How to Choose the Right Inflatable Boat

If you’ve ever dreamt of having your boat to discover new fishing spots or coast down rapids but thought it was out of reach, think again! Inflatable boats are a game-changer—more affordable, safe, and portable than traditional hard-hull boats. It’s time to make that dream a reality!

Inflatable boats are extremely lightweight, making them portable, easy to store, and fuel-efficient. Because of their low center of gravity, strategic hull design, and buoyancy tubes, inflatable boats are very stable and easier to maneuver and dock than normal boats.

If you’re wondering how to choose a boat that fits your lifestyle, read this guide to inflatable boats. We break down different types of inflatables, including kayaks and micro skiffs, the pros and cons, and what each boat is best for. 

There are a ton of inflatable boats on the market, so if you’re looking for a boat-buying guide - read on!   

Types of Inflatable Boats

When it comes to inflatable boats, the choices are endless! From dinghies and adventurous rafts to sleek kayaks, stable SUPs, specialized fishing boats, innovative microskiffs, and spacious catamarans, there’s an inflatable for every type of adventure. Dive in with us as we explore the pros and cons of each option, the best conditions and activities they suit, and the key details like price range, size, and weight. By the end of this guide, you’ll have found the perfect inflatable boat for your lifestyle.

Inflatable Dinghies

Dinghies are a cost-effective inflatable boat option. They’re best for calmer waters, such as lakes and rivers, and are often used as tenders for larger boats.

Price Range: $200 - $1,500

Size and Weight: Typically 6-12 feet; 30-100 lbs

Capacity: 2 - 6 people, can hold up to 400 - 2,000 lbs

Pros

• Easy to transport and store
• Lightweight and portable
• Quick to inflate and deflate
• Versatile for various water activities

Cons

• Limited space and storage for equipment and people
• Less stable in rough water
• Susceptible to punctures

Considerations:

• Material quality: look for high-quality PVC or Hypalon for durability
• Storage space on board for your activities and gear
• Safety features: make sure there are multiple air chambers and safety valves

Inflatable Rafts

Inflatable rafts are a fantastic, durable, and hardy option for larger groups. They’re best used for whitewater rafting, river expeditions, or group trips on calmer waters. 

Price Range: $300 - $2,000

Size and Weight: Typically 8-16 feet; 50-150 lbs

Capacity: 4 - 12 people, can hold up to 800 - 2,500 lbs

Pros:

• Stable and highly buoyant
• Fits more passengers
• Durable and rugged construction

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier to transport
• Slower and harder to maneuver

Considerations:

• Material quality: look for high-quality tear-resistant PVC or Hypalon for durability
• Storage space on board for your activities and gear
• Safety features: make sure there are grab lines, safety valves, multiple air chambers, and reinforced seams. If it’s for whitewater rafting, ensure that is the intended design of the raft
• Accessories: paddles, pumps, and repair kit

Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks are a portable and versatile way to explore waterways. They’re best used for lakes, calmer rivers, and short-distance coastal trips in calm conditions. Because of their portability, they’re a perfect way to see new waterways when camping, biking, or on a road trip. At ISLE, we sell 7 inflatable kayaks that work for different experience levels and types of trips. You can check out this guide for a detailed breakdown of our inflatable kayaks. 

Price Range: $200 - $1,000

Size and Weight: Typically 8-14 feet; 17 - 50 lbs

Capacity: 1 - 2 people, can hold up to 250 - 425 lbs

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Quick to set up
• Excellent for solo or tandem paddling

Cons:

• Limited storage space
• Not as fast or efficient as hard-shell kayaks

Considerations:

• Portability: consider size and weight when deflated
• Storage space on board for your activities and gear
• Safety features: make sure there are grab lines, safety valves, multiple air chambers, and reinforced seams. If it’s for whitewater rafting, ensure that is the intended design of the raft
• Accessories: paddles, pumps, dry bag, and repair kit
• Comfortable seating: A kayak seat and brace are necessary to go the distance

Inflatable Micro Skiffs

Inflatable microskiffs are nimble and highly maneuverable inflatable boats. They are incredible for shallow waters, flats fishing, and exploring tight spots

Price Range: $1,000 - $4,000

Size and Weight: Typically 10-14 feet; 40-80 lbs

Capacity: 1 - 2 people, can hold up to 300 - 700 lbs

Pros:

• Lightweight and extremely portable
• Easy to transport and store
• Stable and sturdy in various water conditions
• Ideal for shallow waters and tight spots

Cons:

• Limited passenger capacity
• Higher price compared to basic inflatables

Excitingly, we have a brand new inflatable hybrid kayak and microskiff called the Flywater. It takes the best of each boat and is designed to be the world’s most rigid, rugged, and stable inflatable that works brilliantly for fishing, kayaking, and exploring. Due to its efficient design, it’s easily maneuvrable in shallow waters and challenging conditions. Check out the next section for more information!

