Best Inflatable Boats for the Family in 2023

These boats are ship-shape and won’t put many holes in your budget
Family in a small inflatable boat.
Inflatable boats are an affordable but fun way to enjoy a day on the water. Intex

There’s nothing like floating down the river or cruising around a lake, but purchasing a traditional boat seems overly expensive, not to mention all the space they take up. You need an inflatable boat.

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump

Heavy-duty vinyl construction

Comfortable and stable, this boat offers great visibility on the water and is perfect for small, calm bodies of water. Intex

Affordability and comfort meet with this kayak by Intex, which comes with a high-input air pump for easy inflation. Adjustable seats and backrests ensure the cockpit is comfortable for anyone, and there’s plenty of space in the two-person cockpit. Removable SKEG offers directional stability, and the kayak’s bright yellow color ensures you’re visible when you’re out on the water. While it’s designed with small, calm bodies of water in mind, it’s perfect for mild rivers and gentle lakes. Heavy-duty vinyl construction ensures it’s puncture-resistant, and the inflatable I-beam floor offers superior rigidity to the craft.

Buy: Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Bestway CoolerZ Tropical Breeze Floating Island Raft | Giant Inflatable Pool Float For Adults | Includes Canopy, Cupholders, & Cooler Bag | Lounge Fitsup to 6 People | Great For Pool, Lake, River, OC

Fits up to six people

A grab line and additional handles make it easy to get on and off if you want to go swimming. Bestway

This floating island raft offers the perfect way to enjoy the water, whether it’s a quiet lake, lazy river, or even a big pool. It fits up to six people comfortably and includes built-in cup holders and backrests for everyone. A detachable sunshade for the raft ensures you have a bit of shade on those hot days, and the mesh floor area of the raft lets you keep your legs and feet cool in the water. Constructed from tear-resistant, durable PVC, the raft handles all water settings from the ocean, beach, river, or lake. It folds up when deflated, so it’s easy to store, and there’s a heavy-duty repair patch included in case your adventure leads to an accidental tear.

Buy: Bestway Hydro Force Tropical Breeze Raft

Intex Explorer Inflatable Boat

Weight capacity is 120 pounds

This pint-sized option lets you enjoy calm waters or pools without breaking the bank. Intex

If you want to enjoy all that the water offers without spending a lot of money, this inflatable boat by Intex fits nearly any budget. The one-person boat handles calm waters, or it’s great for having fun in a pool. It features two separate air chambers for safety, so even if you get a puncture in one, you’ll still have air in the other. Welded oar locks ensure you won’t lose your oars, and the bright orange, contemporary graphics make you highly visible. The weight capacity is 120 pounds, so this raft is a perfect choice for kids.

Buy: Intex Explorer Inflatable Boat Series

Intex Excursion 5

Compact and lightweight

Enjoy an excursion out on the water in comfort with this larger model. Intex

Whether you’re going camping, spending a day on the lake fishing, or simply want to enjoy an adventure on the water, this five-person boat lets you enjoy fun on the water with friends. It’s compact and lightweight, and it’s easy to assemble and pump up so you’re out enjoying the water fast. It features oar locks and oar holders, a handy gear pouch, and fishing rod holders for the anglers. Motor mount fittings allow you to add a motor if you have one, and the vinyl, super-tough construction ensures maximum durability. Inflatable seats have comfortable backrests, and the boat has an all-around grab line that makes it easy to handle and board. A repair kit and carry bag come with the boat, ensuring easy transport and storage.

Buy: Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat Series

Newport Vessels 20M1000017 8-Feet 10-Inch Dana Inflatable Sport Tender Dinghy Boat - USCG Rated (White/Gray)

Capacity of 1,067 pounds

This number handles up to three people and performs well with an outboard motor, offering excellent handling on the water. Newport Vessels

You don’t expect portability and easy storage with a sport boat, but this inflatable sport boat by Newport Vessels makes it happen. Made from top-quality 1100D PVC fabric and featuring three separate air tubes, it’s durable, tough, and won’t let you down on the water. Add an outboard motor of up to 9.9hp and achieve 20+mph top speeds and the boat performs and handles well for tons of excitement and fun while you’re on your adventure. It features an air keel, topside D-rings for accessories and bimini, an easy-reach grab rope, a self-bailing drain plug, and three bow D-rings made of stainless steel for towing a tender. The three-person capacity boat features a max load capacity of 1,067 pounds.

Buy: Newport Vessels Inflatable Sport Tender Dinghy


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