Boats

Best Inflatable Dinghy Boats for 2023

Chris King
By

We round up and review the best inflatable Boats and Dinghies on the market and buying guides to help you decide what is important and what you should consider when looking to buy a inflatable boat.

Best Inflatable Dinghy Boats for 2023

Inflatable dinghies are an excellent choice for boaters who want a versatile and durable vessel that can be used for a variety of activities. While inflatable kayaks and canoes have been around for many years, inflatable dinghies are a relatively new option that has gained popularity in recent years.

Best Inflatable Dinghies Comparison

Inflatable dinghies are typically made from PVC or another type of synthetic material that is resistant to punctures and abrasion. They are also very stable, making them ideal for fishing, exploring the shoreline, or simply relaxing on the water. Best of all, inflatable dinghies can be deflated and stored in a small space when not in use, making them an ideal option for boaters with limited storage space.

Editors Pick
Intex Mariner 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Intex 68325EP Excursion Inflatable 5 Person Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Raft Set with 2 Aluminum Oars & High Output Air Pump for Lakes & Mild Rivers, Gray
Intex Mariner 3, 3-Person Inflatable Dinghy Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for River and Lake Fishing and Boating
Great Value
Intex Seahawk 4, 4 Person Inflatable Floating Boat Raft Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Passengers
4
5
3
4
Capacity Weight
880 lbs
1320 lbs
880 lbs
814 lbs
Length
129"
145"
9ft 9"
11ft 6"
Width
57"
66.14"
4ft 2"
4ft 9"
Oars
Pump
Editors Pick
Intex Mariner 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Passengers
4
Capacity Weight
880 lbs
Length
129"
Width
57"
Oars
Pump
Intex 68325EP Excursion Inflatable 5 Person Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Raft Set with 2 Aluminum Oars & High Output Air Pump for Lakes & Mild Rivers, Gray
Passengers
5
Capacity Weight
1320 lbs
Length
145"
Width
66.14"
Oars
Pump
Intex Mariner 3, 3-Person Inflatable Dinghy Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for River and Lake Fishing and Boating
Passengers
3
Capacity Weight
880 lbs
Length
9ft 9"
Width
4ft 2"
Oars
Pump
Great Value
Intex Seahawk 4, 4 Person Inflatable Floating Boat Raft Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Passengers
4
Capacity Weight
814 lbs
Length
11ft 6"
Width
4ft 9"
Oars
Pump

The Intex Mariner 4 Person Inflatable Boat

The Intex Mariner Inflatable boat is just the thing if you’re looking to spend a fun and exciting day on the water. This durable raft is one of the best inflatable boats on the market, and seats 4 comfortably, even leaving room for the family pup, beverages and snacks Manufactured with  a molecular dense, PVC plastic vinyl, you’ll find that this raft is UV-resistant, which means your raft won’t suffer from the harmful effects of the sun, such as fading or cracking.

Our Choice
Intex Mariner 4
Our Rating
Great for boating or fishing with friends, this roomy Pro Series boat is designed for three adults. Extra reinforcements include a keel rock guard and heavy-duty, extruded plastic flooring for stability and rigidity.
Buy on Amazon

This practical and tough inflatable boat has no problem taking you and yours for a gentle rafting excursion down a river, lake or pond. In fact, some customers state that they’ve taken it to the ocean. Don’t worry if the waters get a bit choppy, as your Intex Mariner 4 will probably be able to handle it. However, while it’s rock guard can deal with a few impacts, this is not a raft to run the rapids.

Easy to inflate and deflate, you’ll quickly learn to appreciate the sturdiness of the four Boston valves, as well as its inflatable keel. The Mariner 4 has a weight capacity of up to 880 pounds, can seat 4 passengers and have room enough for some light gear. Transport to the waters edge is also easy, as no trailer is needed. Just plunk it into the trunk of your car, arrive at your destination, and inflate. Your purchase includes a manual pump, which can get you off and on the water in around 10 minutes.

This unit is also made using the robust PVC material, and the inner construction of the unit is durable enough to mitigate the effects of repeated use. This four person raft is also made using heavy duty extruded plastic flooring that provides sufficient rigidity without causing any compromise on your comfort levels. The inflatable keel provides improved control and handling and the quick fill and fast-deflate Boston valves make it ideal for taking on the outdoors.

