There are many types of boats that you can use when it comes to fishing or transport. These include kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and more. However, some boaters prefer using pontoon boats for their fishing hobby.
It is not surprising because of the several benefits that you can enjoy from it. With an inflatable pontoon boat, you can quickly inflate or deflate some of its kinds to store them at a safe place. Thus, you can take it anywhere.
It also has some built-in features that allow you to set-up for fishing. You can also choose how you want to propel it, either via paddle or motor.
If you want one, make sure that you purchase the one suitable for your needs and preference. You do not want to waste money by buying a pontoon boat that does not satisfy your needs.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Inflatable Pontoon Boats Review
- Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat
- Sea Eagle 375fc Fold Cat Inflatable Pontoon Boat
- Outcast Fish Cat 13
- Classic Accessories Colorado
- Classic Accessories Roanoke
- Aquos PF380 FISHME
- Buck’s Bags High Adventure
#1. Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat
Specifications
- Length (feet): 9
- Width (feet): 4’12
- Weight (pounds): 42
- Weight (capacity): 451
- Construction material: 1000-D 36 mil
Blank The Sea Eagle 285 Frameless is your next option if you are looking for another fantastic pontoon boat for fishing. Many consumers express their admiration for this product through reviews, which is not surprising because of the several features it offers.
The 285 Frameless provides an easy installation. In not less than five minutes, your pontoon boat is already up and floating on the lake. This product is also extremely durable because of its high-quality construction. It has a stealthy hunter green color that blends with the surroundings, making it an even better option for fishing and hunting.
What makes this product even better is its portable and lightweight design. When deflated, you can fit it in a bag, and you do not have to buy a separate trailer for it.
The 285 Frameless performs best in calm waters, such as in the rivers, lakes, bays, or creeks.
This product comes with large air chambers, which is the main reason for its impressive weight capacity. You can even use it even in shallow waters,
The 285 Frameless uses the patented mount called the Scotty that allows you to customize the accessories based on your liking. Aside from this feature, this model also comes with rod holders that keep your fishing rod safe.
It has a hard wooden floor that allows you to stand and fish in a variety of ways.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can carry tons of weight for a single-seater pontoon | Poor tracking |
| Easy installation |
|
| Hard floor | |
#2. Sea Eagle 375fc Fold Cat Inflatable Fishing Boat
Specifications
- Length (feet): 12”4
- Width (feet): 4’6”
- Weight (pounds): 75
- Weight (capacity): 606
- Construction material: 1100 Decitex Reinforced
The Sea Eagle 375fc Fold Cat Inflatable Fishing Boat comes with a dark hunter green color that aims to camouflage to its surroundings, so you will not disturb the fishes in the waters.
The 375fc Fold Cat is a two-seater boat you can use for fishing. It uses a patented frame that is portable, lightweight, and efficient. Because of this feature, it will not take you more than an hour to assemble this boat.
Transportation is not an issue because you can pack it into a compact size that can fit into our car. The company claims that you do not need a trailer to tow it.
When you inflate this boat, you and your partner can cast your rod in every direction. This product has a fabric floor with cross boards where you can place your fishing gear and everything you like.
The company takes pride in the 375fc Fold Cat model because it comes with comfortable seats that can swivel at 360 degrees. It also comes with an oarlock and motor mount. Because of these features, you can choose to propel your inflatable pontoon using a motor or a paddle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with accessories | Only excellent for fishing purposes |
| High sitting position | |
| Lightweight |
|
| Durable | |
#3. Outcast Fish Cat 13
Specifications
- Length (feet): 13
- Width (feet): 5’5”
- Weight (pounds): 170
- Weight (capacity): 750
- Construction material: 20-inch vinyl air cells inside the 1000/10000 PVC
If you are looking for a highly versatile pontoon boat, you should check out the Outcast Fish Cat 13. It is the ideal pontoon to use if you have to ride upstream or are in the swamp. It is an excellent catamaran alternative if you are looking for this kind of boat.
What is impressive about the Fish Cat 13 model is its stability. Even though you are in the rough rapids, you can still get through the waters and have a nice catch of fish if you use this boat. Note that even though this model can withstand the rough rapids, it does not mean that you should use it for extreme whitewater sports.
Even though the Fish Cat 13 is long, it has a lightweight frame made from aluminum. It is also resistant to abrasion because of its high-quality construction.
