Inflatable boats with an outboard motor are easy to steer and get you from A to B quickly on the water.
What makes a good inflatable boat with a motor?
Inflatable boats are very versatile. It is therefore important to choose the right inflatable boat for your personal requirements. We compare the best inflatable boats with motor in our recommendations 2024. Our Checklist shows what to look out for when buying. The right boat is quickly found thanks to these tips.
Contents:
The best inflatable boats with motor 2024 reviewed
1. best inflatable boat with motor for 5 persons
This boat measures 366 x 168 x 43 cm and therefore offers enough space. It weighs 25 kilograms, but has a load capacity of up to 600 kilograms. The scope of delivery includes two aluminum oars, four removable fishing rod holders, an equipment bag, a carrying bag, as well as a high line pump and repair patches.
Why we like it: This inflatable boat made of robust PVC has a flexible motor mount. The inflatable seats with backrest have been designed for comfortable rides. The two Boston valves on the two main hull chambers allow it to be inflated and deflated quickly and easily. The bow and tail offer additional storage space and equipment can also be tied to the D-rings.
Recommended for: This boat is large enough to comfortably seat up to 5 adults.
2. best inflatable boat with motor for 3 persons
This inflatable boat measures 295 x 137 x 43 cm and weighs 11 kilograms. It is made of PVC and is also resistant to seawater.
Why we like it: With a load capacity of up to 255 kg, the inflatable boat can hold up to 3 persons and an additional motor. It is made of high-quality PVC and comes with two paddles and a powerful pump. It also has a preparation for the motor mount, handles to facilitate transportation and rudder brackets.
Recommended for: This boat is suitable for up to 3 adults, but is still sufficient for a family with two children.
3. best inflatable boat for more powerful engines
This inflatable boat measures 320 x 155 x 70 cm and weighs 55 kilograms. The boat is made of PVC, the floor of aluminum. It can carry loads of up to 505 kilograms.
Why we like it: Thanks to the sturdy aluminum floor, the boat has a high degree of stability and sits well in the water. The three air chambers can be inflated and deflated again in a short time. In addition to a foot air pump, 2 paddles with rowing forks, a carrying bag and a repair kit are also included. An outboard motor can easily be retrofitted.
Recommended for: Thanks to the two benches, this boat can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people. It can be used for trips in coastal waters such as bays, as well as on lakes and rivers. Use is possible up to wind force 6 and waves of 2 meters in height.
4. best inflatable boat set with motor
This boat measures 230 x 128 cm, is made of PVC and can hold up to 235 kilograms. The included motor has an output of 480 watts and reaches a top speed of 8 km/h.
Why we like it: The high-quality workmanship of the inflatable boat promises high durability. It comes with two aluminum paddles, two benches, grab handles and fishing rod holders. An air pump, a repair kit and a bag for easy transportation are also included.
Recommended for: Up to 3 persons can be accommodated on this inflatable boat. The tether, which is attached all around, increases safety so that rides with children are also possible. Family excursions, but also fishing, diving or use as a dinghy are possible.
5. best comfortable inflatable boat with motor
This boat measures 329 x 163 x 44 cm and can carry a load of up to 360 kilograms. The set includes 2 height-adjustable paddles, an air pump, a cell phone cover, a dry bag to store provisions, a repair kit and a rucksack for transportation.
Why we like it: The inflatable boat has two comfortable benches with backrests. There is also enough space in the boat to stretch out your legs. The sturdy PVC material makes the boat durable and stable. The movable rudder forks make paddling easier.
Recommended for: This boat is suitable for waters such as small bays, lakes or narrow rivers and can withstand wind force 4 and waves up to 0.3 meters high.
Suitable electric motors for inflatable boats:
1. best motor with battery indicator
This 12V motor weighs 7.75 kilograms and has an output of 420 watts. It can be adjusted in height, depth and angle and is easy to operate thanks to an extendable control lever.
Why we like it: This motor impresses with its ease of use and low noise level. It is also very well made and offers a thrust of 178 newtons.
Recommended for: This motor is suitable for both fast and leisurely trips in an inflatable boat. It can be used in fresh and salt water.
2. best motor for salt water
This motor can be operated with a standard 12 volt car battery. However, this is not included in the scope of delivery. It has 8 gears, 5 for forward and 3 for reverse.
Why we like it: This powerful motor has 408 watts and optimized power consumption extends the operating time. The immersion depth and steering pressure are infinitely adjustable on this model. The entire motor can be folded up at the touch of a button.
Recommended for: This motor can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used in fresh and salt water. It is also powerful enough for nature reserves.
