Inflatable pontoon boats are a great option for people who ride occasionally or want a small boat. These boats might not be as feature rich as their full-fledged counterparts, but there is a wide range of accessories available that can add to the utility aspect of these boats.
If you are in a rush, then below are a few of our favorites.
| Image | Title | Why We Like | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Airhead Hand Pump | Best Accessory |  | Check Price |
 | Caddis Sports Rod Holder | Best Rod Holder |  | Check Price |
 | Brocraft Fish Finder Mount | Best Fish Finder Mount | | Check Price |
 | Sea Eagle Boat Canopy | Best Canopy | | Check Price |
 | Newport Vessels Trolling Motor | Best Trolling Motor | | Check Price |
What is an Inflatable Pontoon Boat?
An inflatable pontoon is a compact boat that is shaped like traditional pontoon boats. Instead of using aluminum pontoons, it is made of PVC and nylon. It has two air bladders that are in the form of pontoons. The pontoon can be inflated for use and deflated for transportation. An aluminum frame is at the center of the pontoons provides structural rigidity. The seats, oars, and other accessories are mounted on the aluminum frame. A few inflatable pontoons have motor mounts for installing trolling motors.
Inflatable pontoon boats are cheap to buy and easy to maneuver. They can accommodate one or two persons and are suitable for leisure or fishing. Their small size makes them ideal for shallow water bodies and small rivulets.
Best Inflatable Pontoon Boat Accessories
There are inflatable pontoon boat accessories available for enhancing the functionality of these boats. Here are the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories that most owners will find handy.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Repair Kits
Inflatable pontoons are generally used in shallow water bodies. As the bed of these water bodies is closer to the bottom of the boat, there are chances that the pontoon may scrape against large rocks or other objects. Also, the inflatable pontoon boat might accidentally get damaged during transportation. It may develop a leak that will need to be repaired. Just because your boat has developed a leak, does not mean that your pontooning plans have to be abandoned. There are many pontoon boat repair kits available that allow you to repair your boat on the go.
While inflatable pontoon boats are made from heavy-duty materials, they are at risk of getting punctured especially due to rugged terrains or sharp objects. A inflatable pontoon boat repair kit is one of the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories to have in such situations. This classic accessories repair kit that can be handy in emergencies. It includes spare parts for replacing valves, a bladder repair kit for punctures, and spring clevis pins to hold the boat’s frame during repairs. The kit also contains an inflation adapter that supports different types of inflation pumps.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Air Pumps
Inflatable pontoon boats have to be filled with air before they can be used. Most owners will be transporting them from their homes to the lake or river. The pontoon must be deflated for transportation and inflated before it can be deployed in the river. A portable air pump will be needed for inflating the boat. Additionally, should your pontoon boat become deflated and require repair using the previously mentioned kit, then a portable air pump will be need to inflate the boat.
There are two types of air pumps available for pontoon boats.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat DC Air Pumps
DC air pumps are ideal for inflating pontoons automatically. They can be powered by the 12V DC outlet found in automobiles as well as using other DC power sources. The pumps allow you to inflate the pontoon quickly and effortlessly. If you use an automobile to transport the pontoon to the water body or have access to a DC power source, then a DC powered air pump will be a great option for you.
An air pump is an essential requirement along with a repair kit for buyers seeking the best inflatable boat accessories. The Airhead 12V air pump is a 12V DC pump that will plug into the power socket of automobiles. It can be used to inflate a deflated boat or one that has been repaired. The pump’s power cord is 5′ long enhancing its accessibility. It can move 290-liters of air per minute and will completely inflate a boat in a few minutes. There are three universal valve adapters included in the kit that will fit most types of boat valves.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Hand Pumps
Water bodies in some areas may only be accessible by foot. People may have to carry their inflatable pontoons themselves. They may not have access to a power source for using a DC air pump. A hand pump can be advantageous in such scenarios. It allows owners to inflate their pontoon boats manually. Hand pumps require more time and effort for inflating pontoons as compared to electric pumps. They are ideal if you have to inflate your pontoon in a remote area due to punctures or otherwise.
The Airhead hand pump is another item on the list of the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories that can be handy in emergencies. It is a manual pump that can be used to inflate your pontoon boat if you don’t have the option of using an electric pump. Its double action operation ensures faster inflation of boats while minimizing effort. The pump has a peak pressure of 14psi and moves two liters of air per stroke. Its hose can be stretched up to five feet. There are five universal valve adapters provided to accommodate different types of boat valves.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Rod Holders
People use inflatable pontoon boats for recreation as well as fishing. While not be as big as regular pontoons, it does not mean there is a lack of inflatable pontoon boat accessories. Avid anglers may choose from a wide range of fishing add-ons. A rod holder will be a great option for most people. It can hold your fishing rod securely after you cast the line, leaving you free to read a book, enjoy a drink, or sharpen a tool.
If you are someone who will use an inflatable pontoon boat for fishing, then a rod holder might be a good investment for you. The Caddis Sports rod holder is one of the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories based on its reviews. It comes with an adjustable strap and can be installed on most float tubes and pontoon boats. The holder has a wrap-around webbing and features a buckle for easy mounting and removal. It can be rotated and locked in a specific position as required. The Caddis Sports rod holder will work with a wide variety of fishing rods.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Mounts
Individuals who love electronic gadgets can use them on their inflatable pontoon boats as well. There are many mounts available that allow you to install your favorite gadgets on the boat. These mounts use straps instead of screws. They can be installed around the pontoons and removed after use. It keeps your gadget secure while making it easily accessible. Inflatable pontoon boat mounts may be universal or designed for electronic devices from a specific brand.