What makes this model even better is that it can accommodate up to 750 pounds, which is more than enough for two people and a few luggage.
You can transport this product easily because once deflated. You can pack it into a small size that you can place on the top of your car.
The Fish Cat 13 is a two-seater pontoon boat. If you are a loner who wants to row the rivers alone, you can simply remove the platform at the front, and voila, you already have a one-seater boat.
If you want to operate your Fish Cat 13 using a motor, you can too. You only have to buy an engine and mount it on this product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of storage space | Motor, pumps, and mount not included |
| Lightweight | Not excellent in tracking |
| Versatile |
|
| Stable | |
#4. Classic Accessories Colorado
Specifications
- Length (feet): 9
- Width (feet and inches): 4’7”
- Weight (pounds): 71.5
- Weight (capacity): 400
- Construction material: Abrasion-resistant PVC bottom and nylon tops
Given its price, the Classic Accessories Colorado is already the best product to buy on its price range. This Classic Accessories pontoon boat model is compact and comfortable to use. You can use it to ride calm and flat waters, such as the lakes, ponds, ocean, and rivers.
It is not a perfect pontoon boat, but it has incredible features, and it is functional when it comes to fishing.
It comes with an anchor system that lets you remain in a single place to prevent your boat from drifting. It has a storage space that is useful enough to place your gears or anything you like. It also has many meshes and zippered pockets where you can put all your small belongings.
What makes Colorado even more impressive is that you can position the rod holders in three ways. You can choose whichever is more comfortable for you.
It also comes with a motor mount, which is the best feature for trolling. It has an adjustable seat and footrest that feel comfortable.
Because Colorado is one of the best affordable pontoons on the market, you can expect construction materials to be cheap. However, even though it only used PVC and nylon. They are strong enough to withstand abrasion and typical obstacles that you may encounter on the lake.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with storage space | Fragile oarlock |
| Smooth paddling | Heavy |
| Compact |
|
| Stable | |
#5. Classic Accessories Roanoke
Specifications
- Length (feet): 8
- Width (feet): 4’7
- Weight (pounds): 43
- Weight (capacity): 350
- Construction material: abrasion-resistant bottoms and nylon tops
When it comes to the price, you may expect that the cheap products available on the market are the ones with poor quality. However, not all. The Classic Accessories Roanoke is one of them.
This Classic Accessories inflatable boat model is one of the best that you can find in its price range. If you are running out of budget, you can go for this inflatable boat because it already has many features.
Roanoke has a simple design, and it has no extra features that can add to its weight. This Classic Accessories inflatable pontoon model only weighs less than 45 pounds, making it an excellent pontoon for a solo adventurer who wants to pack light.
Even though it is available at a low price, you cannot doubt its durability. Yes, it may not be as durable as the ones at the high price range, but its strength is enough to withstand the typical challenges when you use it on the lake.
Because of its price, you cannot expect much about is weight capacity that is only up to 350 pounds. It is not an issue at all, especially that it is only a one-person seater. Aside from that, this product comes with handy amenities, such as zippered pockets, storage areas, and footrest.
What you only need to know about this product to make for a lasting usage is to only use it in a class one water.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent maneuverability | Responsive to the wind |
| Adjustable footrests | Poor tracking ability |
| Puncture resistant |
|
| Affordable | |
#6. Aquos PF380 FISHME
Specifications
- Length (feet): 12’6”
- Width (feet): 6’4”
- Weight (pounds): 129
- Weight (capacity): 970
- Construction material: Marine-grade PVC
If you are looking for an inflatable pontoon boat that can carry tons of weight, you cannot go wrong with the Aquos PF380 FISHME. Thus, if you think you are an extra-ordinary angler who can catch hundreds of fish more than an ordinary pontoon boat can handle, you should go for this inflatable boat.
The Aquos PF380 FISHME is durable because of its marine-grade PVC construction, thick aluminum floor, and stainless steel base. The guard bar is resistant against corrosion, and it is durable enough to perform under extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
Because of this, you are sure that this boat can support your weight even if you want to stand to catch a fish.
This product comes with durable seats that are resistant against mildew and UV rays. Also, this seat can swivel at 360 degrees providing you more adaptability and range of motions.
Aside from these features, the Aquos PF380 FISHME comes with four chambers for extra buoyancy and safety. If you want to run it using a motor engine, you can do so by installing it on this vessel.
