If we all had unlimited storage space and money, then having to choose the right inflatable boat among the myriad available wouldn’t pose a problem. But alas, few of us suffer from this “problem.” As such, most people are forced to choose just one inflatable boat that best meets their needs.
The Sea Eagle Inflatable Canoe is a highly versatile inflatable boat that’s superb for a wide variety of uses for two+ paddlers. More info at Sea Eagle.Com
Sometimes this choice might be easy. Other times, though—especially for people who do a range wide of water borne activities—the choice proves agonizingly painful.
While this article can do nothing about the “pain,” it can help people shopping for an inflatable boat more simply choose the best inflatable boat for their needs.
To accomplish this, I came up with a neat idea, at least I thought it was.
To make sorting through the multitude of options available in the world of inflatable boats, this article compares each type of inflatable boat to how well it does a particular activity.
The types of inflatable boats examined are listed below. If you want more information about a particular type of inflatable boat, please follow the link for each to read an in-depth guide about each type of boat.
- Inflatable Kayaks | Expedition Level
- Inflatable Kayaks | Recreational
- Inflatable Kayaks | Whitewater
- Inflatable Kayaks | Fishing
- Inflatable Rafts | Recreational
- Inflatable Rafts | Whitewater
- Inflatable Rafts | Fishing
- Pontoon Boats
- Float Tubes
- Inflatable SUP’s
- Inflatable Fishing SUP’s
- Inflatable Canoes
Finally, I’d like to stress one thing.
There is no such thing as the “Best Inflatable Boat,” despite what many click-bait websites try to tell you. Instead, the “best inflatable boat” is whatever boat best meets your needs. As such, it is imperative to know what you want to use a boat for before buying one.
Quick Recommendation on Where to Start | Begin With Versatility
If all else fails and you’re still confused about where to begin your search for the “perfect inflatable boat” for your needs, I’ll offer two recommendations. I base this recommendation on the assumption that you want an inflatable boat that provides the most versatility and you aren’t shopping for the cheapest piece of floating junk around. At a minimum, these recommendations offer a good “starting point” in your search for a boat that best meets your needs.
Maximum Versatility for Couples : Inflatable Canoes or Inflatable Expedition Level Kayaks are good boats to first begin your search.
Maximum Versatility for Solo Paddlers : Inflatable Expedition Level Kayaks are the best boat to look at first in your search for a boat that meets your needs.
Best Inflatable Boats for Specific Activities
Activities examined on the rest of this page are:
- Whitewater Rapids (up to Class V)
- Dedicated Fishing Boat for Rivers (assumes Class III rapids)
- Dedicated Fishing Boat for Lakes
- Frequent or Long Distance Day Trip Paddles on Flat Water/Lakes
- Best Boats for week+ long trips through remote terrain on rivers
- Best boats for week+ long paddles across lakes and flat water without using a motor
- Best boats for “fun at the beach”
- Backcountry Fishing or Recreational Floating (need to hike in)
Whitewater Rapids
For running powerful, Class IV and Class V rapids on a frequent basis.
| Boat Types | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Whitewater Kayaks | Best | Max Class V rapids. 1 paddler |
| Whitewater Rafts | Best | Max Class V rapids. Larger groups |
| Inflatable Kayaks – Expedition | Very Good | Max Class IV rapids |
| Inflatable Canoes | Very Good | Max Class IV rapids. Paddlers must be very experienced to take a canoe through Class IV rapids, however. |
| Inflatable Kayaks – Recreational | Good | Max Class III rapids |
| Inflatable Rafts | Recreational | Good | Max Class III rapids. |
| Inflatable Fishing Rafts (some models) | Good | Max Class III rapids. |
| All other inflatable boats | Fair/Poor/None | Never use float tubes on rivers |
Dedicated Fishing Boat for Rivers
A “dedicated fishing boat” is aimed at anglers who seek many fishing friendly features to increase comfort and productivity. I’m assuming fishing in rivers with a max of Class II rapids, although several boats are capable of running Class III or higher.
| Boat Types | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Fishing Raft | Best | 1-2 people. |
| Whitewater Raft with Fishing Frame | Best | Must buy a raft frame for fishing |
| Inflatable Fishing Kayaks | Very Good | Usually for 1 paddler only. |
| Inflatable Canoes | Very Good | Just know how to run Class III rapids to avoid capsizing |
| Inflatable Rafts | Recreational | Very Good | Need to buy a few detachable accessories. 1-2 people. |
| Pontoon Boats | Good | Max Class II rapids. Portable. |
| Inflatable Kayaks | Expedition & Recreational | Good | Great for spin fishing. A bit challenging for fly fishing. |
| All other boats | Poor | They aren’t meant for river fishing |
Dedicated Fishing Boat for Lakes & Flat Water
Using a motor for lake fishing is always helpful, as it saves significant time and allows the angler to cover more water.
