Choosing your inflatable pontoon boat can be tricky. With all the manufacturers focusing on their pros and omitting their cons, it’s difficult to get an inflatable boat that suits you.
If you want to get the best inflatable pontoon boat that meets all your needs without spending too much, we’re here for you.
In this guide, we’ll show you what you should look for before buying an inflatable pontoon and give you our top selection.
What Should You Consider Before Buying an Inflatable Pontoon Boat?
Before buying an inflatable pontoon boat, keep the following factors in mind:
Portability
The point of having an inflatable pontoon boat is being able to easily carry it to your destination. Some pontoon boats take a lot of space and are quite heavy.
Others are quicker to handle and can be carried on your back. Depending on your preference, you should keep portability in mind before your purchase.
Carrying Capacity
If you have an inflatable ball, you can still force it down the water with enough force. The same concept applies to an inflatable pontoon boat.
Too much weight will force your pontoon into the water. Check the carrying capacity to see if your desired pontoon can carry you and the weight of your accessories with some room for your catch as well.
Ability to Stand Up
Some inflatable pontoons allow you to stand up while casting or fishing. Others have no standing decks and could be annoying if you want to stretch your legs or if the water is too cold.
If you prefer to stand up while fishing, you should make sure that your pontoon can allow you to do so.
Durability
Inflatables are air bladders and some air bladders are a lot stronger than others.
The durability of your pontoon will help you use it a lot longer. But with more durability, comes more cost. Keep that in mind.
Price
The price is a major deciding factor for most people. It’s always a challenge to get the product that gives you the best bang for your buck.
Nobody wants to pay a lot of money for things they wouldn’t be using too much. Know what you need from an inflatable boat to avoid paying too much for products you don’t need.
Our Top Products
Here are our recommendations for the best inflatable pontoon boats you could get right now.
1. Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat
If you’re new to the fishing game with a limited budget and you want a pontoon boat that has everything you’d need to start, the Colorado Pontoon Boat is for you.
It’s a stable boat with a good amount of pockets for all your needed accessories. The metal framework also allows for placing your fishing rods in three locations.
Despite not having a swivel, the highly positioned seat provides excellent visibility because you can easily turn your head and body around without obstructions.
Regarding portability, you “can” carry the Colorado. It packs into a medium-sized bag but it’s quite heavy at around 71.5 pounds.
We recommend placing it in the back of your car/truck and not walking long distances with it on your shoulder or back.
The Colorado’s metal framework keeps it sturdy in the water but elongates the assembly and disassembly time. You’ll need an average of 20 minutes to get it ready or to fold it and go home.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Classic Accessories
Weight: 71.5 pounds
Carrying Capacity: 400 pounds
Warranty: 2 years
Swivel Seat: No
Motor Mount: Yes
Pros
- Great entry-level boat with a bit of everything
- Sturdy metal framework
- Lower price than most inflatable boats
Cons
- No platform to stand on
2. Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Frameless Fishing Pontoon Boat
If you want a top-quality inflatable pontoon boat that meets all your needs and money is no issue, the Sea Eagle 285 is our recommendation.
While most inflatable pontoons have a frame, this frameless boat is designed with an emphasis on sturdiness and packability. It only weighs 42 pounds and it can be quickly packed in a carryable bag that comes with the product.
Unlike the Colorado, the Sea Eagle chair has a swivel to give you a great view without having to move your body. Also, like the Colorado, there’s a motor mount should you like to install one.
Since it doesn’t have a frame, you can prepare and inflate the Sea Eagle 285 within a few minutes.
You don’t need to have it in the back of your car for transportation. Just carry it on your back to your fishing spot, inflate, and you’re good to go.
The one downside it has is the price which is almost double that of the Colorado.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Sea Eagle
Weight: 42 pounds
Carrying Capacity: 450 pounds
Warranty: 3 years
Swivel Seat: Yes
Motor Mount: Yes
Pros
- Great portability without a metal frame
- Extremely sturdy build with high tear resistance
- More storage space than most boats (More than the Colorado)
Cons
- The price tag makes it expensive
3. AQUOS 2021 New Backpack Series 8.8ft Inflatable Pontoon Boat
If you want an inflatable pontoon that does it all, the AQUOS 2021 should be your choice.
This heavy inflatable pontoon boat comes with a swivel seat, a metal deck for accessories and standing, a rack to hang your tools on, and a motor.
It can carry up to 550 pounds of weight but the boat itself is 130 pounds. It does come with its bag but carrying a 130 boat on your back before you even get to your fishing spot will take most of your energy.
Additionally, it can take over 30 minutes to assemble or disassemble. We recommend carrying in the back of your car or towing it while it’s already assembled.
That being said, the AQUOS 2021 takes the most time to assemble and it’s also the heaviest on our list.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: AQUOS
Weight: 130 pounds
Carrying Capacity: 550 pounds
Warranty: 3 years
Swivel Seat: Yes
Motor Mount: Yes and the motor is included with the purchase
Pros
- Comes with its motor
- Swiveled seat with a great view
- A metal deck for standing and accessories
Cons
- Long assembly and disassembly time
They’re All Good So Choose What You Need
Nominating the best inflatable pontoon boat would be difficult. Everyone needs different requirements.
If you want a jack of all trades without paying too much, Colorado is a great bang for Buck. Sea Eagle 285 is perfect for those who don’t mind paying top dollar for a quality product.
If you don’t mind long assembly but need a motorized boat with a metal deck, go for The AQUOS 2021.