A watercraft will give you more water access when fishing. You will be able to reach deeper waters where trout are usually hiding, especially during the day. As you go about choosing the best inflatable boat for trout fishing, you need to consider factors such as how many users can get on board, how you will transport the watercraft to and from the water body, how you will store the watercraft, materials used to make the watercraft and more.
Inflatable boats are a convenient option for a watercraft. This is due to properties like:
- They are light, which means transportation will be easier.
- They will decrease in size when you deflate them, which saves up unit space in storage.
- The inflatable raft can easily fit in your trunk once you have deflated it, which makes it easy to transport.
- Inflatable boats are more affordable.
- Inflatable boats are durable. Original models presented challenges such as tearing or leaking, which may be caused by something as small as a hook.
- There are inflatable rafts that come with features an angler needs such as motor mounts, rod holders, gear bags and seats.
In this guide, we will use the above properties to offer a review of some of the best inflatable boats for trout fishing. They include:
- Intex Seahawk 4
- Intex Excursion 5 with air pump
- Intex Seahawk 3
- Intex Excursion 5 with Motor Mount
- OutRoad 10 ft Inflatable Dinghy
- Pexmor Inflatable Dinghy 7.5/10ft
- Max4out 10ft Inflatable Dinghy
- Intex Mariner 4
- Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Dinghy
- Best Way Trophy Runner Inflatable Fishing Pontoon
Best Inflatable Boat for Trout Fishing
1. Intex Seahawk 4
In many major purchases you make, you need to consider the brand or manufacturer aspect. Intex is a well-known and reliable manufacturer that gives customers confidence in the quality and performance of the boat. The boat comes with a high output air pump, which is the boat’s main selling feature. You will save time and money you would use to acquire a separate pump.
Intex uses tough vinyl to make the boats. This material protects your boat from possible punctures, abrasions, wear, and tear. The boat’s floor is durable and rigid. Moreover, there are four seats and an all-around grab line. This offers comfort and safety during your expedition.
You can rely on it to easily get you to great trout fishing spots as navigating the boat is easy. The boat also features a gear pouch to hold your fishing equipment, and two rod-holders at the back. It also has oar holders that will hold your oars and lets you focus more on catching the trout. This boat offers all these features at an affordable price.
Key Outstanding Features:
- A reputable brand which guarantees quality
- It comes with an inflation pump
- Two rod-holders to offer maximum comfort
2. Intex Excursion 5 with air pump
The Intex Excursion 5 will carry a group of 5 on an expedition in open waters. The group could be family or friends. It is a product that comes from a line of reliable products made by a reputable manufacturer.
Since the boat carries a relatively large group, there is little room left if it is full. This mainly applies to the fishing gear that will fit in the gear pouch. It has four-rod holders and a weight capacity of 1300 pounds. However, you will have an easier time and more comfort when there are two or three people on board. There are two inflatable chairs on two ends and a bench-like seat in the middle of the watercraft.
The boat is made of tough vinyl, which gives it durability. The United States Coast Guard has actually approved Intex Excursion 5. You can also fit a motor on the boat to enhance its movements in the water. It has three air chambers that offer extra buoyancy thanks to the presence of an auxiliary air chamber.
Key Outstanding Features:
- It has a large carrying capacity of 5 adults
- It is made of durable and robust vinyl
- It offers great value for your money
3. Intex Seahawk 3
The Intex Seahawk 3 is an inflatable boat that carries up to 3 persons. Its latest model features a high input air pump and two aluminum oars. Each of these aluminum oars measures 48 inches long. The manufacturer used Heavy duty PVC material that is also puncture-resistant to create this boat. This material assures both durability and comfort.
It has three air chambers like the Intex Excursion 5. The i-beam floor is inflatable to get a firm ground. Furthermore, the boat’s Boston valves in the high input air pump make inflation and deflation quick. You will cut on time and money costs delegated to acquire a new or separate pump.
At maximum inflation, the boat holds a maximum weight of 790 lbs and measures 9’8″ x 4’6″ x 1’5″. The boat is flexible to fishing for trout, rowing, and relaxing.
Key Outstanding Features:
- Fast inflate and deflate Boston Valves
- Has a 2-quick fill high input air pump.
- Its PVC makes it durable, rigid and comfortable
- Features three air chambers
4. Intex Excursion 5 with Motor Mount
The Intex Excursion 5 with a motor mount can hold up to 5 adults. It is quite spacious and is fit for fishing for trout or boating. The two inflatable seats have backrests that offer stability and comfort during rowing.
