The Best All Around Family Boat: Top Picks & Buying Guides 2024
By, Hailey AbbottUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Intex Explorer 200, 2-Person Inflatable Boat
The Intex Explorer has everything you need to enjoy a day on the water. The floor is made from durable, puncture-resistant fabric and is designed for comfort and rigidity. It also comes with an air pump, carry bag and repair kit. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Newport Vessels 12ft 6in Catalina Inflatable Dinghy Boat Transom Sport
The Newport Vessels Catalina is the perfect dinghy for cruising, fishing, or just relaxing by the pool. The inflatable keel allows for excellent planning and steering, while the tail tubes add stability and easy take offs. The PVC fabric is easy to maintain and comes in a variety of colors. With a lightweight design that is easily portable and affordable, you can't go wrong with this fun inflatable boat from Newport Vessels. Read Review
3. Best Durable: Intex Seahawk 2, 2-Person Inflatable Boat Set
Get out on the water with this amazing inflatable boat. It's strong, durable and comfortable enough for two people. The floor is made of a highly-stitched PVC material that ensures durability, while the oar locks and grab handles make it easy to row.The Auto inflation valve makes it easy for you to set up and take down the boat. Read Review
4. Best Style: Supershop® Intex 68325EP Excursion 5 Inflatable 5 Person Rafting
Boating and fishing for the whole family has never been easier. With its 5 person capacity, the Supershop® Intex 68325EP Boat is perfect for a day on the water with friends or family. With 2 seats, a built-in fishing rod holder, and motor mount; all you need to do is relax and enjoy your catch! Read Review
When it comes to family boating, you need something that can take care of you and the kids, while still leaving you time to enjoy the day. If that sounds like your situation, then look no further than a recreational pontoon boat. A standard fishing pontoons are designed for inshore use only and aren’t meant for extended cruising/fishing sessions.
While these restrictions are fair for most people, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get out on the water more often or bringing along some extra friends this season. In either case, if you want a boat that can handle whatever mother nature throws at it, then check out our top picks.
We think the best all around family boat that is available now is Intex Explorer 200, 2-Person Inflatable Boat. We also provide you with Newport Vessels 12ft 6in Catalina Inflatable Dinghy Boat Transom Sport model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice. And bellow are the helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.
RELATED: Are you looking to buy the best aluminum center console boats in 2024? We provided helpful advice and reliable information in this article.
Our Top Picks
- Inflatable floor for comfort and rigidity
- Grab rope on bow ; Welded oar locks; U.S. Coast Guard I.D.
- Measures 73" x 37" x 16"; Weight capacity 210 lb. Age Grading:6+
- The Intex Explorer is perfect for the pool or lake
- 2 air chambers with double valves; Repair patch included
- Premium quality: Hull made from high quality crisp white PVC fabric w/ UV treatment, .9mm/1100D. Floor made from aluminum framed marine grade coated plywood provides a solid and stable surface for standing, casting, and planing. Seams are HEAT WELDED using the latest technology.
- Features: Electric trolling motor compatible. 3-20hp Outboard Compatible (depending on model). Air Keel creates a shaped V hull for easy planing and improved steering. Sturdy carrying handles. 3x Stainless steel bow D-rings for towing. D-rings on bow/tail tubes for bimini & accessory attachments (not pictured). Self bailing transom drain valve. Easy grab rope plus splash guard around edge limits water spray inside boat.
- Dimensions & capacity: Model: Catalina. Length: 12ft 6 in. Tube diameter: 18 in, Inflated width: 66 in. Chambers: 3 plus 1 keel. Max Power: 20HP. Max Engine Weight: 115 lbs. Outboard Shaft: Short 15”-17”. Max Load: 1519 lbs, Max Persons: 6.
- Why newport vessels: The crisp white PVC fabric of a Newport Vessels dinghy will earn you regular compliments at the dock, and makes you easy to spot while flying across the water at 15-20mph (depending on model & horsepower). Inflatable tail tubes allow for great stability and quick take offs, while the inflatable keel allows for excellent planing and steering. Very portable and easy to assemble or disassemble in 10-15 minutes.
