Rating of inflatable PVC boats 2024-2025

Don't want to bother with a trailer? Don't have the money to rent a whole dock for your boat? You don't have to. All you need to do is buy an inflatable boat, bring it to shore, connect the pump, make a few movements, and glide along the water's surface to your heart's content.

However, choosing which boat is the best is much more difficult than inflating it and launching it. Therefore, especially for you, I have compiled a list of the 20 best PVC boats in 2024-2025.

How to choose an inflatable boat

Before you scroll down to the top of the 2024-2025 PVC boat ratings, answer these five questions:

1. What do you need a boat for: fishing, tourism, hunting or just for sailing?
2. How often do you plan to use the boat?
3. How do you plan to store the boat? Where? For how long?
4. Are you planning to cross large bodies of water?
5. How much money are you willing to spend?

The answers to these questions determine not only the choice of engine capacity, but also the size and material of the boat, engine power, the quality of the boat's bottom, and much more.

Size matters

Motor boats come in a variety of sizes, from single-seaters, 210-240 cm long (engine power up to 5 hp) to multi-seater seven-meter boats (engine power about 30 hp).

The optimal size for one or two people is considered to be about 320-360 cm. The larger the boat, the more difficult it is to handle – assemble, disassemble, transport.

What is the best boat material?

The best inflatable boats are made from a special fabric that is resistant to friction, wear, direct sunlight, and petroleum products.

• For more expensive products, this is a combination of hyapalon, neoprene and nylon with polyester.
• For a cheaper price – PVC based on nylon and polyester.
• A modern boat is not afraid of underwater bushes or rocks in shallow water – some of its parts are additionally armored (usually the cylinders and keel).

The denser the material, the stronger it is, but also heavier. It is best to select the density of the fabric based on the size of the boat. If the boat is about 290 cm, then the optimal density of the fabric is 800-850 g / m2. If we are talking about a four-meter vessel, then the density should be higher, from 900 g / m2.

Seams

It is very important to carefully inspect the seams of the boat before buying. As a rule, to make cylinders, the canvas is joined end-to-end or overlapped. Butt-to-end is a more labor-intensive operation, it requires fitting of parts and cutting of the canvas, but the appearance of the product is aesthetically pleasing as a result. Overlap is a completely reliable connection, however, a small air leak is possible due to the fact that air can get into the seams during joining.

Sometimes seam tape is applied to the seams – it protects against the effects of abrasive materials and friction. And the seam treated in this way looks beautiful.

Independent compartments

This is also an important characteristic. The more independent compartments a boat has, the safer it is to sail on it – in case of unforeseen circumstances, you can calmly approach the shore in the remaining compartments. Good boats have three or more compartments, but they also weigh more.

Transom

There are inflatable boats with a fixed transom (usual horseshoe-shaped), there are with an outboard one (usually oval-shaped - the best boats for fishing in small bodies of water). And there are without a transom at all, in which you only row (pleasure). The transom should be given special attention - carefully check the quality of the gluing, as well as the strength and reliability of the material from which it is installed.

Contours

Inflatable boats do not care much about the contours - the deadrise is in its infancy (usually it is an inflatable keelson). But there are more advanced options, where there are additional skegs and keels at the ends of the cylinders. Such a boat is better controlled, it is easier to maneuver, and it is more stable.

Bottom

There are three types: inflatable (NDND or NDVD), rigid or flat.

1. A flat bottom is the simplest and cheapest. The boat will be light, but you won’t be able to stand (let alone walk) in it. Also, because of the soft bottom and the instability it causes, you won’t be able to install a large and powerful motor on such a boat. However, if your goal is to swim in a pond or a calm river near your dacha and fish, is it worth overpaying? Before buying, be sure to check the tension of the bottom – there should be no folds.
2. Hard bottom - this type is usually made of collapsible aluminum panels or waterproof plywood. In such a boat, you can not only stand, but also walk. The downside of a hard bottom is the difficulty of transportation and installation. Roughly speaking, instead of one bag with a boat, you will have two, approximately the same in weight.

