In this article, we'll discuss inflatable rafts, float tubes, and pontoon boats found in our Inflatable Boats section. No matter which style you prefer, the quality of today's equipment far surpasses low-cost ones from years past which tended to come apart at the seams before the end of one summer. That's if they didn't get punctured accidently by a fingernail, lost fishing hook, dropped bottle cap, or small knife.
Inflatable rafts, float tubes, and pontoon boats we offer are much sturdier - plus, they're a great way to enjoy the water without spending a lot of money. Because they deflate to a compact size, they can be stowed and transported easily. You won't have to deal with the additional hassle and expense of trailers or carrying racks.
It's important to note that all inflatable watercraft are still susceptible to punctures from tree branches, rocks, and debris lurking just out of view under the water. For that reason, we strongly recommend keeping an inflatable boat repair kit and a small hand pump with you at all times (don't forget life vests as well). Greater caution must also be taken around rocky shore edges, especially with heavier pontoon boats that aren't so easy to pick up and carry.
All of the floatables covered here have a Class 1 river rating - which means they should be limited to use best described as, "Fast-moving current with small waves and few obstructions". In these scenarios, risk is low and self-rescue is easy.
Inflatable Rafts / Boats
Inflatable boats (often referred to as "rafts") are traditional in design, with wide elongated-doughnut shapes to maximize comfort and stability. These are best suited to recreational time on the water relaxing or fishing rather than long distance paddling. Inflatable boats are not sleek or slender to cut through the water, so forward progress for an extended period can become difficult and tiring.
Modern inflatable boats hold their shape well underneath thanks to thick reinforced flooring that can handle quite a bit of weight without deforming and sinking into the water. Some even feature removable floor plates for added rigidity. In fact, larger inflatable boats we offer are built to hold up to 1,200 pounds!
Below, we've broken our inflatable boats into recreational and fishing categories. Construction-wise, they're more or less the same. However, "angler" inflatables designed for fishing feature conveniences such as pole holders and built-in storage pouches for gear. Additionally, larger fishing boats feature dedicated mounting brackets for small motors as standard or optional equipment. That said, there's no reason you can't get an inflatable fishing boat for the purposes of installing a motor even if you don't fish.
For General Enjoyment on the Water
If a single-person setup is all you need, your best bet is the compact Airhead 1-Rider Inflatable Boat (5' x 3'4", holds 170 pounds). For 2 passengers, we've got the Sevylor Colossus 2-Rider Boat (6'10" x 3'9", holds 435 pounds) and Airhead 2-Rider Inflatable Boat (6'4" x 3'10", holds 340 pounds).
Larger inflatable recreation boats we've got include the Sevylor Colossus 3-Rider Boat (8'4" x 3'10", holds 680 pounds) for 3 passengers and the Airhead 4-Rider Inflatable Boat (9'2" x 5', holds 680 pounds) for 4 passengers.
For Fishing
For those that enjoy solo fishing, the Sea Eagle PackFish7 1-Rider Inflatable Fishing Boat (7' x 3'3", holds 300 pounds) has you well-covered with a supportive seat, room for lots of gear, and a sturdy wooden floorboard piece for standing up while casting. For 2 or 3 people, we recommend the Airhead Angler Bay 3-Rider Inflatable Boat (8' x 4'6", holds 450 pounds) that's compatible with Airhead's motor mount piece.
For 4 passengers, we've got the Sea Eagle SE9 4-Rider Fisherman's Dream Package Inflatable Motormount Boat (11' x 4'7", holds 1,200 pounds) that comes with a dedicated motor mounting plate. And for 6, there's the Airhead Angler Bay 6-Passenger Inflatable Boat (11'8" x 5'6", holds 1,200 pounds) which is also compatible with Airhead's adapter piece for adding a motor.
Float Tubes
Float tubes (also described as "kick boats") are essentially floating chairs designed for fishing where the user sits with their torso above the water level and legs submerged. Unlike traditional round tubes, U-shaped float tubes are open at the end - which makes them easier to hop out of when you need to stand in the water and work the pole.
The beauty of float tubes isn't just their simplicity and low cost, it's the fact that they allow a person to access fishing spots which are difficult to reach by shore or in a larger boat. In a float tube, you can get right into the heart of brushy shorelines loaded with trout and other fish. Then, by standing in the water, you can maintain an extremely steady and balanced position.