Despite the Aquos PF380 FISHME’s large size and weight, it is portable for its size. You can store it in the trunk of your car.
The Aquos PF380 FISHME also allows customization. You can add the extra amenities you want, such as the rock holders, anchor lock, and the like.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive weight capacity | Needs disassembling to be able to store it in a car |
| Extremely durable | Can only accommodate up to two people |
| Four air chambers | Heavy |
#7. Buck’s Bags High Adventure
Specifications
- Length (feet): 8
- Width (feet): 4’7”
- Weight (pounds): 60
- Weight (capacity): 375
- Construction material: Polyesters covered with PVC and internal vinyl
If you are looking for a high-quality inflatable pontoon, you should check out the Buck’s Bags High Adventure. This product has all the necessary features that are available at an affordable price. Bucks Bags claim that its High Adventure model is among the few pontoons that are light in weight.
It also claims that it has all that you need for fishing.
When it hits the rocks or any water challenges, you do not have to worry about it because it is resilient enough to withstand these challenges. It comes with oars that make paddling easier for you. If you do not like to paddle, you can choose to run it via motor.
Besides its pontoons, the Buck’s Bags High Adventure has a powder-coated frame that I s also durable.
This product comes with pockets where you can store lots of your essentials. Aside from these features, it also has oarlocks and stripping apron. The footrests and seats are adjustable so you can use them based on your preference.
About the portability, you do not have to worry a lot. With its weight of 60 pounds, you can transport this product from one place to another without breaking a sweat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent valves | Uncomfortable seats |
| Storage area |
|
| Portable | |
Top Pick – Our Favorite Inflatable Pontoon Boat
There are tons of products on the market, and all are claiming to have the best products. In this article, you have learned some of the bests that are the favorites of most people.
What stands up among them the most is the Outcast Fish Cat 13. It is the top pick not because it is perfect but because of its durability. Picking this product as the top pick does not mean that it should be the one that you should buy.
Its best features sacrifice some advantages, such as tracking and maneuverability. Aside from its durability, what makes this product the to pick is its weight capacity and versatility. Unlike the other boats with better maneuverability, the Outcast Fish Cat allows you to enjoy fishing and exploration.
This product can withstand rougher waves that others cannot.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Inflatable Pontoon Boat
Although this review listed some of the best inflatable boats on the market, there is no guarantee that you will like them. If it is your first time buying inflatable pontoon boats, you probably still do not know what you should be looking for in a pontoon boat.
In this section, you will learn what factors to consider when buying an inflatable pontoon are.
Price
Your budget is a huge factor that can affect your purchasing decision. Even though you see through an advertisement what seems to be the best product to you but cannot afford it, you will not have any other choice but to look for a cheaper alternative. Luckily for you, there are still decent inflatable pontoons that are available at a low price.
To help you select the best products based on its price, you should know what makes an inflatable pontoon cheap or expensive.
Expensive inflatable pontoons commonly have higher weight or seating capacity. The materials used for its consideration can also make these products expensive. Also, boats that lack accessories and amenities tend to be pricier because you will have to buy separate gears to add to it.
Because of this, you do not have to spend much money if you are only looking for an inflatable boat with a straight-forward design. You can still rely on its durability.
However, if you are looking for more additions to your boat, get ready to spend more.
Construction Materials
Some inflatable pontoons have a straight-forward design. That is why they are available at a low price.
Most inflatable pontoons use almost the same materials for their construction, such as PVC pontoons, nylon top, aluminum, or steel frames. What makes them different is the strength and quality of these materials.
Those inflatable pontoons at the high price range have 900 to 1200 denier PVC, which only describes how durable these products can be. Because of this, even though these pontoons are expensive, they are worth it because they can last a long time of usage.
Size
To decide about the inflatable boat’s size, you need to consider where you are going to use it. If you use it in narrow areas, it will be unwise to purchase a large boat. Besides the size, you should also consider its maneuverability, so you can turn it quickly when you are in tight areas.
Commonly, large inflatable pontoons are not the best choice when it comes to maneuverability, although it offers better stability.
User-Friendliness
You use inflatable pontoon boats commonly in calm water conditions with minimal waves, such as in ponds, lakes, rivers, and the like. In this factor, you should need the manual, the product’s description, or do more in-depth research first to learn if you can use the boat in rougher or choppier water areas.