• If the bottom is plywood, it is usually treated with an anti-slip coating.
• Aluminum has a longer service life, but when flooded with water, it slips.
• Usually, a rigid bottom is combined with a keel - the rigid edge of the keel "cuts" the water in front of it, which increases the speed and maneuverability of the motorboat.
• A type of hard bottom is a book-shaped floorboard and a slatted flooring. They are usually used in rowing models, since the bottom is not hard enough for planing. But it is easier to assemble/disassemble.

3. You can stand with both feet on the inflatable bottom of both low (LPN) and high pressure (HPN), and even if one of the "ribs" is punctured, the boat will stay afloat, you can safely swim to the shore and make repairs there. The inflatable bottom can be considered an independent compartment, which increases the safety of the boat.

Motorboats with an inflatable bottom protect from cold water, are easy to assemble, lightweight, and therefore faster, but unstable. Another disadvantage of an inflatable bottom is that it does not like careless handling. Sharp objects, even dog claws, can be dangerous for it.

4. Relatively recently, boat models with high-pressure inflatable bottoms (airdecks) have appeared on the Russian expanses. This is a wonderful invention – durable, lightweight, and at the same time universal. Such a bottom can be removed and used as an inflatable mattress or as a base for a sleeping bag in a tent. Some airdecks can be used in combination with plywood floorboards.

Motor power

Most often, motors up to 9.9 hp are used. Why is that? Because motors from 10 hp require permission from the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels. And 9 hp is quite enough for two or three people to speed along the water. The most affordable motor option for a single-seater boat in terms of price and power is 5 hp.

PVC boat manufacturers rating

South Korean boat brands are considered to be very good. South Korea is one of the leaders in the market of modern small inflatable boats. The latest materials, thoughtful design – what else could the soul wish for. However, in the current conditions, due to difficulties with logistics, it will be difficult to buy Korean products in our country.

In Russia, inflatable boats are also produced. According to ratings, some of the best PVC boat manufacturers in Russia are considered to be "Nashi Lodki" (a St. Petersburg company with an impressive model range), "Fregat" (also from St. Petersburg, with a huge retail and service network), "Hunter" and "Admiral".

Inflatable boat rating

20. Pilot 330 NDND

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: inflatable
• Number of seats: three
• Length: 330 cm
• Load capacity: 600 kg

One of the main advantages of the Pilot brand in the rating of NDND boats is the abundance of colors. There is a bright red, and a classic white (in daylight hours, a white hull is as invisible to fish as a dark one), and a neutral gray.

The fabric has a high density, the bottom is additionally reinforced. It is of the step-type - according to the manufacturer, it eliminates the rupture of the partition, plus thanks to this bottom the boat can develop high speed and is stable.

Customer reviews are positive, but they complain about the weight - it's not so easy to carry such a huge thing for three people in one backpack.

19. HUNTERBOAT Stealth 275 AERO

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: inflatable
• Number of seats: two
• Length: 275 cm
• Load capacity: 295 kg
• PVC density: 800 g/m2

In the rating of PVC boats with a motor, Hunterboat stands out with its size of 275 cm and a load capacity of up to 295 kg. At the same time, it can be easily carried by one person.

The boat is easy to control, maneuverable and aesthetically pleasing - there are two color options. The only thing that is weak is the PVC density - I would like the bottom to be thicker, and it would also be nice to have protection underneath the cylinders.

18. Stefa 2800MS Standart

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: sole
• Length: 280 cm
• Load capacity: 250 kg
• PVC density: 750 g/m2

The boat is supplied in a transport case, the kit includes a pump, oars, patches, seats, a detachable floor (like a book). At the same time, for some reason the manufacturer decided that since there are patches, glue is not needed - you will have to buy it yourself.

