Inflatables Guide

Category: Pontoon Boats

Best Inflatable Pontoon Boats Comparison
For people who love to go boating in rivers and lakes with some fishing on the side too (or maybe fishing is the main reason), one of the best watercraft options that they can get is an inflatable pontoon boat.

An inflatable pontoon boat has two large air bladders that make up the main floating base and are connected together with the use of a metal frame. The boater, fisherman, or angler sits at the center of these two air bladders, guiding the pontoon boat through the water while also having his fishing rod in check and ready. These pontoon boats can be used with paddles or motor.

There are several inflatable pontoon boats offered on the market today, each of them varying in features and options. To the fisherman or angler, what could possibly be the best inflatable pontoon boat for his needs?

7 Best Inflatable Pontoon Boats in 2021

For those of you who are looking to invest in an inflatable pontoon boat, start your search by checking out the pontoon boat models we have enumerated here. Each one of these models is very much capable and competent to take you down the river, letting you fish comfortably while also keeping you safe and moveable.
1. Classic Accessories Colorado Inflatable Pontoon Boat
For those who wish love to go fishing on their own, the Classic Accessories Colorado is an excellent one-man inflatable pontoon boat. You can cover a lot of territory in just a short time with the good size this watercraft imposes on the water.

The position of the angler also makes it easy to control it. Fully inflated, it measures about 9 feet in length and 4 feet wide, has a height of 6 inches on top of the water with a maximum capacity of 400 pounds for the boater/angler and gear.
1. Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat Inflatable Pontoon Boat
Ready to go on a nice river or lake trip with an inflatable pontoon boat? Do so with the Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat. This inflatable watercraft can accommodate two adults with its two swiveling chairs.

The Sea Eagle 375fc measures about 12’ long and 4’ wide. The boat by itself weighs about 75 pounds and when you include gear that is brought along, the boat can accommodate up to 650 pounds of weight. A patented folding system allows you to set up this boat very quickly.

The front casting bar makes it very easy to stand up for the fisherman. This pro angler package comes with additional Scotty rod holders and oarlocks.
1. Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat
The Classic Accessories Colorado XT is a step up in the Classic Accessories line of single-man and one of the best inflatable pontoon boats. Featuring a smoother and sportier design, the Colorado XT will let you easily glide through rivers, lakes, and areas of water.

Similar to plain vanilla Colorado, it measures 9 feet in length and more than 4 feet wide, a height of 6 inches and weighs 77 pounds without any gear stored. The Colorado XT is available in the colors pumpkin and sage/grey. You can load it up with a full complement of gear, equipment, and the angler to a maximum of 400 pounds.
1. Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Frameless Fishing Pontoon Boat Pro
Here is another one of Sea Eagle’s best inflatable pontoon boats, the 285 Frameless Pro. Measuring 9 feet in length and 4 feet in width, this is a single-man inflatable watercraft that will provide much room for you and your fishing gear/ equipment as you traverse rivers and lakes in search of good fishing spots.

The boat itself weighs only about 42 pounds. You can bring a lot of fishing gear on board since the maximum capacity is 450 pounds. This is a boat that can be launched almost anywhere in just a matter of minutes.
1. Classic Accessories Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat
Probably one of the lightest and smallest inflatable pontoon boats in this guide, the Classic Accessories Roanoke inflatable pontoon boat checks in with a length of 8 feet, a width of almost 5 feet, and a height on the water surface of more than 2 feet.

The inflatable boat alone has a weight of 43 pounds and reaches a maximum of 350 pounds once it is loaded with gear. Manned only by a single individual, this very nimble boat can get you to those difficult fishing spots that would be almost impossible for a typical fishing boat.
1. Orvis Fish Cat 10-ir Stand Up Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat
Built as the inflatable pontoon boat for the more basic adventurous, the Orvis Fish Cat 10-ir is designed to allow the angler to stand in a more natural position for better casting and sight fishing. Ideal as a fly-fishing boat!

