Best Fishing Boats of 2021 – How to Get the Boat of Your Dreams

You may think that fishing doesn’t require too much, apart from the typical equipment you need for catching fish. That’s a wrong mindset to have, though – owning the right boat is just as important. Not only do you need to find a good spot with a lot of fish, but you also need a nice, durable fishing boat to take you there.

The best fishing boat brands keep pushing their products saying that they’re the greatest – in reality, there is no such thing as the best fishing boat. There is only the best boat for you. So, if you’re looking for any type of boat, whether it’s the best small fishing boat or inflatable fishing boat, you need to know how to pick.

In case you’re having difficulties with that, we’re here to prepare you. Below, you will find five products to choose from, and if you aren’t convinced, you will also have a buying guide to help you look for products on your own.


Quick Picks

You are probably impatient to get your new boat, in which case, here are three picks that have great potential to offer you what you need in terms of fishing boats:

BEST PICK
INTEX 68324EP Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set: Includes Deluxe 54in Boat Oars and High-Output Pump – Adjustable Seats with Backrest – Fishing...
BEST VALUE
Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat, Pumpkin/Grey
BEST BUDGET
Intex Explorer 200 Inflatable 2 Person River Boat Raft Set with 2 Oars& Pump
Intex Excursion 4
Classic Accessories
Intex Explorer 200
$169.99
$729.99
$35.89
BEST PICK
INTEX 68324EP Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set: Includes Deluxe 54in Boat Oars and High-Output Pump – Adjustable Seats with Backrest – Fishing...
Intex Excursion 4
$169.99
BEST VALUE
Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat, Pumpkin/Grey
Classic Accessories
$729.99
BEST BUDGET
Intex Explorer 200 Inflatable 2 Person River Boat Raft Set with 2 Oars& Pump
Intex Explorer 200
$35.89

Best Fishing Boats Reviews

#1-Intex Excursion 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump – Best for Group Fishing

INTEX 68324EP Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set: Includes Deluxe 54in Boat Oars and High-Output Pump – Adjustable Seats with Backrest – Fishing...
  • SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high...
  • DUAL BOSTON VALVES – Located on the side of the boat, the boston valves on two main hull chambers will provide easy...
  • EXTRA STORAGE – Extra space in the bow and stern allows for storing any necessities for your adventure; stainless...

Intex makes it possible for you to go fishing with your group of friends, as it has this amazing boat with a capacity of four people. It is the best inflatable fishing boat for when you want to fish together, rather than on separate boats each. It has a weight limit of 1,100 pounds, while the maximum weight capacity is 725 pounds.

The boat is provided with two fishing rod holders, as well as inflatable seat cushions, gear pouch, oar holders, and backrest. As for the construction, it is a rugged vinyl one, to make sure the boat lasts long enough, and you won’t need a new one anytime soon. The vinyl is heavy-duty and puncture resistant. It’s also comfortable thanks to the I-Beam floor, which is inflatable. You will not feel any discomfort under your feet.

While using the boat, there are also two grab handles for your convenience. For added buoyancy and safety, there are also three air chambers that include an inner auxiliary chamber inside the main hull.

Pros

  • Strong puncture-resistant vinyl construction
  • It comes with multiple accessories
  • It has two grab handles
  • It allows you to add a trolling motor with ease
  • Fits four people
  • Has a comfortable, inflatable floor

Cons

  • The oars may not be long enough

#2-Intex Explorer 200, 2-Person Inflatable Boat Set with French Oars and Mini Air Pump – Easiest to Inflate

Intex Explorer 200 Inflatable 2 Person River Boat Raft Set with 2 Oars& Pump
  • INCLUDES DELUXE 48" BOAT OARS – Paddle away this summer with 48 inch Deluxe Boat Oars! They are incredibly easy to...
  • WELDED ON OAR LOCKS – The Intex Explorer 200 has welded-on oar locks, which means that you can attach the deluxe boat...
  • 2 AIR CHAMBERS WITH DOUBLE VALVES – The two chambers allows for quicker and easier inflation, as the user can use both...