This is a large, roomy boat for two people, but the size comes at the cost of weight - the entire set weighs about 24 kg, which would be difficult for one person to carry. But the quality of the materials and assembly is very good.

17. Bestway Caspian Pro (65047)

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: flat
• Number of seats: three
• Length: 280 cm
• Load capacity: 480 kg

In the rating of the best PVC boats with a motor, Bestway Caspian Pro is probably the most expensive. Is the model worth that kind of money? See for yourself:

5. it has three air chambers,
6. there is a keel,
7. special three-layer reinforced material,
8. there is a built-in transom,
9. reinforced trim belt,
10. steel hinges (this is not plastic, as in models of other price categories),
11. There are guard ropes and a towing rope included.

The boat is equipped with special valves for quick air inlet/outlet, making it very easy to assemble and inflate.

16. Aqua 3200 NDND

• Boat type: motor rowing
• Bottom: inflatable, floorboard
• Number of seats: three
• Length: 320 cm
• Load capacity: 500 kg
• PVC density: 900 g/m2

A stable boat on the water with an inflatable bottom with good heat-insulating properties - fishermen will appreciate how little cold their feet get in it. The quality of assembly and materials is high, it holds air reliably - no matter how you pump it up, it will hold it.

The dark grey hull with white trim looks stylish and original. There is a keel, the motor can be installed quite powerful - up to 9.8 hp.

15. Flinc FT360LA

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: inflatable
• Number of seats: four
• Length: 360 cm
• Load capacity: 420 kg

One of the rare swallows in the PVC boat rating by price/quality – Flinc FT360LА has an airdeck bottom. The flat bottom reduces water resistance, there is no keel, but there are elements of course stabilization – fin-keels at the bottom of the cylinders. The build quality and materials are excellent, the cylinders hold air perfectly – after a week or two you will have to pump it up a little, but not significantly.

The manufacturer decided to save on the bag - I don't know what kind of magic they use at the factory to stuff everything in there, because after disassembling it's impossible to stuff everything back in there. The standard pump can't handle the Airdeck, you'll have to buy your own, more powerful one.

14. PVC Altair HD-320

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: inflatable
• Number of seats: three
• Length: 320 cm
• Load capacity: 450 kg
• PVC density: 850 g/m2

The bottom is inflatable, there is a keel and guides - this means that the boat will be fast and maneuverable even with low "horses" inside the motor.

The manufacturer claims that fuel consumption due to the same factors will be lower than that of analogues. The boat will not be afraid of waves, and it can be used everywhere - from hunting and fishing to water tourism. Fortunately, the size and load capacity will be enough for a family of three people without any problems.

13. Helios-31MKS

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: sole
• Number of seats: three
• Length: 310 cm
• Load capacity: 350 kg
• PVC density: 850 g/m2

The boat is made of high-quality PVC produced in Germany and South Korea. The bottom is a solid plywood floor on an aluminum profile. A hard bottom means it is stable, you can stand in it.

According to the manufacturer, the aerodynamic shape provides maneuverability. In the 2023 boat rating, it is rare to find models that are not afraid of big waves at all - you can even go out to sea in them.

12. DRAGON 2800

• Boat type: motor rowing
• Bottom: sole
• Number of seats: two
• Length: 280 cm
• Load capacity: 250 kg
• PVC density: 750 g/m2

Wide, roomy (more than similar sized boats), with nice touches: a motor safety bracket, plastic transom pads, a skipper handle, sliding seats and a keel.

But the backpack is too small and there is only enough space for the boat itself, the floor does not fit in there. And there is no separate bag for the floorboard.

11. Phoenix 280T Lux

• Boat type: motor rowing
• Bottom: sole
• Number of seats: two
• Length: 280 cm
• Load capacity: 220 kg

The rigid bottom (book-type plywood) will allow you to stand in the boat without wobbling, and even fish with a spinning rod while standing. The geometry of the Phoenix is successful - despite its seemingly modest dimensions, it easily accommodates two people (one of them can weigh even under 100 kg) and one dog.