- Features: Motor mount fittings for adding the Intex Motor Mount Kit, Inflatable I-Beam Floor for rigidity and stability, 3 separate air chambers for safety, 2 fishing rod holders
- Welded on oar locks & oar holders, grab handle on bow with all around grab line and fishing rod holders
- 3 air chambers including inner auxiliary chamber inside hull
- Includes: Air pump, oars, gear pouch, and repair patch
- Motor mount fittings
- 520lb weight capacity, compatible with Intex Motor Mount Kit and 1.5hp Max Trolling Motor
- Inflating and deflating is a breeze with two quick-fill Boston valves. An Intex Quick Fill Air Pump is included for convenience
- Inflatable floor for comfort and rigidity
- Includes 2 48in oars that are simple to use with the 2 rotational oar locks
- MOUNTING: Fittings for a motor mount are included for the flexibility of adding a trolling motor (motor and motor mount sold separately) with 2 grab handles on each bow and an all-around grab line are provided for your convenience, as well as welded on oar locks and oar holders
- INFLATABLE BOAT WITH MOTOR MOUNT: The Intex Excursion 5 inflatable boat is suitable for up to 5 adults and has a 1300 pound capacity making it great for boating or fishing with friends down a mild river or on the lake; Includes a motor mount kit that fits up to a 3.5 horsepower motor (not included)
- FEATURES: 2 inflatable seats with backrests are included for comfort and seating stability provides superior back support for boating and fishing; Fishing and relaxing have never been easier with the 4 built-in fishing rod holders and gear pouch
- INCLUDES: The easy to store and carry package includes the Excursion 5 boat, 2, 54-inch aluminum oars and an Intex high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation, repair patch kit and carry bag; Boat weighs 57 pounds and dimensions are (LxWxH): 144 x 66 x 17 inches
- BOAT DESIGN: Designed with heavy-duty, puncture-resistant PVC for comfort and durability, and an inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity; 3 air chambers including an inner auxiliary chamber inside the main hull for extra buoyancy and safety
- ✔ READY FOR ADVENTURE: Great for boating or fishing with friends, this roomy Sports Series boat can fit five adults and has plenty of space for anything you need for a fun boating trip on lakes and mild rivers; NMMA and U.S. Coast Guard certified
- ✔ EASY USE: The Excursion 4 Boat lets you take the fun of boating wherever you go! Fishing and relaxing have never been easier with the two built-in fishing rod holders, gear pouch, and motor mount fittings included for the flexibility of adding a trolling motor
- ✔ 5-PERSON CAPACITY: Inflated kayak size is 10.4 feet x 5.5 feet x 1.5 feet with a weight capacity of 1,320 pounds allowing up to 5 people to join in on the fun
- ✔ STABILITY: Designed with heavy-duty, puncture-resistant PVC for comfort and durability, and an inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity, the boat contains three air chambers including an inner auxiliary chamber inside the main hull for extra buoyancy and safety
- ✔ ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES: Includes two 54-inch aluminum oars, two inflatable seats with backrests, heavy-duty grab handles with grab lines, two oar holders with welded oar locks, two quick-fill Boston valves, a high-output pump, and one repair patch kit
- Nonstop Outdoor Fun You can use it on land or water, as poolside furniture, on your patio or deck-any location.
- pump not included REQUIRED FOR INLATION
- Maximum Capacity: 6 Built-in inflatable bench seat and cooler 5 heavy-duty handles 8 cup holders Boarding platform Heavy-gauge PVC for years of use Speedy inflation and deflation quick release safety valve Battery pump not included
- Perfect lounge for land or water use Designed for maximum comfort and hours of relaxation Room for 6
- Set includes 48" oars and High Output Pump
- Inflatable floor for comfort and rigidity
- 2 Quick Fill/Fast deflate Boston valves
- 3 Air Chambers including inner auxiliary chamber inside hull
- 2 Quick Fill/Fast deflate Boston valve
- welded on oar locks & oar holders, grab handle on bow with all around grab line. Motor mount fittings.
