Introduction

One of the must-have accessories for avid waterway explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, and avid anglers is a rubber pontoon. Rubber Pontoons don’t come with the hassle of a standard board, yet they offer more durability and stability. Even better, they are inexpensive, portable, and incredibly versatile.

Rubber pontoons are available in various sizes, with different patterns and functions tailored towards assigned purposes. These pontoons have reclining seats for extended durations of fishing and ample storage space. Some are built with oars, while others are made to handle outboard motors. This article will review some of the best rubber pontoons.

Reasons To Choose Rubber Pontoons

Rubber pontoons, also known as inflatable pontoons, are cost-effective and offer reliable, versatile, and powerful performance. The following paragraphs will highlight some advantages of rubber pontoons.

It is lightweight:

Rubber pontoons are lightweight because of their inflatable sides. This feature directly influences their fuel efficiency with ample space to carry a good number of people. They also allow people to load their boats while still operating within safe limits, which improves the effectiveness of the boat.

There is high stability:

The pontoons are safer and more stable than other types of boats. People don’t need to worry about using their boats at high speeds because they still maintain stability. Their buoyancy makes them unsinkable. They also have an advanced hull design that easily cuts through the water.

The pontoons have good fuel efficiency:

Rubber pontoons are more fuel-efficient than others because it takes less power to get them up to speed. People can easily cut down on their fuel expenses without impacting the boat’s functionality and performance.

It is easy to maneuver:

Rubber boats are very easy to maneuver across any body of water because they are responsive. They also go around other boats quickly because of their lightweight and body size. This feature makes side-tying and docking them very easy.

The power is top-notch:

They are designed to withstand intensity while delivering top-notch power. Due to their lightweight bodies, rubber boats require less energy than traditional vessels to reach the same speed. This theory implies that the user will be operating at less efficient RPM.

It has ample versatility:

These boats are perfect for exploring, water sports, and diving. They are designed to give passengers a comfortable and safe ride while also equipped for water adventures. Their powerful motor makes water skiing and towing much more straightforward.

Top 10 Rubber Pontoons

Rubber pontoon boats serve a variety of functions. Below are the ten best rubber pontoons:

Colorado Inflatable Pontoon

Colorado Inflatable Pontoon boat is also a one-person pontoon boat. If a person wants an inflatable pontoon boat that is relatively easy to control, this is an excellent choice. The boat is known for its size, measuring a length of 9 feet and a width of 8 inches with a capacity of 400 lbs.

Because of their size, they are equipped with a detachable transport wheel that can be removed easily. It has multiple rod holder compartments. It can also be fitted with a motor mount if a person doesn’t want to use the paddles placed on both sides of the boat.

There are excellent multiple storage units, numbering up to 20 compartments, and a small basket at its back. It has an adjustable seat and footrest for more comfort.

The Colorado Inflatable Pontoon boat is also known for its durability and muscular body. The bladders are made with solid nylon and covered with solid PVC to give shock, heat, and frost resistance when in and out of the water. This enables it to be highly resistant to easily punctured or torn apart.

PROS

• There is a two-year warranty for the product.

• It has extra space for fishing rods and other luggage.

• The adjustable seats and footrests are very comfortable.

CONS

• The price is hefty.

• The pontoon boat is quite heavy.

Sea Eagle Fold Cat

Sea Eagle Fold Cat inflatable fishing boat is a 2-seater boat. It is equipped with a motor mount and a unique design that allows easy folding when deflated. It’s also lightweight, which is excellent compared to the Colorado Inflatable Pontoon.

Sea Eagle Fold Cat has aluminum cross boards and underbars for better balance and stability. It has an entire fabric floor to protect and prevent dropping phones or essential items into the water. Moreover, it measures about 12 ft in length and 4 ft in width, which provides it with a capacity of around 650 lbs. Furthermore, it takes around 5 minutes to inflate.

PROS

• It is a large boat.

• The manufacturers offer a three-year warranty.

• It is easy to assemble.

CONS

• The seating capacity is quite underwhelming.

Cumberland Float Tube

Cumberland Float Tube is very affordable yet packs a handful of features. It is equipped with an accessory holder for fishing poles, gear, and light refreshments. If a person is looking for an inflatable pontoon boat with the same features as a boat, the Cumberland Float Tube is the best choice.

It is around 4.5 feet long when inflated, but it is around half that size when deflated. When deflated, the boat weighs approximately 17 lbs, and its design is so uniquely made that it can be carried like a backpack because it has backpack straps attached to it.

PROS

• The backpack straps make it very easy to move the boat.

• It is a lightweight boat, which means it navigates easier on the water.

• The Cumberland Float Tube seats are very comfortable.

CONS

• It has space for just one person.

Aquos Heavy Duty Inflatable Pontoon

Aquos Heavy Duty Inflatable Pontoon Boat, like the name implies, is built with heavy-duty materials like some military-grade PVC that supply a large aluminum deck. It has four chambers and two reinforcement chambers that help in weight distribution. Due to the design structure of the boat, it can be assembled in multiple ways. One can install one or two seats. It measures about 12ft in length and 4ft in width and has a capacity of 970 lbs.

PROS

• Aquos Heavy Duty is large enough for the user to enjoy ample space.