The Orvis Fish Cat 10-ir measures at a length of almost 10’ long and 56″ wide when fully inflated. The boat by itself has a gross weight of 68 pounds and the maximum weight capacity, with all your equipment and gear, is 450 pounds. Choose this boat if you require extra durability while in the water.
1. Outcast Fish Cat 13 Pontoon Boat
A 2-manned pontoon boat that is designed to be used in difficult and dangerous waters: the Outcast Fish Cat 13 inflatable pontoon boat can get you even over strong currents with its strong and sturdy platform.

It measures at 13’ in length and more than 5’ in width with tubes that have a diameter of almost 2 feet. On its own, this pontoon boat has a weight of 170 pounds and has an incredible maximum weight capacity of 750 pounds so you can bring enough of your equipment. The perfect, but also quite expensive, watercraft for the daring fisherman.

Which Is The Best Inflatable Pontoon Boat?

We should not stop at knowing the product features, we should compare each model with others on the list to come up with an informed choice once you have decided you are ready to buy your very own inflatable pontoon boat.
- Price
Several factors influence the price of an inflatable pontoon boat. Mainly, it will be the size of the boat and where will it be used. Features and level will also influence how much each model will cost.

The Classic Accessories Roanoke is one of the most simple and straightforward, like a modern-day raft which makes the most affordable inflatable pontoon in this group. The Classic Accessories Colorado XT and the Sea Eagle 285 Pro technically are upgraded from entry-level models which is why they are priced slightly higher.

The Orvis Fish Cat 10-IR and the Outcast Fish Cat 13 are the top two most expensive boats in the group and will cost even higher as you also need to purchase several accessory upgrades in order to fully utilize their abilities. Yet these two are also among the longest and widest pontoon boats and are catered for intermediate and advanced boaters and fishermen.
- Technology and Added Features
Almost all of these best inflatable pontoon boats here more or less use identical materials when it comes to the technology in their materials. All of them use PVC material at the bottom of their pontoons while nylon covers the top and the sides. Boats that have frames use either steel or aluminum rods, as both differ in strength and weight.

Distinguishing itself from the rest of the group though is the Outcast Fish Cat 13 whose PVC bottoms are rated at a high density, between 900 to 1200 denier. While this level of durability results in a higher cost, it also guarantees this inflatable pontoon boat is going to last for quite a while.
- Set-up and Convenience
Size very much influences how easy it is to set up and inflate an inflatable pontoon boat. One that is common among this group of inflatable pontoon boats is not only do framed models take additional time to set up, but the steel or aluminum rods that make up the frame will naturally add more carrying weight. Consider this if your trip requires hiking before you get to the water’s edge.

Both the Orvis Fish Cat 10-IR and the Outcast Fish Cat 13 are heavy-duty inflatable pontoon boats so it is only natural that you take extra time laying them out from being packed and then inflating them to their full size.

Meanwhile, the Classic Accessories Colorado and Colorado XT have framed pontoon boats too but because they are both smaller in size, they can be set up and launched in less than 20 minutes.

In contrast, the Sea Eagle 285 absolutely has no frames so all you have to do is unpack and then inflate it. The entire process will take you only 5 minutes at least. The minimal effort required in setting it up makes it one of the most convenient and enjoyable inflatable pontoon boats.
- Ease of Use
Most of the inflatable pontoon boats in this group are made to be used in lakes, rivers, ocean bays, ponds, wilderness, and remote fishing spots where the water surface is generally calm with minimal waves.

Even the Classic Accessories Roanoke, despite its outgoing design, is recommended to be used only for calm waters to ensure the integrity of its pontoon bottoms. The Sea Eagle 375fc is specifically identified as a model that is to be used only for fishing, and should not be used for traveling in waters where there might be strong, sharp hazards and obstacles.

The Orvis Fish Cat 10-IR and the Outcast Fish Cat 13 Pontoon Boat, however, are at a whole different level, thanks to their extra-strong pontoons and sturdier, better-built frames. The Outcast Fish Cat 13 is the largest pontoon boat in this group with its long aluminum frames.

These two boats can handle opposing currents and wavy, choppy water. You can fish in both these boats while in a standing position and without any worry that they are built to stay stable even when the water gets difficult.
- Construction
If one looks closely at the pictures, one could observe similarities in the construction of the frame and pontoons of these boats. Classic Accessories pontoon boats (Colorado, Colorado XT, and the Roanoke) feature one-man central cockpits with flexible pontoons at the sides.