  • Item weight – 30 pounds
  • Seat-back mesh stuff pocket
  • Extra comfortable thickly padded seat
  • Hydrodynamic and special hull shape

Intex Excursion 5 Passenger Inflatable Boat

If you’re thinking how nice it would be, to take a relaxing boat ride on a pond, lake or river, then have we got the boat for you: The Intex Excursion 5 passenger inflatable boat. This is quite the handsome boat, one you’ll be proud to be seen using.  Designed for those both new to boating and seasoned experts, the Excursion 5 offers you a tough, durable 5 passenger inflatable boat built for comfort, ease of use and of course, fun!

Intex 68325EP Excursion Inflatable 5 Person Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Raft Set with 2 Aluminum Oars & High Output Air Pump for Lakes & Mild Rivers, Gray
3 air chambers including an auxiliary air chamber in hull for extra buoyancy. With Boston valve on two main hull chambers for quick-fill & fast-deflate. All around grab line. Inflatable I Beam floor for comfort and rigidity. Has 2 welded oar locks on each side

This heavy duty, affordable inflatable boat has been manufactured from a strong, puncture resistant PVC plastic vinyl. The Excursion 5 comes with two comfortable and attractive inflatable seats, and an inflatable I-Beam floor for added stability. Designed to be portable enough to store in your vehicle or sailboat,  it has one grab line that surrounds the boat, and one grab handle for the bow. The weight of the entire boat when deflated is just 53 pounds.

Inflating the boat is super easy, as the Boston valves connected to the two central inflation chambers encourage a quick deflate and inflate, taking around 15 minutes using their manual air pump. It has 3 air chambers plus an auxiliary air chamber in the hull, for that extra bit of buoyancy. If you don’t see rowing in the cards, know that  the Excursion comes with a motor mount fitting in case you’re wanting to purchase a small 2HP trolling motor. Once inflated you’re looking at a boat with a 1000 pound capacity.

When you purchase your Excursion 5, you’ll get two  54 inch. high quality aluminum oars which fit securely into their welded oar locks and oar holders, one high input manual air pump, plus one repair patch.

Intex Seahawk 4 Passenger Inflatable Boat

Take the family out for an adventure on the water with the Intex Seahawk 4 inflatable boat. This attractive, beautifully designed inflatable boat seats 4 passengers in comfort, with more than enough space for snacks and beverages. Manufactured with puncture resistant, heavy-duty PVC plastic vinyl means your in for comfortable and secure ride for you and your guest passengers. The Seahawk has the ability to hold 1050 pounds, and measures 11 x 4 feet.

Intex Seahawk 4, 4 Person Inflatable Floating Boat Raft Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump for Fishing and Boating in Rivers and Lakes
Ideal for recreational boating or fishing on lakes and calm rivers, the Intex Seahawk 4 boat set comes with everything you need to hit the water immediately.

Inflating and deflating the Seahawk is quick due to its 2 Boston valves, and stability is enhanced with the inflatable I beam floor, 3 air chambers, and inflatable cushions. For added security, it also has an auxiliary air chamber located in the hull, which also enhances the Seahawks buoyancy. If you’re planning on having children ride, or are simply curious about any safety issues with the boat, know that the Seahawk is also U.S. Coast Guard I.D. – NMMA Certified, and TUV approved.

It comes with 2 high quality, 48 inch aluminum oars for your water sport pleasure, with welded oar holders and oar locks. However, if rowing is not your thing, then know that it comes with a motor mount fitting, in case you’d prefer cruising with a small, trolling motor. The Seahawk 4 is made to be a portable, weighing in at just 45.6 pounds . This ‘pack and go’ boat,  comes with a grab handle on the bow, as well as an all around grab line for easy transport from land to water.

Bestway Trophy Runner Inflatable Boat

For those of you looking to spend a good deal of your time fishing in secluded lakes, the Bestway Trophy Runner inflatable boat might be a good choice for you. its Real Tree, multi-color camouflage means that you’ll blend in with the scenery with ease. As for size Its dimensions measure 96 x 40 with a weight capacity of 374 pounds, which means it’s  designed to sit two people in comfort and stability, manufactured with pre-tested, durable vinyl. Additional stability on the water is provided by 3 air chamber construction, and an I-beam floor.