• It can easily transport two people with their gears.

• There is a three-year warranty.

• The boat’s chambers aid in weight distribution so that users can stand upright.

CONS

• The assembly takes too long.

• The shape of the pontoon makes it quite difficult to load and unload.

Yili Inflatable Fishing Tube

Yili Inflatable Fishing Tube has a “U” shaped body. It is a one-person sitter boat, equipped with an adjustable seat and an attachable and non-attachable storage bag at both sides of the boat. There is a rod holder to put a fishing rod. It is also equipped with a hand pump to enable easy and effective inflation and deflation.

The boat has a detachable fin and a net at the back for fish storage. It is designed to have a shoulder strap that weighs just 15 pounds. The boat can hold a maximum of 286 pounds and is easy to assemble.

PROS

• Yili Inflatable Fishing Tube is relatively easy to carry because of the adjustable shoulder straps.

• The boat comes with various accessories worth its price.

CONS

• There are complaints about the hand pump breaking.

• It doesn’t have a significant weight capacity.

Outcast Fish Cat 13

The Outcast Fish Cat 13 is one of the best inflatable fishing boats in the pontoon market.  It is initially made for two people, but people can detach or remove the second seat if they want a single seat. The design is that the front seat is slightly higher than the back one. This boat is designed to withstand one of the most challenging weather conditions in the water.

Outcast Fish Cat 13 is tough and built to carry a heavy load. With a capacity of 750 lbs, it can meet most needs for a fishing trip. To enable stability, it is built with heavy-duty PVC pontoons. It measures about 13ft in length and is 65 inches wide with 170 lbs. There is also a motor mount and a storage unit equipped.

PROS

• The detachable seats make it a unique watercraft.

• It can carry two people simultaneously.

• The pontoon boat is built to withstand harsh water conditions.

• The manufacturer offers a five-year warranty.

• Outcast Fish Cat 13 has more stability in the water because of its material.

CONS

• The boat is quite heavy.

• The price is high.

• The anchor and pump don’t come in the package.

Wistar Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Wistar Inflatable Fishing Float Tube is one of the cheapest inflatable pontoons available. This boat is for people interested in inflatable pontoon boats and plans to get a pontoon of a higher level. It weighs just 14 pounds and is 54×44 inches, and has a capacity of 250 pounds. It has one of the lowest storage capacities among inflatable pontoon boats.

The boat is waterproof and has a wear-resistant fabric. This detail ensures the safety and long service life of the boat. Wistar Inflatable has excellent buoyancy, allowing users to fish safely in lakes or rivers.

PROS

• The price is very affordable.

• The materials used in making the boat are lightweight, making it portable.

• It comes with adequate storage and a fishing ruler.

CONS

• The storage capacity is decent.

• It can only carry 250 pounds worth of weight.

Orvis Fish Cat Inflatable Pontoon

Orvis Fish Cat Inflatable Pontoon boat is unique because a person can sit, fish, and stand in the boat. It gives people fly-fishing space to cast their rods. The length is 10ft with a width of 8 inches. The boat provides someone room to cast a fishing rod far enough. A 1000-PVC protects it from easy puncture or tear, making it pretty durable. It has a weight of 68 pounds and a capacity of 450 pounds.

PROS

• The boat can withstand rough water conditions because of its excellent durability.

• It is equipped with quality materials like PVC and steel frames.

• Orvis Fish Cat comes with a five-year warranty.

CONS

• The size isn’t perfect, considering that it is a fishing boat.

• The price is high when compared to others in its range.

Colorado XTS Pontoon Boat

Colorado XTS is the premium version of the already successful Colorado pontoons. It features two 9″ pontoons held in place with tubular frames. They are manufactured from PVC and nylon backed up with a rot-resistance thread. The pontoon is further reinforced with critical seams, which are heat, cold and abrasion-resistant.

It also comes loaded with 20 pockets of storage, six-way mountable rod holders, and cup holders. There is also a two-position integration anchor system with gear bags and stowage. When assembled, the size is 108” long, 56” wide, 28” high with a weight of 80lbs.

PROS

• It has three oarlock positions.

• The pontoon boat is straightforward to disassemble.

• There is a two-year warranty for the boat.

CONS

• There are complaints of internal leaking bladders.

Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat

Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat is a small and compact-sized boat. It is lightweight and made from sturdy materials. Although it’s a budget boat, people will get a lot of value. It has a powdered steel frame supported by two PVC and nylon pontoons. It has roto-molded foldable seats with armrest storage.

It comes with zippered pockets for easy storage and a rear storage platform. It has a mesh apron with adjustable seat footrests that are non-slip. The Roanoke measures 96″ and has a capacity of 350lbs. It has an excellent vantage point because of its ability to ride in high waters.

PROS

• The package includes quick inflation and deflation valves.

• The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.

• There is ample storage.

CONS

• It is a low-end boat.

Conclusion

Rubber pontoons are fast replacing the traditional boats, and the reasons are not far-fetched. Rubber pontoons offer all the benefits of classic boats with the added lightweight and fast maneuvering ability. Quick inflation and deflation will always make rubber pontoons a more favorable option. Fortunately, there are tons of cheap options for people who can’t afford the more expensive ones.