The Sea Eagle 285 and Sea Eagle 375 are similar to the classic rubber boats, except for the better seating position provided by their cushioned seats. The Orvis Fish Cat 10-IR and the Outcast Fish Cat 13 prioritize rigidity and stability, so as to give its user the ability to stand steady.

The Sea Eagle 375fc has probably the best overall construction design. Disassembled, the boat parts easily fit right into the carrying bag. On the water, the 2-swivel seat design gives you a comfortable, excellent view of your surroundings. You can also conveniently cast your fishing rod in a standing position on the Sea Eagle 375fc.
- Weight and Passenger Capacities
Only two inflatable boats in this group offer a 2-passenger seating capacity. The Sea Eagle 285 FC features a catamaran-like design with both passengers in the center, in a very comfortable position. Whether you are headed to the other side of the river or cruising easy looking for a nice place to fish, the Sea Eagle 285 FC places you both in a good position.

The Outcast Fish Cat 13 can be configured to be used solo or for 2 passengers, with the rear passenger occupying a slightly higher position. It is an excellent intermediate watercraft that is quite enjoyable ridden solo or in a pair.

Loading capacity is determined mainly by the size of the boat. The Classic Accessories Roanoke, the smallest of the group, also has the lowest load capacity. Take note however that the Orvis Fish Cat 10-IR, although considerably larger than the others, does not have a high loading capacity and is outdone by the Sea Eagle 375fc by several hundred pounds.

The Outcast Fish Cat 13 has the largest load capacity of the group. Take note also that this is a heavy boat when fully assembled or when disassembled. You may want to consider this factor as it might hamper you when transporting it.
- Dimensions
The size of the pontoon boat plays a factor in where you can utilize and enjoy it. Calm, steady waters are great for almost any type of boat, save of course if it is a spot with a narrow entrance like a secluded fishing hole.

In this case, pontoon boats like the Classic Accessories Roanoke and the Sea Eagle 285 have the advantage as their small size allows them to wiggle and scoot into these waters with ease. The Classic Accessories Colorado and the Colorado XT can do the same though.

The Orvis Fish Cat 10-IR and the Outcast Fish Cat 13 Pontoon Boats are once again stand-outs due to their extra size and length. They are made such to be used in waters with waves. This also means bulky and somewhat cumbersome handling and maneuvering, which is definitely not recommended for first-time boaters.
- Accessories
Most of the inflatable pontoon boats have similar accessories, a couple of which are their fishing rod holders, their oar holders, and the removable storage coolers that can store your small buckets as iceboxes and fish holds.

Take note though that it is only the Sea Eagle 375fc that offers a standard accessory a swiveling chair. The latter is an additional option with the rest of the inflatable pontoon boats.

Now that you have browsed through several pontoon boat models, you now have a general idea of the capabilities of the different pontoon boats as well the features that they offer. You also very well know the price range of each model.

Understand that the place where you will be boating and fishing plays an important role. Check out the river rating of your prospect inflatable pontoon boat and compare it with the water conditions where you are going. This will ensure that the pontoon boat that you get is able to thrive and endure.
April 21, 2017
Classic Accessories Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat Review
Pontoon Boat Overview

Let’s just be honest, you’re looking at this inflatable pontoon because it’s the cheapest one out there. It’s as basic as it gets, stripped out of all nifty features this is a minimalist’s fishing boat. With no additional features to weigh it down, the Roanoke only weighs 43 pounds and makes a great choice for anyone looking for a cheap and portable fishing pontoon. It’s lightweight, nimble, and durable, and for the amount of money it costs, you will not find anything better.

It’s 8 feet long and has a total carrying capacity of 350 pounds. It features heavy-duty pontoons, aluminum oars, oarlocks, and a powder-coated frame. Some of the “special” features include a stripping apron, armrest pockets with zippers, a storage area behind the seat, and adjustable foot rests. This boat will handle rivers up to class 1.