Although most pontoons are only for calm water conditions, some models are more robust and more durable. These models can withstand rough or choppy water conditions. These pontoons have the most versatile functions because you can use them both in fishing and touring.
When it comes to user-friendliness, you should also ask yourself what purpose you are going to use your boat. If you want a pontoon only for fishing, you can choose a less expensive model that you can only apply for fishing.
However, if you are also planning to use it for other purposes, such as wildlife exploration and photography, it will be better to invest in an inflatable pontoon.
Convenience
When it comes to the convenience of the inflatable pontoon, its size can dramatically affect it.
Commonly large boats are less portable than the small ones. In some models, you need to disassemble them first to fit them in your car.
Typically, the ones with framed models take more time to install. These framed models also have a metal construction, either aluminum or steel, that can add to its weight. The most durable pontoons on the market usually take time to assemble.
Other models with the same construction are more effortless to assemble or pack because of their smaller size.
Some models do not have a frame at all. These models are the easiest to pack and to set-up because you only have to inflate or deflate them.
Because of this, you should also consider your transport capacity when it comes to this factor. If you are a backpacker who travels by foot or by hitchhiking, you should consider buying an inflatable pontoon with no frame. It is unwise to purchase a heavy-duty pontoon if you cannot take it with you.
On the other hand, if you own a car or a truck, there is no reason for you why you should settle for the less durable one for the sake of portability. You have a vehicle that can transport a heavy-duty inflatable pontoon.
Weight Capacity
The typical seating capacity of inflatable pontoons is one up to two passengers. One of the advantages of riding in a pontoon is that it allows a standing position, which you cannot do in a kayak.
The question only lies on the boat’s stability and ability to support your desired position.
Some products are one-seater but can carry a tremendous amount of weight. It is typically for people who want to take a massive cargo with them or if they know that they can acquire a lot of fishes in their fishing session.
When it comes to the pontoon’s weight capacity, you must consider the weight of your cargoes and pontoon’s accessories, not only the passengers’ weight.
Most of the time, the heavier the pontoons are, the larger their weight capacity is.
Amenities
The amenities are the extra features that are not the essentials for a safe ride on your pontoon. However, these extras provide comfort that makes your journey or fishing more enjoyable, which is the primary goal of buying a pontoon.
The number of amenities that you can enjoy on the pontoon boat can also affect the products’ price.
Examples of these amenities are the storages, coolers, pockets, swiveling chairs, and rod holders.
Conclusion
When it comes to fishing, you have huge selections on what kind of boat that you can use. If you want a type of boat with a straight-forward functionality and allows you to stand, you can go for an inflatable pontoon.
When you want to buy one, it is crucial to pick the best boat to use. In this article, you have learned some products that most people love to have an idea of what to use.
You have also learned what factors to consider when buying an inflatable pontoon are. These considerations are essential, so you will know what product is the best for your use.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How to Transport an Inflatable Pontoon?
A: You can transport your inflatable pontoon in many ways. It depends on the design of the product you purchased. There are some pontoon boats that you can fold into a small size when deflated. These boats are small enough to carry using your hiking backpack. However, larger ones need more space for storage, such as the car trunk or top. If you prefer to travel with an already inflated pontoon, you need a trailer to place it to tow it with your car.
Q: How Safe Is an Inflatable Pontoon?
A: Inflatable pontoons are like any other boats that are not perfect and can also sink. Most of them, especially the high-quality ones, use durable materials for construction that are abrasive and UV resistant. Thanks to modern technology, the safety features of pontoon boats keep improving as time goes. Aside from its durability, pontoon boats are also more portable than some types of inflatable boats. What you only need to keep in mind to keep yourself safe from possible accidents is to read the manual. There are some inflatable pontoons that you cannot use in rough rapids.
Q: Is Inflatable Pontoon Better for Fishing Than Kayak?
A: Both are excellent. The question lies on which features do you prefer. With an inflatable pontoon, you can stand on the vessel and adjust your fishing style. The problem with inflatable pontoons is that it is responsive to the win, and it has poor tracking and maneuverability. On the other hand, the kayaks are better when it comes to maneuverability and tracking. However, you cannot stand on a kayak and perform fly fishing. For this reason, choose an inflatable pontoon if you are in calm water. Use a kayak if you have to travel in the river longer.
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G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