The Brocraft fish finder mount is a worthy consideration for people who are searching for the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories and will use a fish finder or depth sounder. It will accommodate fish finders and depth sounders from most brands including Eagle, Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance. The 47” strap makes it easy to install or remove and ensures it will fit most inflatable pontoons. It is made from fiber-reinforced plastic for superior durability. The bracket of the mount can be rotated as required and makes it easy to use the mounted device.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Electronics
An inflatable pontoon boat does not limit your ability to use electronic gadgets. All the popular gadgets used on standard pontoons, be it fish finders, depth sounders, GPS, or other devices, are useful for inflatable pontoon boats also. Portable versions of these gadgets are available that are compact and lighter than their standard
counterparts. You can install the gadgets using a mount designed for inflatable pontoon boats.
The Venterior VT-FF001 portable fish finder is one of the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories for people who love to fish on their boats. It is a portable device that can detect the depth of water and the location of fishes as well as weeds and rocks on the seabed. It is powered by standard AAA batteries and has a backlight LCD for using it at night. The transducer sensor of the device has a 25′ cable and a removable float. It comes with five different sensitivity settings, a battery saver mode and a fish alarm. Venterior VT-FF001 portable fish finder is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Steering Accessories
Most inflatable pontoon boats are propelled and maneuvered manually. They are equipped with a pair of oars for rowing and steering them. The small size of the boats makes it easier for the user. Some inflatable pontoons also allow you to steer them using floating fins. They are worn on the feet, and the user paddles to propel the boat forward. Fins are an alternative to oars for compact boats. Some pontoon owners may find paddling easier than rowing.
When it comes to the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories, the Outcast Floating Fins are a popular choice for owners of float tubes and foot boats. These fins are required for propelling inflatable boats or tubes that don’t have oars or motor mount. They come with a cinch strap and are easy to wear and remove. Additionally, kicker keepers with side buckle are also provided to strap the fins to the legs and secure them while kicking. These floating fins make fin kicking easy and allow you to steer the boat with improved maneuverability.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Anchors
An inflatable pontoon boat may drift due to water currents. Its lighter weight makes it more susceptible to the same. It can be a nuisance for anglers who may want to cast a line at their favorite fishing spots. They can use anchors to keep the boat stationary. There are compact and lightweight anchors available for inflatable pontoon boats. They are easy to throw and recover, making them ideal for solo anglers.
An anchor is another necessary item for buyers who want the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories. It keeps the pontoon boat or float tube stable, especially in moving water bodies. The Grapnel Anchor System sold by Airhead is a popular choice. It includes a 3-1/3 pound 4-fluke folding anchor that is suitable for muddy, rocky, sandy and gravel beds. The 25′ rope will be more than adequate for most inflatable boats and comes with an in-line buoy and a snap hook for attaching it to a boat. It occupies little space and can be stored in the included nylon case.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Canopy
An issue with inflatable pontoon boats is that they have an open layout. They do not provide protection from sun, wind, or rain. Anglers who spend several hours on their pontoons may find the summer heat unbearable. An umbrella may not be suitable for such scenarios. However, inflatable pontoon boats can be fitted with canopies to provide shade and cover. These canopies are easy to install and remove, and can be disassembled for storage.
A boat canopy is a handy item to have when considering the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories. It protects the boat and its occupants from sun and rain. The inflatable boat canopy from Sea Eagle is one such option that will fit a wide range of boats. It is made from waterproof and rugged material and has an aluminum frame. There are three adjustable straps with attachment clips provided for a perfect fit. It protects the occupants of the boat from heat and UV rays of the sun as well as rain. The canopy is easy to install and detach and can be folded for easy storage and portability.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Trolling Motors
Some anglers who love fishing on their inflatable pontoons may have to cover a long distance for reaching their favorite angling spot. It may be hard for them to row the boat continuously. They may feel tired by the time they reach the fishing spot. A trolling motor is a great accessory for inflatable pontoon boats in such scenarios. It speeds up the pontoon while eliminating the new for rowing. Trolling motors run on a rechargeable battery and can be easily installed on inflatable pontoons with
motor mounts.
Quite a few inflatable pontoon boats come with a motor mount, and a trolling motor will be one of the best inflatable pontoon boat accessories for the owners of these boats. The Newport Vessels 8-speed electric trolling motor is an excellent eco-friendly option. It is capable of generating a thrust of 55lbs. There are eight speed settings, five for forward and three for reverse. A telescopic handle makes it easy to steer while an LED meter shows remaining battery charge. It runs off a 12V DC marine battery and can be used in saltwater. Newport Vessels provides a 2-year warranty on the motor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right accessories can significantly enhance the functionality, safety, and enjoyment of your inflatable pontoon boat. From essential tools like air pumps and repair kits to convenience-boosting items such as rod holders and trolling motors, these accessories ensure you’re fully equipped for any adventure. By investing in high-quality, purpose-built accessories, you’ll not only improve your boating experience but also extend the life of your inflatable pontoon, making every outing more enjoyable and hassle-free.