Thanks to its lightweight design it’s highly portable, it’s never been easier to transport a pontoon boat. The weight combined with the long aluminum oars makes for a fast and highly maneuverable boat. It has oarlocks to make sure that rowing is as easy as possible and if you were to lose hold of them, they will stay with you. Unlike more expensive pontoon boats from Classic Accessories, the Roanoke oars only have one position they can be used at.

Even though the Roanoke is minimal and very basic, it has plenty of storage. Just below the oarlocks, you’ll find two large oversized armrest pockets with zippers. These pockets can store smaller fishing gear like tackles and lures. Behind the seat, you will find a mesh platform, perfect for storing a smaller cooler box or any of your newly caught fish.

The adjustable footrests have six different positions you can choose from, making it easy to use both for short and tall people.

The bottom of the inflatable pontoon boats is made from heavy-duty PVC that’s abrasion-resistant, meaning that scraping against rocks and other surfaces will not puncture the bladders. The tops are made from tough nylon, not as puncture-resistant but will withstand things like hooks and dorsal fins. The pontoon bladders are temperature resistant, meaning they are not easily affected by cold or warm weather.

The aluminum oars that come with your purchase of the Roanoke are 6 feet long and can be separated into two pieces for easier transportation, they also float if you were to drop them into the water. The locks that hold the oars in place are rock steady thanks to the steel tubing,

Features
- Heavy-duty pontoons with tough PVC bottoms
- Rock steady oarlocks
- 6 feet long rugged aluminum oars
- Three storage areas for gear and other small accessories
Specifications
- Dimensions: 96 inches in length (8 ft) , 55 inches (4.5 ft) in width, and 26 inches (2 ft) in height
- Pontoons: 8 feet long pontoons
- Capacity: 350 pounds
- Weight: 43 pounds (Fully assembled)
- Material: Heavy-duty PVC, tough nylon and steel
Our Review

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So you’ve probably grown tired of your float tube, that’s why you’re reading this right? Maybe you’re just out something really cheap? Whatever your intentions are, you can be certain that the Roanoke gives you a sturdy and long-lasting boat for not a lot of money.

It’s basic, but it does basic well

As we stated at the beginning of this review, this pontoon is super basic. This means it has been stripped out of all the cool features a lot of the higher-end models have, things like adjustable oar locks, motor mounts, extra storage plat forms, bigger pockets, and so on. But in no way does it make it less worthy of your money. It’s basic, but it does basics well.

It’s lightweight which makes it unstable in wind

Because most of the features have been taken away, this boat is very lightweight. But the weight has its drawbacks as well. Let’s just say that strong winds and the Roanoke don’t go well together, and they go even worse together if you’re a lightweight yourself. We were “lucky” and got to try this on a really windy day and while I had a blast, my wife had a totally different experience. For her it was a constant struggle, she had to keep fighting the wind trying to go straight and if she didn’t fight back the wind would just grab a hold of the boat and push her way back. If you want to fish in a specific spot in a windy area, you have to get yourself an anchor, unless you want your day to consist of 99% rowing and 1% fishing.

Included oars are long and rigid

Which brings me to the next point, the oars. They’re awesome, with their six feet they’re long which makes for easy and maneuverable rowing. Some owners complained about them being too long, but we think these owners need to practice rowing a little more. When you get the hang of the rowing, it’s easy to get the speed up, if you have just the right conditions (no winds and calm water) you’ll outrace your friends with ease. We don’t know if this a common issue with the included oars, but ours were filled with water after an hour or so, which made rowing pretty cumbersome. Even when taking them apart it was kinda hard to get the water out, it was definitely a pain in the butt, we can’t even imagine how annoying it must be if you’re staying out on the lake the whole day.

Oarlocks are nice but need some DIY-love

The oarlocks feel rigid and sturdy, but the oars tend to slip through them. We fixed this by taping up a large bulge of electrical tape around the ring on the oars, since then no oars have slipped through.

Okay portability for an inflatable pontoon

As for portability, it’s pretty good, nothing out of the ordinary. Pontoon boats with frames are the least portable out of all inflatables. It doesn’t come with a carry bag or transport wheel which makes it hard to transport long distances unless you DIY a way to have it in your back. You can collapse the seat and make the frame somewhat portable, the pontoons can easily be deflated and stowed away. If you need something highly portable, something that’s easy to carry to and from the shore, you might want to look at some other options instead.