- Inflatable floor for comfort and rigidity
- Set includes 48" oars and High Output Pump. Max weight: 440 lbs
- Welded on oar locks & oar holders, grab handle on bow with all around grab line. Motor mount fittings
- GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL KAYAKS- Our Inflatable fishing kayak is compact and lightweight without compromising performance making it a great alternative to a traditional kayak!
- RUGGED & DURABLE- Elkton Outdoors tandem fishing kayak is constructed with 18-Gauge rip resistant 1000D PVC making it tear and HOOK resistant so you dont have to worry about springing a leak when you are out on the lake!
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED- Includes all the fishing kayak accessories you need to hit the water including 2 Adjustable Seats, Rod Holders(2 Vertical & 4 Trolling), Double Sided Oars, Double Action Pump & Carry Bag!
- INFLATES QUICKLY- The Elkton Outdoors Inflatable 2 Person Kayak inflates in only minutes from its compact storage size to a full size kayak! When fully inflated the dimensions of the kayak are (118in. x 35in x 16in) making kayak fishing more convenient than ever!
- EASY TO REPAIR AND ADJUST- Three separate removable air chambers allows for quick and simple adjustments, diagnosis and repair!
- A durable rock guard lines the circumference of the hull above which an all-around nylon grab line circles the upper hull.
- Four Boston valves on main hull chamber for quick-fills and fast-deflations.
- The keel is inflatable; this results in improved control and handling.
- Maximum weight capacity- 1100 pounds. Inflated Dimensions: 129" x 57" x 19" (328 x 145 x 48cm).
- Four Boston valves on main hull chamber for quick-fills and fast-deflations.
- The strong molecular structure of this plastic makes it highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact and sunlight.
- Weight Capacity: 880 Lbs. (400 kg) - Inflated Dimensions: 129" x 57" x 19" (328 x 145 x 48cm).
- A durable rock guard lines the circumference of the hull above which an all-around nylon grab line circles the upper hull.
- The strong molecular structure of this plastic makes it highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact and sunlight.
- The keel is inflatable; this results in improved control and handling.
- Dimension: 144 x 66 x 17 inches
- Inflatable I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity
- 5-person inflatable water craft for lakes and mild rivers
- Lightweight and compact, this inflatable boat is a snap to assemble and can be ready for water in no time.
- Includes boat, 2 54-inch oars, pump, carry bag, and repair patch
- High-capacity/ output hand pump with 1 quick-fill, fast-deflate Boston valve on main hull chamber
What to Look For in a best all around family boat?
Actually, when you decide to invest in best all around family boat for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item.
We’ve highlighted the essential features of the best all around family boat below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:
Features
The type of machine you choose will determine the features and equipment that are included with your boat. This will depend on whether you make a deal with the seller or if the boat is pre-owned.
A dealer will give you details about the equipment. You can choose to purchase the entire package, or you may shop on your own for additional amenities depending on where you live.
After getting into the water, you will likely find some additional items to purchase. Keep a stash of money to cover any unexpected expenses.
Space & Storage
Mid-Carolina Marine is here to help you find the perfect fishing boat. Call us or stop by to see us. Our office is conveniently located in West Columbia (South Carolina). We are looking forward to meeting you!
Deck Layouts
Dual console boats also have some advantages. Dual console boats are a great choice for leisure boaters and pleasure cruisers, as they often offer more storage and seating.
Styles
Others prefer to go out on the open sea. You will need something stronger if that is you. Look for an aluminum model that can withstand rough weather and rough waters. Protective paint coatings are important in order to avoid saltwater corrosion. You don't want your fishing boat to be unable to tackle the unknown oceans.
Size
Also, consider how many people are coming along. You will also need sufficient space if you plan to take your whole family along with a group of friends fishing. A smaller boat is better if you are fishing alone.
Power
A Jon boat equipped with either a single engine or a trolling motor may be enough for you if you are looking to spend quiet time in the tidal streams. If you plan to take your rods out on the sea, or enter tournaments for fishing, then a sportfishing or bass boat will be more suitable. Larger boats have multiple outboard motors that can pick up speed and provide security for your off-shore adventures.
Tip: If you are calculating the power required to propel a boat safely, you should consider the weight of all passengers and equipment.