Since you don’t want to waste too much time inflating your boat, Intex again ensured you will get the quality you ask for. The product comes with a mini air pump, so you can easily inflate the boat while on the go. There are two air chambers with double valves, to make the inflation process faster and make sure durability is ensured. In case the boat gets damaged, you have a patch repair kit to fix it immediately.

This boat is enough for one adult, but if you want to teach your little one the beauty of fishing, he may fit into the boat as well. The weight capacity is 210 pounds. What’s even nicer is that you have two 48-inch French oars included as well.

For comfort and rigidity, you also get an inflatable. This way, you will enjoy the time spent on your boat.

Pros

  • Easy to inflate as it includes an air pump
  • Two durable air chambers with double valves
  • Patch repair kit included
  • Two 48-inch French oars included

Cons

  • Although it says it fits two people, it’s a little undersized for 2 adults and rather suitable for one adult and one child

#3-Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat With Transport Wheel & Motor Mount – Best Pontoon Boat with Amazing Portability

Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat, Pumpkin/Grey
  • Colorado XT assembled size 108"L x 56"W x 28"H (to top of seat), weight, 77 lbs.
  • Heavy-duty pontoon boat with abrasion-resistant PVC bottom, tough nylon top, powder-coated steel tube frame, bronze oar...
  • Removable side pockets can combine to create a portable gear bag; customizable storage includes 20 pockets and two...

You may think that a pontoon boat will be difficult to carry but, in reality, it is possible to take it with you without any issues. This particular Classic Accessories boat, for instance, is perfect when you have to carry your boat to your favorite fishing spot. It has removable side pockets that combine in order to allow you to create a portable gear bag. Not to mention that once it’s inflated, you can take advantage of the transport wheels so you can reach the fishing spot much easier.

What we loved is the big storage capacity of the boat. The rear storage platform allows you to take a lot of things with you in your fishing expedition. You have two insulated drink holders, as well as 20 pockets.

To ensure it doesn’t puncture or tear apart, the boat is made from resistant PVC as well as touch nylon. The tops of the pontoons use nylon and the bottoms use PVC. The seat is a padded plastic one, for enough comfort while you’re fishing. Therefore, it’s great if you’re looking for a pontoon fishing boat.

Pros

  • Strong and durable materials
  • Enough storage space for your drinks or other things
  • Portable enough
  • 2-year warranty included
  • You can adjust the seat and footrests for more comfort
  • Three oar-lock positions available

Cons

  • The customer service is not the best
  • It may be a little heavy

#4-Intex Seahawk 3, 3-Person Inflatable Boat Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump – Best for Easy Rowing

INTEX 68380EP Seahawk 3 Inflatable Boat Set: Includes Deluxe 54in Boat Oars and High-Output Pump – SuperStrong PVC – Fishing Rod Holders –...
  • SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high...
  • TRIPLE AIR CHAMBERS – Three air chambers, including one inner auxillary chamber for added safety to keep you afloat;...
  • ACCESSORIES – Included with (2) 54-inch boat oars for easy paddling, (2) fishing rod holders, a motor mount fitting,...

When you’re fishing, you want to get down to business as soon as possible, without wasting too much time. That being said, this boat will make sure that you don’t have to row endlessly to no avail. Actually, there are 4 rotational oarlocks to make rowing much easier than you could imagine.

Also, to save even more time, the inflation and deflation processes are quick and easy. You just have to use the Boston valves and the hi-output pump, and the boat will quickly inflate and get ready for your fishing adventure.

The construction has been handled with care, and the manufacturers didn’t hesitate to use high-quality materials. The PVC used is heavy-duty and puncture resistant. There are also 3 air chambers, as well as an inner auxiliary chamber inside the main hull. To make sure you have a wonderful experience, you also get some additional accessories, such as an Intex high-output pump and two 48-inch aluminum oars.

Pros

  • Sturdy construction
  • It can fit 3 people
  • It makes rowing easy
  • It is easy to inflate and deflate
  • Includes some additional accessories

Cons

  • The inflatable floor isn’t too sturdy

#5-Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, 1-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump – Most Comfortable Kayak Boat

Intex 68305EP Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak Set: Includes Deluxe 86in Kayak Paddles and High-Output Pump – Adjustable Seat with Backrest –...
  • SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high...
  • LOW PROFILE DESIGN – The Challenger K1 has a streamlined low-profile design that is perfect for easy paddling in lakes...
  • COCKPIT SEATS – Built with removable and adjustable seats, the cockpit design is spacious and comfortable, providing...