Plastic seat gets uncomfortable after two hours or so

The seat is OK, it’s just a plastic seat which may be too hard for some people. We definitely felt sore in our butts after a whole day of playing around with the Roanoke. We’d definitely recommend getting a cushion, especially if you’re not used to these types of seats.

Not rated for motors, but with some modding, it’s possible to mount one

While on the box it says that it’s not rated for motors, we have seen some people modify theirs to hold a smaller electric trolling motor. Not that it’s something we recommend, but if you really want to, it’s possible. Just be wary that the back end of the pontoon will sag if there’s too much weight.

Coldwater affects the bladders, even though they’re “temperature resistant”

We noticed that cold water does actually have an effect on the bladders, even though it says they’re temperature resistant. Coldwater will shrink the bladders most of the time which leads one to believe there’s a leak. If you want to avoid this, go to your lake a couple of minutes early, inflate it and let it sit in the water for a while, then top it off.

Pontoons are durable and will not puncture easily

The pontoons are durable, we went to several shallow spots on the lakes and scraped against rocks (not any sharp ones though) with little to no scratches at all. We would feel comfortable taking the Roanoke to lakes and rivers where there are sharper rocks, without the fear of puncturing our pontoons.

Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to row and maneuver
- Puncture resistant
Cons
- Unstable in wind
- Tracks poorly
- Uncomfortable seat
Conclusion:

The Roanoke from Classic Accessories might not be the most feature-packed and high-end pontoon you can buy. But does it have to be? From our experiences we’ve found that we’ve had just as fun with lower-end models as with high-end ones. It’s a basic boat but it does the job, and it does it well. We promise you’ll get your money’s worth from this pontoon.
January 25, 2016
Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat Review
Pontoon Boat Overview

This is the Sea Eagle 285, a frameless pontoon boat that is made with one purpose in mind, fishing. The U-frame design of the 285 provides you with the maximum amount of fishing with the least amount of hull weight. It comes with plenty of features to ensure that you’re on top of your fishing game. It has everything a fisherman would need, rod holders, 360 oarlocks, swivel seat, hardwood floor, plenty of storage space, and a motor mount. The boat itself is very portable, when packed into its carrying bag it doesn’t take more space than a larger backpack, which makes for easy storage.

The Sea Eagle 285 can be used in two different ways, you can either row it with the included oars or you can go all in and run it fully rigged. When it’s fully rigged you’ll have a wooden floorboard that provides a stable and ample area for standing and casting. The swivel seat can turn 360 degrees in each direction and will give you a perfect view of your surroundings. When the floorboard, swivel seat, motor mount, and trolling motor are installed, it will weigh around 59 pounds. If you were to choose the oars only, the total weight will drop to about 42 pounds.

This is what you would call ultra-portable, thanks to the frameless design the boat packs into a small carry bag, which makes transportation from your car to the shore easy and quick. The total set up a time for the 285 is about 5 minutes, depending on your experience level. Set up time includes inflating it and installing all the accessories, like the floorboard, seat, motor mount, and rod holders. When packed down it will store nicely in the trunk of your car or underneath the bed.

The hull is made from 1,000 deniers woven based cloth, this gives it a tremendous amount of strength and the PVC coating creates a durable, waterproof, and air-tight seal.

The 285 is equipped with universal Scotty mounts, meaning you can customize your boat as you wish. Choose from a wide set of accessories like rod holders, sounder mounts, anchor locks, running lights, bait boards, or even cup holders.

This is a great inflatable pontoon boat for lakes, rivers, bay areas, and small creeks, almost any area with calm water will do just fine. The large air chambers allow the boat to support a lot of weight, yet it drags as little as 4 inches of water, meaning you’ll be “gliding” on top of the water instead of in it. This allows for fishing in shallow areas where heavier boats would never dare to go.