Types Of Boats
Also, consider how easy it will be to use your fishing boat. You will also need to consider the ease of using your fishing boat.
You can fish quickly from a boat that is stored on a lake. A readily available boat can, however, save considerable storage costs and docking fees. You will need the proper equipment in order to take it into the water.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Freshwater Fishing And Saltwater Fishing?
It's now time to think about where you want to fish. You can fish in freshwater either in shallow rivers or deep waters. Flat-bottom boats are best for shallow waters as they won't run aground. A V-hull boat is required to navigate deeper waters.
You can trailer your boat to go saltwater fishing on the Pacific Coast. However, it is important to ensure that your boat is able to withstand the high salinity. You need a boat that won't corrode due to salt. A deep-V hull is especially useful in these conditions. Ocean waters can be unpredictable and choppier than calm lakes. A smaller boat works well if you are fishing along shallow tidewaters. However, the farther you go from shore the larger and stronger your fishing boat will be.
The freshwater engine of a boat doesn't require the same attention as saltwater vessels. A closed cooling system will be a better choice if the boat is going to live in saltwater. This will ensure that the vessel is long-lasting and intact. Boat hulls made for freshwater may have different materials. However, fiberglass is better for saltwater vessels.
What Fishing Accessories And Equipment Are Must-haves On Your New Boat?
Are you unsure if you'll need a fisherman's livewell? A fishing livewell is essential if you plan to go on long fishing trips. If you are using live bait, or participating in a tournament encouraging catch-and-release fishing, a livewell can be very useful. A bucket of water is sufficient for casual anglers. A rod and tackle box and fish-finder equipment are essential for professional anglers, but they're not so important for weekend fishermen. Make a list with the essential amenities that you cannot live without. This will help you to identify what features you need in your boat. These high-tech tools are highly valued by serious anglers:
Chartplotter and GPS.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Next, you should consider how much space your boat needs. You won't need as much space if you are fishing alone. If you intend to take several people fishing, you will need a lot more space. This includes space to store all of your gear.
The size of your boat will depend on how long you are out on the water. For longer trips or overnight, you will need more room. However, a shorter afternoon trip can still be accomplished in a smaller boat.
What Type Of Boat Do I Need?
There's no one right way to determine what boat is best for you. Your needs and priorities will determine the best boat purchase. The best place to start your search for a boat is by deciding on the 5 most important priorities. It can be difficult to choose the right boat for you once you have decided what you want from your boat. You will need to decide which type of boat best suits your needs.
Where Will You Store Your Boat?
Another important consideration is where and how you will store your fishing boats. You don't need to be concerned if you have access to a garage or driveway that can hold your boat. If you do not have enough space for your fishing vessel, you should consider renting storage units at a marina, dry-storage facility or other locations, particularly during winter.
Which Fishing Boat Is Right For Me?
There are many great fishing boats available, no matter if you're just starting out or an experienced fisherman. Before you decide to buy a fishing vessel, narrow down your options. Continue reading to learn how to make the most of your fishing boat.
Although you technically can fish from any type of boat, it is worth buying a fishing boat with features and layouts that make fishing more enjoyable. Most fishing boats are all-purpose and include rod lockers as well as a trolling motor, outboard power, and a live well.
What Should A Motorboat Be Equipped With?
You spend most of your time preparing to fish. This includes the basics: hooks, rods and nets. Motor fuel, lights, electronics, such as Lowrance fish finders, are also important. We can assure you, however that these are not the only things you will need for your fishing boat equipment.
You need to have these items on every fishing boat in order to improve your fishing experience and safety.
An extra life belt.
An anchor. It is particularly important for fishing in windsy conditions as the anchoring device prevents your fishing boat's drifting in any direction.
Multi-functional tool. A versatile tool that is useful in all situations and at any time.
Wax. Small fishing boat equipment, like ropes and other items, can get very sticky. You can use wax to coat the area.
Nylon socks. Nylon socks are a great option for unexpected situations. They can be used to filter your water and strain your fuel.
After knowing the suitable kinds of best all around family boat and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy.
Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on best all around family boat perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!
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