There are three air chambers in this boat. The boat’s hull has an auxiliary chamber, which increases the boat’s safety and buoyancy. Like many other Intex inflatable boats, this model is made using PVC material which makes the boat durable and enhances comfort. It also has a gear pouch and four fishing rod holders.
This boat also comes with a motor mount and two oars. You can assemble, inflate, deflate and disassemble in a matter of minutes. The boat package also contains a high output pump for inflation.
Key Outstanding Features:
- It features two oars and a motor mount
- Can accommodate up to 5 adults
- PVC Material used is durable and comfortable
- It comes with a high output inflation pump
5. OutRoad 10 ft Inflatable Dinghy
The OutRoad inflatable Dinghy is a 10ft fishing boat made of military-grade PVC material with three layers. Its deck is made of marine wood floors which are very durable. Thus, up to four people can stand in the boat. The dinghy’s weight capacity is 800lbs.
It has two air chambers which are separate and enhance the safety of the dinghy. Rowing is easier thanks to the built-in oarlock. It also features a deep V-Keel that has rub-strake protection. The rub-straight protectors are extra thick and protect the boat’s tubes as well. They prevent abrasions and puncture from small rocks, sand, and other materials.
The boat comes with two paddles. It is also available in multiple colors, which include black, yellow and grey.
Key Outstanding Features:
- Has a ferry capacity of 4 people
- Made using military-grade PVC with three layers
- It has Marine wood floors on the deck
- Rigid deck for stability
- It has two separate air chambers for safety purposes.
6. Pexmor Inflatable Dinghy 7.5/10ft
The Pexmor Inflatable Dinghy is a boat that is available in a couple of sizes, 7.5 ft long and 10 feet long. It is also available in Black Grey and Blue White color themes. The boat’s weight limit is 880 lbs for the 10ft dinghy and 660 for the 7.5 ft dinghy.
Its floor is made up of 5 boards joined together. They bring stability to your boat. These models are wide, and this creates more room and comfort in the dinghy. PVC fabric has been used to create the boat and it brings durable properties on the watercraft. The boat has a couple of fishing rod holders. These holders create more room in the deck and they can let you put aside your rods and engage in activities like site seeing.
The Pexmor Inflatable Dinghy carries a maximum of 4 people. You can use it to fish, surf, or boat with your loved ones.
Key Outstanding Features:
- It holds a maximum of 4 people
- It is spacious in terms of length and width.
- It comes in multiple sizes, depending on your preference.
- Durable and steady thanks to the PVC material and 5-floor boards.
7. Max4out Inflatable Dinghy
The Max4out inflatable dinghy is a 10ft long boat with 4-floor boards. It has abundant space in the deck and holds 3 to 4 people. This boat will carry a maximum weight capacity of 800 lbs. The boat’s bottom has a rub-straight protector which protects the tubes and the keel as it offers extra thickness. Small rocks, sand or any other materials will not be able to cause abrasions or punctures on your boat.
The material used is military-grade PVC with three layers. This material is resistant to wear and harm from the sun. You will have an easy time when it comes to rowing thanks to the built-in oarlock. There are separate air chambers on this dinghy to increase your safety when you are out in the water. You may use it for various activities such as fishing, snorkeling, and diving.
The boat is available in two colors; Black and Grey.
Key Outstanding Features:
- Can accommodate 3 to 4 people
- Made using military-grade PVC which is resistant to wear and tear
- There are separate air chambers to increase safety
- The boat is spacious and supports a maximum weight of 800lbs
- Built-in oarlocks.
8. Intex Mariner 4
Intex has established itself as a reliable manufacturer of inflatable boats. The Intex Mariner 4 is one of its best boats. It is spacious enough to ferry four people on the water. The two fishing rod holders help create this space.
Its oars are made of aluminum, which is durable both to time and use in water. UV resistant vinyl is also used to manufacture the boat. Your watercraft will be safe from abrasions and punctures caused by various materials like small rocks. Furthermore, the material will not crack or lose its color as a result of exposure to UV rays from the sun.
The keel is inflatable, which helps in handling and control of the boat. Its seats are also inflatable to offer comfort during your boating expedition.
