability to absorb large waves as well, making for a much more comfortable ride as you will not feel agitated when the conditions are a bit harsher.

• Convenience

The fact that these boats are inflatable shows that you can deflate them when they are not in use. Thus, it will be easy for you to carry them in your car when you are leaving home for a much-awaited fishing trip or rafting session. When deflated, the boats fit perfectly in the boot of the car or they can even be fixed to the roof rack, so regardless of how big or small your car is, you will not have trouble finding a storage space for the inflatable.

• Multi-Functionality

Generally, traditional boats serve a single purpose, being specially designed for fishing, sailing, or rowing. With inflatable dinghies, this is not the case as there is no actual limitation to how you can use them. Therefore, regardless of the type of activity that you are interested in, whether it be sailing, cruising, fishing, yacht tending, going through the rapids, or anything else that comes to mind, the inflatable is the boat that you can fully rely on. This multi-functionality is one of the biggest strong points of inflatables, one that usually convinces people to invest in them the fastest.

• Affordable

As opposed to their traditional counterparts, inflatable dinghies deliver another important advantage, more precisely the fact that they are not as expensive. Of course, you will have to spend a few hundreds of dollars if you are going to purchase a high-end model, but with a large market in front of you, it is guaranteed that you will easily find the perfect boat for your budget. Therefore, these inflatables are accessible to a wider range of customers, which is good news considering the fact that no one likes to spend money uselessly on a traditional boat and enjoy the same experience as they would have if they were to purchase an inflatable one.

Detailed Presentation – Blow-Up Boats Types

Generally speaking, inflating boats actually fall into two main categories when it comes to their construction, more precisely rigid boats and soft boats. However, this is a generalized representation that does not say too much about the boats. When digging deeper, you will actually discover that there is quite a wide variety of types of inflatables, each type differing from the other when it comes to fabric, size, and construction. In this section of the article, we will present to you the types of inflatables to offer you a better understanding of what you will encounter on this market and to allow you to more easily choose the right type of boat for your needs.

• Dinghies

Inflatable dinghies are usually lighter and smaller than other types of inflatables. Also, they are cheaper, being the preferred option for most customers due to their more reasonable pricing. If the purpose that you intend to use the boat for is to go on small fishing trips or other similar activities where you won’t go with too many people and you will not carry gear that is too heavy, you should give the dinghy a try.

• Rafts

Inflatable rafts are characterized by flat bottoms and a lack of transom. They come in a variety of sizes and are usually made with either cheap vinyl or heavy-duty materials. Obviously, the construction of the inflatable raft is the factor with the biggest importance when it comes to the pricing of the boat. Therefore, if you do not have a lot of money to spend on the inflatable and you want to purchase a raft, you have to opt for a model that does not deliver an impressive construction.

• Pontoon Boats

Inflatable pontoon boats are basically a platform that is suspended between two floating tubes of large dimensions. The design of this inflatable requires for the passenger to sit on the tubes, thus being the target of splashes and waves. This type of inflatable is recommended for small fishing trips or for those who just like to spend their time and relax on the water, not being designed for more serious and demanding types of activities.

• Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks come in a variety of sizes and they are made from different types of materials, the quality of the kayak depending on the sum of money that you are willing to spend on the inflatable. What makes these inflatables the best choice for those who are into kayaking is the fact that they are easy to inflate, set up, carry, and pack, being a lot more convenient than their traditional counterparts.

• Sports Boats

Inflatable sports boats are very durable as they are made for heavy-duty recreational activities. If you want to experience sitting in the water for hours on end, it is best to go with this type of inflatable. Just know that it is more expensive, the price rising considerably as the toughness of the fabric increases. Basically, the bigger the weight of the fabric is, the more expensive the inflatable becomes.

Rating the Boats – What We Took Into Consideration

Having a wide selection of inflatable boats in front of us did not ease our work at all when it came to deciding what the best models are and how we should rank them. Knowing what are the essential elements to judge the quality of the inflatables, we were able to depict a perfect portrayal of the best boats on the market at the moment. In this section of the article, we will show you how we rated the inflatable dinghies in order to help you understand why we made these specific choices. Also, as you will be aware of how we rated the products and why you will have an easier time deciding what is the best option for you to go with.