One of the most important features to consider when getting a fishing boat is comfort. Luckily, this product is quite comfortable. You just have to inflate it with the hand pump, and it’s ready to go. Not to mention that it has a quite manageable weight and keeps its balance while on the water surface. Even the floor is comfortable – it’s inflatable and adds to the comfort and rigidity.

This kayak is only suitable for one person – so, if you’d rather spend some time alone trying to catch some fish, this product will give you this opportunity. In addition, it has a cargo net, to allow you to store some additional gear.

Last, but not least, the boat was built to last – made from vinyl, you will not have to worry about any potential damage.

Pros

  • Has a rugged vinyl construction
  • It is easy to assemble and to deflate
  • Allows you to store some extra equipment
  • It has a backrest
  • Includes an aluminum oar, as well as a repair patch and hand pump

Cons

  • The seat is not that great

Fishing Boat Buying Guide

[Cover] Best Fishing Boats

Even if you were just presented with some of the best fishing boats out there, maybe you still want to make sure you choose the best one by doing more research. To do that, you must be aware of the features to look for in such a boat. Whether you want the best boat for fishing and family fun, or you would rather look for something with a single seat and durable construction, you need to know the types of fishing boats available.

Here are some features to pay attention to before you invest in a fishing boat:

Size

You may want to take your family members or your friends with you on your fishing adventures. If that’s the case, you cannot settle for a small, kayak boat, but go for one with multiple seats instead. Before you buy a boat, it’s best to check the measurements of the product and the reviews, thus making sure you don’t pick a boat for children by mistake.

On the other hand, if you like fishing alone, you can pick a smaller boat. Still, it should be big enough to allow you space to move and not cause you discomfort. There are boats with a single seat that are more than suitable for this.

Material

One of the most important considerations when looking for a fishing boat is the material it’s made of. You need something made from a sturdy material, one that won’t puncture easily, especially if you don’t want to spend more money on a new boat. Some good choices would be boats made from PVC or vinyl because they make sure to resist for a long time.

If you want to go for a more durable product and don’t mind the higher price, you can try looking for the best aluminum fishing boat. Especially if you want to be more professional, then an aluminum fishing boat is a great option.

Budget

You cannot look for a new fishing boat unless you have the necessary funds, and although not all boats will require all of your savings, you still need some to save some cash. Some boats, especially inflatable ones, can cost below $100, depending on their quality and what they offer. On the other hand, an aluminum boat may be a costly investment.

You have to look for the best fishing boat for the money, but if anything, don’t go with the cheapest model you find. Look for decently priced boats, not too low nor too high. You have a better chance of finding a good boat this way.

Water Type

Depending on the water type you will be on while fishing, you need to pick the proper boat. For example, if you tend to fish in salty water, then an aluminum boat may not be the best option, especially if it wasn’t properly optimized for saltwater. Optimizations could reduce damage.

Freshwater could cause damage too. Also, there might be algae in the water, so you need to consider this as well. After you’ve established the type of water you’ll be sailing on, you can choose the boat accordingly.

Warranty

It’s essential to have the repair costs covered in case the boat gets damaged and it’s not your fault. For inflatable boats, you can have a 2-year warranty, whereas aluminum ones will have longer warranties. The longer the warranty and the more benefits you get with it, the better. Don’t settle for one that is too short and doesn’t offer many benefits, because it could be an indicator of the boat’s quality too.


Final Thoughts

Choosing the best fishing boat is necessary if you want to enjoy every fishing adventure to its maximum. Having said that, we hope our buying guide and reviews will be useful when you start looking around for your new boat.

Sources:

James S. Hankins

James is an expert fisherman who was lucky enough to spend much of her childhood chasing salmon, trout and sea trout..Have a question, need some help, or want to give your opinion? Drop us a comment below!

View all posts by James S. Hankins →

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