| Boat Types | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Fishing Raft | Best | 1-2 people. Need motor. |
| Inflatable Fishing Kayaks | Best | Motor nice but not required |
| Inflatable Kayaks | Lakes | Very Good | Easy to paddle. Can add some “fishing friendly” features if desired. |
| Inflatable Canoes | Very Good | Canoes are great to fish from once you find your balance |
| Inflatable Fishing SUP’s | Very Good | 1 paddler. Motor very helpful but not required. |
| Inflatable Rafts | Recreational | Very Good | Need motormount and motor |
| Pontoon Boats | Good | Tiring to paddle long distances. Can’t stand. |
| Inflatable Kayaks | Recreational & Expedition | Good | Use of detachable skeg mandatory. Optional higher seating position seats helpful. |
| Float Tubes | Good to Poor | Good for backcountry lakes. Fair for smaller ponds. Poor for large lakes. |
| All other boats | Fair to Poor |
Long Distance or Frequent Flat Water Paddling
For people who plan to take frequent day trips across large expanses of flat water, such as lakes, stagnant rivers and sheltered ocean bays. This is for longer trips, greater than three+ miles or so, with 5-20 mile trips not being uncommon.
| Boat Types | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Kayaks | Lakes | Best | |
| Inflatable Canoes | Best | |
| Inflatable Kayaks | Expedition & Recreational | Fair | Can do long distance flat water paddles, but it’s not a lot of fun. Must use detachable skeg. Decent boat for five mile trips. Terrible for 20 mile trips. |
| All other boats | Fair to Poor |
Multi-night or multi-week floats on remote rivers
Assumes paddler will encounter Class III rapids along the river, as is often found in remote areas.
| Boat Types | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Kayaks | Expedition | Best | For 1-2 paddlers. Can also do Class IV rapids. |
| Whitewater Rafts | Best | For larger groups. Need rowing frame to allow for maneuverability. |
| Inflatable Canoes | Best | Paddlers need experience to handle Class III rapids, but canoe is capable of doing it. |
| Inflatable Kayaks | Recreational | Good | Can’t be used in temperatures below freezing. Max rapids is Class III. Limited weight capacity limits trip length. Less durable fabric limits use. |
| Inflatable Rafts | Recreational | Good | Can’t be used in temperatures below freezing. Max rapids is Class III. Reduced durability and weight capacity limits use to short trips in areas not too remote. |
| Inflatable Fishing Rafts (some models) | Good | Some models can run Class III rapids. Detach some fishing accessories to make it more “expedition friendly” |
| Inflatable Fishing Kayaks (some models) | Good | Some models can run Class III rapids. Detach some fishing accessories to make it more “expedition friendly” |
| Pontoon Boats | Fair | Max Class II rapids. Very limited weight capacity. Good for 1-2 nights max. 1 paddler only. |
| All other boats | Fair to Poor |
Multi-Night or Multi-Week Paddles Across Lakes and Flat Water
This activity assumes no use of a motor.
| Boat Types | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Kayaks | Lakes | Best | For 1-2 paddlers. |
| Inflatable Canoes | Best | Best for 2 paddlers. |
| Inflatable Kayaks | Expedition | Good to Very Good | Must use detachable skeg. Better for “short paddle days” than “long paddle days.” 10 miles is about the most you’d want to do each day. |
| Inflatable Kayaks | Recreational | Good | Use detachable skeg. Limited to use in temps above freezing. Limited weight capacity and durability makes less suitable for long or remote trips. |
| Inflatable Fishing Kayaks (some models) | Fair to Good | Detach some fishing accessories to make it more “expedition friendly”. Some kayaks have rowing frames available. |
| All other boats | Fair to Poor |
Fun at the Beach
Boats that both the kids and their parents can play with when visiting the local beach.
| Boat Types | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Kayaks | All | Best | Hard to argue with their versatility at the beach. Easy to get back into the boat after your kids flip them (which they’ll do on purpose). |
| Inflatable SUP’s | Best | Their popularity at the beach says all you need to know! |
| Inflatable Rafts | Recreational | Very good | Lots of fun, too. Pain to paddle miles beyond the beach, however. |
| Pontoon Boats | Good | Not really designed “for fun” or for kids to play with, but it works for one kid or adult |
| Inflatable Fising SUP’s | Good | Bit wide and need to remove “fishing features,” but they still work for some fun. |
| Inflatable Canoes | Good | Unlike regular canoes, inflatable canoes are easy to get back in when you tip them…which kids will! |
| All other boats | Fair to Poor |
Backcountry Fishing or Floating
Requires walking in, usually over a considerable distance, to reach a particular body of water for fishing or recreational floating.
| Boat Types | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Eagle PackFish | Best | A tiny raft that’s ideal for fishing or fun floating. See more info about the PackFish at Sea Eagle.Com |
| Float Tubes | Very Good | Fishing only on smaller lakes |
| Pontoon Boats | Very good | Only the true “backpackable” size |
| All other boats | Poor | Too heavy or bulky to backpack several miles, at least not without the help of a horse. |