Because float tubes tend to be top-heavy, most experienced fisherman use them in calm lakes or rivers that are deep, wide, and slow-moving. In choppy waters, top-heaviness makes it hard to maintain stability.
For best value, we've got the Caddis Nevada U-Shaped Float Tube (225 pounds max), Classic Accessories Teton Float Tube (250 pounds max), and Caddis Teardrop Pro 2000 Float Tube (250 pounds max). These come decently equipped with built-in storage pockets, fishing rod holder, D-ring hooks, supportive backrests, stabilizer bars, and a horizontal apron piece with ruler marks for the user to conveniently measure and handle their catch.
As you look toward higher-end float tubes, you'll typically find bonus features such as adjustable backrests, extra cargo storage pockets behind seats and other areas, dedicated beverage holders, and a larger overall weight carrying capacity.
For example, the Classic Accessories Bighorn Float Tube and Togiak Float Tube have bigger dimensions to support 300 pounds. The Caddis Teardrop Premiere Plus Float Tube ups the weight limit to 325 pounds, and the Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube is rated for 350 pounds.
If your favorite fishing spot involves a hike to get to, the Classic Accessories Togiak Float Tube and Cumberland Float Tube referenced in the last paragraph both feature backpacking shoulder straps.
Pontoon Boats
An inflatable pontoon boat consists of two separate air bladder tubes connected by a metal frame with a seat that suspends the rider above water level. Because the pneumatic tubes are placed as far apart as possible, inflatable pontoon boats are more stable than float tubes - making them well-suited to bigger lakes and gentle rivers where currents or waves are a factor.
For pontoon boats, we've selected Classic Accessories brand pontoon boats because of their proven record of durability and quality construction. All of them feature heavy-duty pontoons covered with abrasion-resistant PVC and nylon materials, corrosion-resistant powder coated steel tube frames, easy-to-use air valves, adjustable foot rest legs, and more. We've listed the Classic Accessories offerings below.
Classic Accessories Roanoke Pontoon Boat
For those looking to get into a pontoon boat without spending a lot, the Classic Accessories Roanoke Pontoon Boat offers a great deal for the money. With 8-foot pontoons, 6-foot aluminum oars, and a low weight of only 43 pounds, the Roanoke is easy to carry and easy to maneuver. It's rated to support 350 pounds and comes with two easy-to-reach storage pockets along with an underseat apron for stripping fish.
If you're looking to attach a small motor, one of the Colorado models below is your best bet.
Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat
The Classic Accessories base Colorado Pontoon Boat tips the scales at 71 pounds and includes 9-foot pontoons, 7-foot aluminum oars, and a 400 pound cargo rating. A step up in price from the Roanoke model, the Colorado adds a number of comfort and convenience features that make it a great value in its own right.
As the lowest-priced of the three Colorado series pontoons, it features a 2-position motor mount and a metal basket behind the seat designed to hold a heavy battery should you choose to add an electric motor. The Colorado also adds a 6-position fishing rod holder, corrosion-resistant brass oar holders which can be anchored in 3 different positions, a stripping net to the side of the seat, 2 insulated drink holders, a detachable foam fly patch, and a padded folding seat.
Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat
The Colorado XT Pontoon Boat features the same dimensions and carrying capability of the base Colorado model. The XT adds a fold-down wheel (with pneumatic tire) for easy carrying on land along with an additional tray on the left pontoon which can be detached for easy fish stripping on your lap.
Another great bonus feature of the XT model are two pontoon-mounted cargo bags that can be detached and clipped to one another for use as a carrying case. Two detachable foam fly patches are included rather than just one.
Classic Accessories Colorado XTS Pontoon Boat
The Colorado XTS Pontoon Boat includes all standard XT features, but adds the convenience of a seat that can swivel right and left - or be locked in a fixed position.
This wraps up our look at inflatable boats. Note that we also carry a variety of inflator pumps designed to operate by electric power, foot pumping, or hand pumping.
We also encourage you to browse through other sections of RECREATIONiD where you'll find some great water sports equipment, wheeled electric toys, remote control toys as well as products for climbing, camping & hiking, fishing, optical equipment, winter sports, helpful equipment for pets, and much more. Should you have questions about anything on our website, we'll be happy to help on the phone seven days a week!