3. best engine for use in the nature reserve
This 12 V motor measures 145 x 55 x 35 cm and weighs 15 kilograms. It can be operated with a simple car or gel battery. The telescopic tiller can be used to switch between 5 forward and 3 reverse gears.
Why we like it: This high-quality motor is extremely durable and reliable thanks to the materials used and the sophisticated technology. Its power consumption has been optimized so that it can be used for longer with the same battery capacity.
Recommended for: This motor can be used on lakes and rivers, but also in the sea. After use in salt water, however, it should be rinsed with fresh water to prolong its service life.
4. best mounting for outboard motors
This fixture measures 43.5 x 7 x 22 cm and weighs 2.5 kilograms. Thanks to the high-quality material and aluminum carrier, it can withstand extreme temperatures, salt water, oils and grease.
Why we like it: This well-made motor mount can be attached to and removed from the inflatable boat in just a few minutes. After use, it can also be dismantled into individual parts to save space.
Recommended for: This motor mount is suitable for the Intex inflatable boats Challenger 3; Seahawk 2, 3, 4; Excursion 4, 5; Mariner 3,4 and fits the Intex trolling motor. In general, it can be used for engines up to 3 hp; for other boat types, it should be tested beforehand whether the attachment is suitable.
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Inflatable boats with motor Checklist: These features are important in the test
- Size: Larger boats offer more space and can be loaded with more weight than smaller boats. On the other hand, small boats are more maneuverable and easier to store and transport.
- Motorization: The maximum motorization depends on the size of the boat. A small inflatable boat can only be used with a small outboard motor. No license is required in Germany for inflatable boats up to 15 hp.
- Foldable or rib: Inflatable boats with a motor can be foldable or have a partially fixed outer hull (rib):
- Foldable inflatable boats with a motor: are particularly suitable for calm waters and cannot be motorized as much as rib inflatable boats. They are cheaper and easier to transport. As long as there is no swell, they deliver a good performance.
- Rib inflatable boats with motor: Can be motorized to a greater extent and are more stable in waves as the hull is more pronounced. However, they are more expensive and difficult to transport without a trailer.
- Keel: You can buy inflatable boats with or without a keel in the floor.
- Inflatable boats with a keel: Deliver very good performance on the water and are easier to maneuver. They are fast and more stable in waves due to their V-hull shape.
- Inflatable boats without a keel: are cheaper, but perform less well and are slower. However, the boat is inflated more quickly without a keel. These boats are not ideal in swell, as they skip over the surface of the water. On calm waters and at low speed, they are more than sufficient.
- Floor:
- Wooden/aluminum base: A solid base is bulky and unwieldy to transport. But it is particularly durable and robust. Boxes or similar items can be easily attached to a wooden or aluminum base and it provides a firm stand. Wood is somewhat more susceptible to damage than aluminum, so an aluminum floor is recommended.
- High-pressure floor: The floor consists of an air cushion with approx. 0.8 bar air pressure, is very quick to set up and easy to transport. If the water is calm, it offers good stability, but feels wobbly in waves. Inflatable boats with a high-pressure floor are less stable and cannot be heavily motorized. Care should also be taken with sharp objects, as these can damage the floor.
- Slatted floor: Good for anglers because it is easy to transport and set up. The slatted floor is more stable than the high-pressure floor but is usually only available for small boats
- Price: Small inflatable boats with motor are available from approx. 600-700 €, plus the price of the outboard motor.
- Tube diameter: The larger the tube diameter, the more stable the boat is in the water, but it is also more expensive. A large tube diameter is particularly useful for inflatable boats that are used at sea.
Bestsellers: The most popular inflatable boats with motor on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
- 1 Which inflatable boat with motor is best?
- 2 Where are you allowed to drive an inflatable boat with a motor?
- 3 How much does an inflatable boat with motor cost?
- 4 Are inflatable boats with electric motors allowed?
- 5 How fast is an inflatable boat with an electric motor?
- 6 Are inflatable boats with a motor practical and stable?
- 7 Can an inflatable boat with an electric motor be used in salt water?
- 8 What alternatives are there to inflatable boats with a motor?
- 9 Is there an inflatable boat with motor test from Consumer Reports or Which?
Which inflatable boat with motor is best?
Where are you allowed to drive an inflatable boat with a motor?
Before an excursion, it must be ensured that a body of water may be used. Violations of the navigation regulations result in severe fines.
How much does an inflatable boat with motor cost?
Are inflatable boats with electric motors allowed?
How fast is an inflatable boat with an electric motor?
Are inflatable boats with a motor practical and stable?
Can an inflatable boat with an electric motor be used in salt water?
What alternatives are there to inflatable boats with a motor?
Is there an inflatable boat with motor test from Consumer Reports or Which?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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