The Bestway Trophy Runner is our most budget friendly offering among the four inflatable boats, so it’s the perfect entry level choice for someone just making the leap into boating. Easy to use and maintain, this affordable, puncture resistant boat makes the most of its price point. Designed to be portable, this maneuverable inflatable raft  easily packs into the back of your camper van, car, truck or trailer when deflated. Once inflated it can be transported over ground, to the lake or river via an all around grab line, or by its tow ring.

Moving down lakes and rivers is facilitated by two 57 inch oars, which are kept in place by tough and sturdy oarlocks and clasps. If you get the urge to fish, know that the Bestway Trophy Runner has two integrated fishing rod holders. However, if you are not into rowing, this might not be the best inflatable boat for you, as its design does not suit trolling motors.

Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Frameless Boat

This kind of boat is used basically for fishing. It has a very nice frame, making it very easy to assemble, dissemble and store accordingly.

Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Frameless Fishing Pontoon Boat - Pro Package
  • UNIQUE INFLATABLE U-HULL configuration one man fishing boat provides incredible stability and maximum fishing space with the least amount of hull weight.
  • PERFECT FOR FISHING AND HUNTING. It goes anywhere, sets up in just 5 minutes and can fit in the trunk of a car.

The advantage this boat has over others is that its rigid frame allows you to stand while on the boat for fishing purpose. This kind of inflatable boat is very fast and spacious, allowing both the motor and battery in it.

Discover the excellence of the Sea Eagle 285 frameless fishing boat that is ultra portable and provides sufficient room for you and your friends. This type of functionality makes it ideal for lakes, bays, creeks and almost any body of water since it will take you to where you need to be the most.

Besides that, this unit also doesn’t have any frames, and it will pack down small and tight, and won’t require a trailer to carry it to even the most remote locations. This unit also comes with ample sized air chambers that allow the frameless boats to support a tremendous amount of weight yet the draft in waters of well over 4 inches. This boat also guarantees excellent access to shallow water where heavy boats can reach. It also comes with special universal Scott Mount that you can customize to suit your unique water paddling needs.

  • Item features
  • Item Weight: 42 pounds
  • Exterior: 10′ x 5′ / Interior: 63″x1’4″
  • Engine Capacity: 4hp (55 lbs. max) or 55 lb
  • inflation and Assembly Time: 7 Mins

Hydro-Force Mirovia Inflatable Boat

This falls under RIB inflatable boats. Hydro-Force Mirovia inflatable boat is a very rigid boat that has strong construction and boasts of materials of high quality that ensures smooth operation on water and adequate balance needed by the boat on the water.

It is a little spacious, having the capacity of four. This boat also boasts of special features including an inflatable keel. This keel helps the boat maintain steady control and wonderful handling.

Advanced Elements Commander Nine Inflatable Boats

When it comes to inflatable boats, advanced elements are one of the most respected names. Known for their production of high quality inflatable boats, commander nine only adds to their respectable reputation.

This inflatable boat is basically used for recreational activities and fishing. It is suitable for kids and highly comfortable for family camping on water. It is relatively safe, thanks to its dependable structure. The boat has 5 air chambers, making it very buoyant and balances well on water. Commander nine also features a valve that makes it extremely quick and easy to assemble and deflate after use.

Newport Vessels Catalina Inflatable Sports Tender Dinghy Boat

Experience the superior quality of the Newport Vessels Catalina Inflatable Boat that is designed to provide optimal performance and it can handle both 2 or 4 stroke motors. The Newport Dinghy Boat also comes with a special design that makes it ideal for taking in a broad spectrum of water bodies without causing damage to the boat. It also comes with a specially coated PVC along with marine wood flooring inflatable tender to make it ideal for a broad spectrum of outdoor activities.

Users will also appreciate that this unit comes with an aluminum bench seat and aluminum oars as well as the foot pump for easy inflation. This unit also comes with polyester reinforced and and corrosive coated PVC material that provides the ideal protection against the effects of corrosion and destructive elements.