Although the description says that PVC is designed for salt water, buyers are not sure about this and fish mainly in rivers and lakes. Separately, they note the spacious, roomy backpack, which in addition to the boat, floor and other components will easily fit your own life jackets.

If there are no life jackets, no problem, the backpack is tightened with straps, nothing dangles anywhere. In general, the Phoenix is a good inexpensive boat, optimal in terms of price/quality.

10. Pilot S-220

• Boat type: rowing
• Bottom: flat
• Number of seats: one
• Length: 220 cm
• Load capacity: 150 kg
• PVC density: 750 g/m2

A very good single-seater and inexpensive boat, perfect for fishing in calm waters. Durable, lightweight, instantly inflates and deflates, when deflated it rolls up into a compact roll - even smaller in size than in the factory packaging. Even the backpack is quite decent (cheap models usually suffer from this).

The boat has a drawback that was unexpected for its price category - these are the logos. According to reviews, they are rubber, thick, impossible to tear off, plus the one on the bow interferes with gluing the anchor eye and various holders for spinning rods.

9. Rumba R-220

• Boat type: rowing
• Bottom: flat
• Number of seats: one
• Length: 220 cm
• Load capacity: 150 kg
• PVC density: 750 g/m2

A relative of the "Rumba-260", which came in third place in the top PVC boats. This model is smaller, designed for one person (together with the load, it should weigh no more than 150 kg) and is sold at an affordable price, like its two-seater relative. The segment is economy, so you should not expect any frills from it.

However, there are lifelines, the material is durable, it inflates quickly and, most importantly, it is very light. Even a person with a bad back will not experience discomfort when assembling and disassembling.

The size, frankly speaking, is small. There is barely enough space for one person, plus one spinning rod, a couple of boxes with bait, a bottle of water and sandwiches. But what else does a fisherman need for relaxation?

8. Pilot Profi 260

• Boat type: motor rowing
• Bottom: flat
• Number of seats: two
• Length: 260 cm
• Load capacity: 220 kg
• PVC density: 750 g/m2

One of the best rubber boats has an increased bottom density: it is higher than the average for cylinders and reaches 850 g / m2, and additional reinforcement at the bottom of the cylinders and the bottom further increases the strength. It is very easy to handle - it deflates and inflates in literally 5 minutes, with a foot pump.

But the oars are not very good quality - water gets inside them, and they can sink. Plus, the marketers artistically exaggerated - the characteristics indicate an anchor eye, but in fact there is none.

7. Pilot 360 NDND

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: inflatable
• Number of seats: four
• Length: 360 cm
• Load capacity: 750 kg
• PVC density: 900 g/m2

Although the bottom of the "Pilot" is inflatable, it is additionally reinforced with a PVC profile along the bottom of the cylinders and the keel. The main material itself is dense and elastic, it holds air perfectly - even when stored in the summer in an inflated state, it does not leak air for a month.

It is nice that there is a handle for the skipper – it is not so common in models of a similar price category. Buyers also note the successful hull patterns – the running characteristics of the Pilot are very good for such products.

The manufacturer decided to save on components - the "native" oars with a pump are no good. And the cover tears at the slightest snag.

6. Magnum pro 300

• Boat type: motor rowing
• Bottom: inflatable
• Number of seats: two
• Length: 300 cm
• Load capacity: 270 kg

Now this is a real two-seater boat! It is 3 meters long and has a decent load capacity. The model has an inflatable bottom, wide and high sides, and its advantages include two spinning rod holders at the stern and bow, as well as a handrail around the entire perimeter of the boat. If desired, you can buy a removable transom for the motor.

The manufacturer claims that the boat's PVC is not simple, but reinforced - based on a rigid mesh of interwoven polymer threads. On top, the aesthete engineers applied a hydrophobic film so that the boat looks better and is protected from the effects of water (including salt water).