• Total and Interior Dimensions

The dimensions of the boat are important as they not only show the passenger capacity that they boast but how comfortable the passengers will sit inside them as well. The total dimension of the inflatable is not as important as the interior dimension, a fact that we were aware of when rating the products. When it comes to the interior dimensions, the element of the biggest importance is the width as it shows how comfortable you will sit. From this point of view, the boat that received the highest rating was the Sea Eagle SE9 that measures an impressive 28 inches in width on the interior.

• Floor Construction

The quality of the floor’s construction shows how safe and stable the inflatable actually is. As you will notice when checking out the comparison table at the beginning of the article, all the boats featured in our top are made with thick, high-quality aluminum, ensuring complete safety for those who are going to use them when they go fishing or cruising.

• Build Material

The quality of the build material used in the manufacturing of the inflatables shows how durable they are. Of course, we could not skip on this rating criterion as it best reflects the overall quality of the boat. We made sure for all of the products that appear on our top to be made with the highest quality materials, more precisely heavy grade PVC with a high denier rating.

• Passenger Capacity

It is important for the inflatable to sit as many people as possible in it at once as it shows that it will be good to use regardless of the situation. All of the models featured in our top are capable of accommodating at least 4 adults, but the boat that scored the most points when it came to this rating criterion was the Pinty INB-0108 Premium that can handle a maximum of 5 adults and 1 child at the same time.

• Maximum Load Capacity

The maximum load capacity shows what is the maximum weight that the inflatable can handle carrying. It is important for the loading capacity to be as high as possible, thus allowing the passenger or passengers to carry fishing gear or other items without worrying about safety. When it came to this rating element, the biggest score was received by the Pinty INB-0108 Premium that can carry up to 1366 pounds without a problem.

• Inflation and Deflation Times

For the boat to be as convenient to use as possible, it must inflate and deflate in a short amount of time. All of the inflatables that appear on our top fully inflate in approximately 15 minutes and they fully deflate in about 5 minutes. Therefore, not a lot of time will be lost on these two tasks and you will be able to enjoy the experience of fishing or whatever other activity you take up to its fullest.

• Motor Paring and Speed

For each of the inflatables that appear on our top, there is a specific type of motor that is recommended to use. Also, the design and construction of the boats combined with the recommended motor paring lead to an approximation of the speed that they can reach. The models that boast the best stats from this point of view are the Pinty INB-0108 Premium and the Ancheer Inflatable 10’8″ that can reach a speed of approximately 20 miles per hour if paired with a 15 HP motor.

Top Brands on the Market

As with any market out there, when it comes to inflatable dinghy, there are a few brands that generally release higher quality products than others. It is important for you, as a customer who is interested in purchasing an inflatable, to be aware of what are these major brands as you have fewer chances of making the wrong investment if you buy from a trustworthy company. In the following lines, we will present to you the brands that have gained notoriety for designing and manufacturing the best inflatable dinghies out there, so you should continue to read and inform yourself on this aspect.

• Newport Vessels

Newport Vessels is a company that has been founded in 2008, since then dominating the market for inflatables due to the wide selection of boats that it offers and to the high quality of the products sold. Inspiring outdoorsmen to enjoy the experience on the water at its fullest, the company takes pride in manufacturing durable, fast, and reliable inflatable dinghies. The inflatables sold by this company come in various sizes, so you are sure to find the right one for you. Also, the boats are ideal for different types of activities, including cruising the open water and finishing, and they inflate and deflate in a matter of minutes.

• Sea Eagle

Sea Eagle is one of the oldest and most renowned companies on the market for inflatables, being founded way back in 1968. The family owned and operated business has seen an impressive success since its inception due to the fact that the owners actually take pleasure into designing and manufacturing boats. Also, they like to test the products themselves in order to learn at first hands what improvements are needed, making the right changes and keeping customers constantly satisfied with the purchases they have made.

• Bestway

The Bestway company was founded in 1994 and it specializes in the supply and production of inflatable leisure and sporting products. The company not only focuses on delivering a wide variety of products for interested customers, but it puts an accent on developing new and interesting designs that make the experience of using their products more fun and safe. Also, Bestway in one of the manufacturers that actually take into consideration the fact that not all customers have the same possibilities, ensuring the satisfaction of all people regardless of their earnings by delivering accessibly-priced products to them.