Considerations:

• Portability: consider size and weight when deflated
• Motor Compatibility: ensure it fits a small motor with maximum horsepower
• Storage space on board for your activities and gear
• Accessories: paddles, pumps, dry bag, and repair kit
• Stability: ensure its stability, especially in shallow water
• Durability: ensure it’s made of high-quality materials that resist wear and tear

Inflatable SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards)

Inflatable SUPs are great for exploring lakes, rivers, and coasts. Besides being a fantastic workout, they can be used for fishing, yoga, and tandem paddling. We’ve designed a selection of inflatable SUPs to meet different needs, conditions, and experience levels. 

Price Range: $300 - $1,200

Size and Weight: Typically 10-12 feet; 15-30 lbs

Capacity: 1 - 2 people, can hold up to 200 - 1000 lbs

Pros:

• Extremely portable and lightweight
• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Versatile for various water activities like tandem paddling, yoga, fishing, lounging

Cons:

• Less stable than hard boards in choppy water
• Limited speed and performance

Considerations:

• Portability: consider size and weight when deflated
• Capacity: ensure weight limit works for the number of people using it
• Dimensions: ensure the size of the deck is adequate for your desired activity
• Storage space on board for your activities and gear
• Accessories: paddles, pumps, dry bag, and repair kit
• Stability: ensure its stability, especially if you’re going on choppier conditions

Inflatable Fishing Boats

Inflatable fishing boats are stable and offer lots of storage for fishing gear. They work best in lakes, calm rivers, and nearshore fishing.

Price Range: $500 - $3,000

Size and Weight: Typically 8-14 feet; 50-100 lbs

Capacity: 2 - 6 people, can hold up to 600 - 1,500 lbs

Pros:

• Stable platform that is great for fishing
• Lots of gear storage
• Customize functions with additional accessories

Cons:

• Challenging to assemble and set up
• Bulky so more difficult to transport

Considerations:

• Motor Compatibility: ensure it fits a small motor with maximum horsepower
• Storage space on board for the number of people you’ll fish with plus gear
• Accessories: rod holders, oar locks, and mounting points
• Stability: ensure its stability, especially in choppier conditions
• Durability: ensure it’s made of high-quality materials that resist wear and tear

Inflatable Catamarans

Inflatable catamarans are incredible for large groups because they’re extremely stable and offer extensive deck space for lounging and soaking up the sun. They are best in large bodies of water such as coastal waters, lakes, and wide-mouth rivers.

Price Range: $1,500 - $5,000

Size and Weight: Typically 10-16 feet; 60-150 lbs

Capacity: 2 - 8 people, can hold up to 600 - 1,500 lbs

Pros:

• Extremely stable
• Large deck space
• Fast and efficient

Cons:

• Challenging to assemble and set up
• Bulkier to transport
• Can be cost-prohibitive

Considerations:

• Motor Compatibility: ensure it fits a small motor with maximum horsepower
• Storage space on board for the number of people plus any gear
• Performance: ensure good speed and maneuverability 
• Stability: ensure its stability, especially in choppier conditions
• Durability: ensure it’s made of high-quality materials that resist wear and tear like PVC or Hypalon

The Flywater, Our Inflatable Kayak/Micro Skiff Hybrid

We are incredibly excited to share that we are launching the Flywater, an innovative inflatable kayak and micro skiff hybrid that combines high performance with versatility. 

This 12’ 6” inflatable is the world's most rigid, rugged, and stable inflatable kayak + micro-skiff hybrid. Like its name, the Flywater is designed to fly over shallow water due to its ultra-efficient, low-draft catamaran design that maximizes speed and range while paddling or under electric power (up to 5HP with a custom electric motor mount). 

The Flywater is extremely durable and rugged as it’s made of ISLE’s exclusively patented Infinity Fiber construction, used by the US Navy and NASA. This inflatable construction is 3-5X more rigid and more durable than typical inflatables. This hybrid microskiff kayak is also incredibly stable and fast because of its low-draft catamaran design. The stern is also open so that water can run off the boat.

To see it in action, check out the linked video. 

In conclusion, choosing the right inflatable boat depends on your intended use, budget, and the waterways you plan to explore. Whether you're looking for a portable option for solo trips or a stable vessel for a larger group, there's an inflatable boat to suit your needs. We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and we can't wait to see you on the water!