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Inflatable boats have become increasingly popular due to their portability, ease of use, and versatility.
Whether you’re looking for a compact dinghy for leisurely outings or a sturdy Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) for more demanding adventures, there’s an inflatable boat to suit every need.
We’ll explore the different types of inflatable boats, highlighting their key features and ideal uses to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in and find the perfect inflatable boat for you!
1. Rigid Inflatable Boats
If you are considering an inflatable boat for ocean use, then a rigid inflatable boat is what you will need. Ocean swells and currents can be serious and many times a set of oars won’t do the job.
This is where a rigid inflatable raft provides real advantages. The best rigid inflatable boats for rough waters provide a solid transom for motor mounting. Fighting the ocean current is no joke and the benefits of a strong motor can help you get to your destination safely.
Another important feature is the need for a rigid ‘V-shaped hull. Inflatable boats without this feature will be less stable, slower in the water, and won’t provide for easy planing, which means the inflatable boat won’t rise up and glide on top of the water.
The best inflatable boats for ocean use will also have a USCG rating, meaning that the vessel meets or exceeds US Coast Guard specifications for safety and design. Depending on their size, most rigid inflatable boats can host a small group of passengers.
2. Inflatable Kayaks
One of the many benefits of inflatable kayaks is the fact that they are primarily fabric, and can be packed into fairly small spaces for easier transport and storage.
Like conventional kayaks, inflatable kayaks are also easy to paddle through the water at quite the brisk pace. Since they are so nimble and quick on the water, it is tempting to consider folding them into a large hiking pack for a backwoods adventure.
But it is worth noting that most inflatable kayaks weigh-in around 40+ pounds. That might not sound too heavy, but it can feel like 100 pounds if you over-extend yourself on a long hike.
Inflatable kayaks typically have a wide and stable design, so they can avoid being easily overturned. But if you want to be able to stand up to cast when fishing, then you’ll need to look for the widest inflatable kayak you can find.
Having a good sense of balance never hurts either. Fishing kayaks are going to differ slightly from kayaks made for regular recreational use. Many are designed to be stable enough for some standing, depending on your balance.
Kayaks with a narrow width make standing quite risky, as any small wave could test just how good your balance is. And inflatable kayaks for fishing will also offer features specifically for fishing. These boats are particularly ideal for anglers who need a maneuverable inflatable boat that can move fast when needed, like in fast moving water.
Good quality inflatable kayaks will have scupper holes as well. These drainage holes which allow water from paddling or rain to drain out through the bottom of the boat. A tracking fin is a must as well. Otherwise paddling will have you zigg-zagging across the water. Advanced Elements and NRS both have models specifically designed for fishing.
3. Inflatable Pontoon Boats
You might ask, what differentiates inflatable pontoon boats from other inflatable boats? Well honestly, the dividing line is pretty hazy.
In the end how a manufacturer refers to their boat is less important than finding the features you want to have for an enjoyable experience.
Generally speaking, an inflatable pontoon boat is going to offer you a lot of capability in moving water. For drift style fishing in a river, or even light whitewater conditions, a pontoon boat can be fantastic.
Pontoon boats are stable due to their separated pontoons which creat a large flat platform with a low center of gravity. Most have oars and oar locks, raised seating, and possibly a motor mount when you want to really get on the move.
4. Framed Pontoon Boats
Framed pontoon boats are very popular and for good reason. They are a clear step up from inflatable boats like float tubes. But carrying a boat of this size for miles into the backcountry simply is not practical.
Comfort and functionality is the primary focus of inflatable pontoon boats, while sacrificing some ease of portability. Anglers sometimes use pontoon boats for moving rivers, and light even light rapids, but we don’t recommend attempting this with lesser quality inflatable pontoon boats.
Always follow manufacturer recommendations and purchase reliable, quality inflatable boat. Pontoon boats provide a great deal of comfort and they also can keep an angler entirely out of the water. The pontoons sit the angler high, while still keeping the water within reach if an angler want to use fins.
Gear can be stored in pockets and bags that are attached to the pontoons, or in a gear rack behind the seat. Seating in a pontoon boat also provides rigid support for those with back pain. And anglers with knee pain will really love the option of using oars.
The ability to row a pontoon boat makes covering water easier, and moving water becomes easier to handle as well. Inflatable pontoon boats don’t usually come equipped with tracking fins, so they tend to drift in windy conditions.
But this is will play to your benefit in moving water where a lack of tracking fins will enhance maneuverability. Though framed pontoon boats are fairly substantial, most small to mid-sized models are not designed to carry big loads.
They can quickly become overloaded and start feeling out of balance. But if comfort is what you are looking for, a framed pontoon boat is worth considering.
5. Frameless Pontoon Boats
Frameless pontoon boats are every bit as comfortable as their framed counterparts. There are some added benefits of frameless models as well.
Maximum load carrying capability is greater than that of framed models. Gear-heavy trips are better accommodated by frameless boats. And both gas and electric motors are often approved for these boats.
Frameless pontoon boats are also very stable. The ability to stand in a boat while fly casting adds distance to your casting range, and it also lets you stretch your legs. Some models have rigid floors, which makes for an excellent standing surface.
You’ll often find these designs are rated for moving water, even up to class 2 rivers are often fair game! Frameless pontoon boats can open access to significant areas that were not accessible previously.
6. Fly Fishing Rafts
Rafts are the big-boys in the world of inflatables. Fishing rafts can be the answer if you are looking to fish those deep whitewater gorges and mid-river runs.
Or maybe you are a guide who wants to provide a safe and fun experience to your sports. You can find our top picks for best whitewater fishing rafts here. With all the options out there, fishing rafts get the stamp of approval from the safety department.
Rafts are incredibly difficult to sink. Even if they are swamped, suffer a puncture, or flip over, rafts stay afloat. If you want to fish rivers, there is no getting around the fact that the right raft can make an excellent whitewater boat.
Fishing rafts provide access to areas that cannot be accessed by other boats, or even by foot. A fishing raft allows you to tackle rough river conditions that would destroy other boats. A good raft can prove indispensable in these locations.
Whitewater fishing rafts also displace very little water and sit very high as a result. That characteristic allows rafts to float right through shallows and rocky water that other watercraft, like drift boats, cannot pass.
Wrap-Up
Inflatable boats offer a wide range of options to cater to different needs and preferences.
From lightweight and portable dinghies to durable and high-performance RIBs, there’s an inflatable boat for every type of water activity.
By understanding the unique features and benefits of each type, you can choose the perfect inflatable boat that aligns with your adventures and lifestyle. Happy boating!