  • Shipping Weight: 187 pounds
  • USCG rated triple layered 0.9mm
  • 1,100 denier specialty coated PVC
  • 24mm thick aluminum framed floor

Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon

Release your genuine sporting capabilities in the water with the Classic Accessories XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat that provides dynamic storage options and it also comes with an integrated transport wheel that makes it ideal for moving through the water when fishing. Besides that, it also comes with customizable storage and with well over 20 pockets and two insulated drink holders for your favorite beverages when exploring the water. This Classic Accessory Inflatable boat also comes with heavy-duty pontoons along with abrasion resistant coated PVC bottoms and tough nylon tops as well.

Users will also appreciate the inclusion of the two position weatherproof motor mount along with the wire rear storage and battery platform to provide excellent movement when in the water. It also comes with two detachable foam fly patches and a multi-position rod holder to allow for excellent dynamics when moving through the water.

  • Item weight- 25pounds
  • Pontoon Length – 9 foot
  • Bronze oarlocks
  • Rugged two-piece 7-foot aluminum oars
  • Cold and heat-resistant bladders

Classic Accessories Cumberland Inflatable

Take your SUP experience when on the water to the next level with the Classic Accessories Inflatable fishing boat that is designed to provide optimal levels of comfort for the ideal levels of performance when on the water.

This boat has an outstanding appreciation to detail such that it lets you stand out from the rest of SUP individuals on the water. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate the inclusion of the classic accessories float tube that lets you enjoy the best time when on the water due to its superior features.

This unit also comes with an extra high seat for drier and warmer fishing, and it has also been designed to enhance vision especially in tough weather conditions. Besides that, this SUP also comes with an extra comfortable and thick padded seat that has adjustable backrest to provide optimal comfort and support as well.

  • 350-pound max capacity
  • Two cargo pockets
  • Item weight- 30 pounds
  • Rugged PVC bottom and Two drink holders

Advanced Elements Unisex Adult StraitEdge

Change the way in which you normally experience the water with the Advanced Elements Unisex Kayak that has been designed to suit the needs of a Kayak Angler. Besides that, this unit comes with a wide beam that provides sufficient stability while letting the big catches in the boat as well.

This unit also comes with multi-layer materials and additional abrasion pads and several air chambers to provide the ideal levels of durability to make it ideal for aggressive conditions. This unit also comes with a removable mounting rail that provides a broad spectrum of easy access options to make it an excellent addition for SUP needs. Users can also add after market rail mounts such that you can customize the kayak with special rod holders or any other relevant piece of SUP equipment.

  • Item weight – 26kg
  • High support seat and New Twistlok valves
  • Built-in rigid panels and Inner tube cover
  • Compact design and rail mounts

AIRE Tributary Twelve HD Self-Bailing Raft

Features: Length: 12’4” | Width: 6’1” | Weight: 118 lbs | Diameter: 18 inches | Capacity: 1220 lbs.

The AIRE Tributary 12 HD Self-Bailing Raft is great for small, narrow rivers, like those on whitewater courses. The thwarts install with cam straps or you can install a rowing frame. The lace-in floor bails water out rapidly. Its three main tube air chambers are a great safety feature. The Tributary is made with durable welded PVC outer shell seams with internal urethane bladders. This raft can handle 4 to 5 paddlers. There are also 10 D-rings for frame and to tie your gear down.

Water River Raft Inflatable by Bris Boat

Features: Main tube and bottom floor fabric: 2000 denier 1.2mm PVC | Floor type : 5” thick I-Beam inflatable floor with self-bailing system design

The Bris River raft is great for using on any body of water. It is designed specifically with a dependable self-bailing feature. It is constructed with a thick, durable main tube of 20” in diameter, then it lessens to 14” at the bow and the stern. It is well balanced and is easy to inflate and to deflate.

Other features:

  • Pressure release valve equipped on floor, four individual chambers
  • Removable thwart, all around rubber strake protection and boat life line
  • Includes: raft, 1 set of oars, foot pump, carry bag and repair kit.

About the author: Chris loves the outdoors and has developed a love of gadgets and inflatable toys, from kayaking and paddle boarding to relaxing in his hot tub at home. The founder of WhichInflatable and has been the editor for 7 years.

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