Key Outstanding Features:
- It offers stability to the users
- The aluminum oars are durable and help to hold the boat
- Features a rock guard that protects it from abrasions and punctures by sand and small rocks
- Made using UV resistant and durable vinyl material
9. Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Dinghy
The Newport Vessels Sport dinghy is an inflatable boat that runs on a pretty powerful engine. Its engine has a power of 10 hp that helps it to clock a speed of more than 20 mph, which makes you feel as if you are flying on water.
It features large inflatable tubes to enhance safety, especially when riding at high speed. These tubes also provide extra buoyancy, which provides stability and steadiness, especially when steering at high speed. The boat also has a low center of gravity and this keeps you in place when the boat moves at high speed.
You should consider this boat if you want to go trout fishing in the ocean. This boat comes with a 30-day guarantee and a 2-year warranty. It also features two aluminum oars, a foot pump, a carrying bag, and a PVC hull. The foot pump is necessary to ensure that over-inflation does not occur. Its material is of top PVC quality and has been approved by the U.S Coast Guard.
Key Outstanding Features:
- The package comes with a patch and repair kit
- It has inflatable seats with contours to provide safety and comfort
- Features a drain plug
- It comes with a foot pump to avoid over-inflation
10. Bestway Trophy Runner Inflatable Fishing Pontoon
Camo is always a favorable design on your boat, especially when you are fishing for trout. They have good eyesight and you may need to be stealthy at times. The Bestway Trophy Runner is camouflaged in Realtree realistic graphics. It only has two people capacity and you can use it for solo fishing expeditions.
It has oarlocks to help you monitor your oars as you fish. Moreover, you can easily and quickly change direction thanks to the oars. The boat also features a fishing rod holder for convenience. This boat features multiple air chambers that enhance your safety. The boat’s floor is inflatable to improve your safety and comfort.
It is a comfortable boat, and you can decide just to relax and float in the water as you rest from fishing. Be careful not to fall asleep and drift away.
Key Outstanding Features:
- It has multiple separate air chambers for safety
- The package features durable aluminum oars
- The Realtree realistic graphics help camouflage the boat and increase stealth when fishing for trout
- Its floor is inflatable to enhance comfort
- It has a maximum capacity of two
Table Summary of the Best Inflatable Boats for Trout Fishing
| Model | Price |
| Intex Seahawk 4 | $86.00 |
| Intex Excursion 5 with air pump | $114.00 |
| Intex Seahawk 3 | $60.43 |
| Intex Excursion 5 with Motor Mount | $140.00 |
| OutRoad 10 ft Inflatable Dinghy | $430.00 |
| Pexmor Inflatable Dinghy 7.5/10ft | $260.00 |
| Max4out 10ft Inflatable Dinghy | $440.00 |
| Intex Mariner 4 | $247.00 |
| Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Dinghy | 869.00 |
| Bestway Trophy Runner Inflatable Fishing Pontoon | $45.00 – $60.00 |
Summary
What to Consider When Selecting An Inflatable Fishing Boat
1. Features
Inflation and deflation of the boat should be your first feature. Other features will depend on your needs. For example, you may want one with a fishing rod holder if you intend to go trout fishing. You can choose extra padded seats if you intend to use the boat only for relaxation. The Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Dinghy is a boat packed with numerous features.
2. Durability
An inflatable boat presents risks such as a puncture or wear and tear from rubbing against rocks and sand. High-quality materials such as PVC make your boat more durable.
3. Ease Of Set-Up
Ease of set up can be measured by the number of steps you take to set up, the amount of time, and the tools needed. An ideal inflatable boat is quick to inflate and deflate. Moreover, no extra tools are needed. Intex Seahawk 3 is an example of an easy to set up an inflatable boat.
4. Comfort
You want your boat to be as comfy as a canoe or kayak. The legroom and back support on your seat are indicators of comfort. A boat’s deck design will also influence its comfort. Try the Bestway Trophy Runner Inflatable Fishing Pontoon for comfort.
5. Value
The value of your boat will be an analysis of cost against other features and advantages such as durability. Intex Seahawk 4 offers great value for money.
6. Stability And Safety
Stability and safety on an inflatable boat mainly depend on the pressure in the boat. Measure it correctly and use a pump that indicates the pressure level.
7. Weight Limit/Capacity
Inflatable boats have major weight limitations compared to regular boats. How many people can it carry? What is the weight limit? For example, the Intex Excursion 5 with an air pump carries a maximum of 5 people.
8. Oars And Pump
Try to get a boat that offers both of these. It would be best if you were keen on the material and its durability.