This barrel has its advantages and disadvantages - the manufacturer decided to save on the quality of the oars and pump, so it is better to get your own.

5. Pilot Standard 260 VND

• Boat type: motor rowing
• Bottom: floorboard, inflatable
• Number of seats: two
• Length: 260 cm
• Load capacity: 220 kg
• PVC density: 750 g/m2

"Pilot" is declared as a motor-rowing model - this means that the transom (outboard) is not included in the kit, you will have to buy it separately. The bottom is inflatable and glued (meaning it is easy to clean and wash, and also has good thermal insulation). The material, seams and valves are reliable - judging by the reviews, it is enough to inflate the boat in the first days of vacation and then shove the pump away: it will not be needed until the very end.

The valves have a slightly specific design - they are easy to handle, but it is scary to pump them up in the middle of the water. It seems that one wrong move - and half the boat will deflate in a couple of seconds.

The seats are adjustable, although marketers overestimated their size - two will be cramped. In general, "Pilot" is one of the best options in the rating of inflatable boats with an inflatable bottom.

4. Fort Boat 200

• Boat type: rowing
• Bottom: flat
• Number of seats: one
• Length: 200
• Load capacity: 120 kg

Despite its size and single-seater design, the boat has two independent compartments and even such luxury as an adjustable seat and the ability to adjust the oar mount for reach.

The boat is light, strong enough, easy to pack and carry. However, you will have to take care of how to do it yourself. The "native" backpack will only be enough to carry the purchase home.

3. Rumba RM-260

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: flat
• Number of seats: two
• Length: 260 cm
• Load capacity: 220 kg
• PVC density: 750 g/m2

The top three in the rubber boat rating is opened by a small (supposedly for two people, with a length of 260 cm - in fact, this means "single") and very inexpensive boat of protective green color. It is worth being realistic: the boat will not withstand the waves. It is absolutely not suitable for large rivers, water spaces - it is better to save up money for a more stable model.

However, if your goal is to fish on a small river, somewhere in a pond or forest lake, then the RM-260 is very good. It is small, light, easy to assemble and disassemble, you do not need to mess around with a hard bottom or inflate the NDVD.

The boat is designed for a person of average height - the seats are fixed, and if you are taller/shorter than the norm, it may be uncomfortable. There are also problems with the engine - the back seat is located too close to it.

2. Pilot 330 JS

• Boat type: motor
• Bottom: sole
• Number of seats: three
• Length: 330 cm
• Load capacity: 570 kg, engine up to 15 hp.
• PVC density: 900 g/m2

A large, solid, popular boat designed for three people, comes in several color solutions - there is a traditional "marine" white/blue, and aggressive red/black, and moderate gray, and black. Due to the inflatable keel part and side stringers (the bottom is rigid, with additional reinforcement), the boat is maneuverable and quite stable, you can cut through at high speed, without fear of trouble. Additional advantages include a safety eyebolt, a skipper handle, a conveniently located air valve on the bow.

For additional reliability, Russian craftsmen use traditional finishing with a file. In the original, the oarlock inserts and oar joint locks are plastic, which means they wear out faster. They are usually turned out of stainless steel themselves or given to a familiar turner.

1. Aqua Optima 260 ND

• Boat type: rowing
• Bottom: inflatable
• Number of seats: two
• Length: 260 cm
• Load capacity: 220 kg
• PVC density: 750 g/m2

A small, light, two-seater boat with an inflatable bottom, oval in shape and protective green color. Its purpose is to take its owners fishing in small, calm bodies of water or hunting for waterfowl among the reeds and reeds. The boat has two independent compartments for the cylinders and three for the bottom. The seats are adjustable and made of plywood.

There is not much space on the boat, if two people can fit there, then at most they will be teenagers. An adult man of 180 cm will barely have enough space to stretch his legs when rowing. So if you are a single person, then the Aqua Optima is one of the best rowing boats on the market. But if you want to share the joy of winning over a fish with a friend, then it is better to think about a larger boat.