Features
- U-frame design lets you use the boat it’s full potential while still being lightweight
- Durable and strong 1,000 denier hull to prevent any punctures from happening
- Raised 1000D fabric floor, allowing for a faster more Responsive boat
- Can either be used with only oars or fully equipped with swivel seats and motors
Specifications
- Dimensions: 107 inches (9 ft) in length, 48 inches (4 ft) in width
- Weight: 32 pounds (only hull)
- Carrying Capacity: 450 pounds
- Material: 1000 Denier 36 mil
Our Review

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We were psyched when we got to test the Sea Eagle 285, we had heard lots of great things about it and wanted to test it for ourselves. Turns out it lives up to all expectations, we dare to say that it goes beyond your expectations even.

No pressure gauge, but that’s no problem with the included foot pump

A common problem with inflatable boats is overinflating them, this usually results in a broken bladder. This happens mostly due to inexperience but also because it can be hard to tell what PSI the bladder is at with no pressure gauge. The 285 doesn’t come with a pressure gauge, but that’s not a bad thing in this case. The included foot pump is just too weak to over inflate it, meaning you can pump all the air you want into it and without running the risk of exploding it.

Large air chambers let you fish in shallow areas but makes for poor tracking

As you already know, the large air chambers allow this boat to glide on top of the water surface, it’s good in the sense that you can enter shallow areas without scraping against the bottom. But like always, if there’s an advantage there’s a drawback. In this case, the large air chambers make for really poor tracking and steering, you’re literally controlling an inflated U letter so to speak. We were unfortunate when we tested the 285, we had plenty of wind and struggled to keep going in a straight line. We do not recommend fishing in areas where there’s a lot of wind, you will be spending more time trying to control the boat instead of fishing. If you do not have any other options, please go yourself an anchor so you don’t drift away.

Rod holders could be position further forward

Another minor pet peeve we have is the position of the rod holders. We just don’t see why they place them behind the seat just by the trolling motor. It gets annoying having to spin 180 degrees whenever you want to get a hold of your rod. This can be easily fixed by gluing on additional rod holders in the front.

Really compact and lightweight, if you only use the hull and oars

We love how compact the hull gets when deflated and packed into its bag, it’s really not much bigger than a hiking backpack. But that’s just the hull, if you plan on going fully rigged, keep in mind that you will need space for the swivel seat and its mount, the floorboard, the motor mount, and the trolling motor. It quickly adds up and suddenly it’s not “ultra-portable” anymore, it will still fit in the trunk of your car but don’t expect to carry all the gear to shore in one go.

The floorboard is stable and lets you stand up and fish

The hard floor is a nice addition to this boat, it’s not very often you can actually stand and fish from an inflatable, but with 285 you can. Both I and my wife had no problems standing up, throwing, or reeling in fish. The standing platform was wide enough for both of us and it felt very stable at all times.

Suitable for fishing in a wide variety of areas, as long as the water is calm

While it’s possible to take the 285 to a wide variety of waters, like lakes, ponds, rivers, and bay areas, it will not do very well in anything that’s not considered to be calm waters. It will handle rivers, but only class 1 rivers, anything with whitewater is not suitable for this pontoon. If you plan to fish in saltwater areas, remember to get yourself a trolling motor that’s made for saltwater, as freshwater ones are not made to withstand corrosion. While you’re at it, make sure to clean the hull thoroughly if you’ve been in saltwater areas.

Has plenty of space for gear

Gear storage is another plus, the boat can carry up to 450 pounds and that’s a lot for a one-person boat. Say the average person is 200 pounds, that leaves you with 250 pounds to store whatever you want. We could bring a cooler box, battery, and plenty of fishing gear with us without feeling cramped. You can buy additional accessories from Sea Eagle to hold your bait, cameras, and anchors if needed, so running out of space is not very likely unless you’re really heavy on gear.

Pros
- Can hold plenty of weight, lots of space for gear
- Easy and quick to set up, doesn’t take more than 5 minutes
- Hard floor allows for stand up fishing
Cons
- Rod holders are in an awkward position
- Poor tracking, hard to control in very windy conditions
Conclusion

The 285 frameless pontoon boat from Sea Eagle is great if you want something that can get you around in large areas with calm water. While it’s possible to fish in calmer rivers, the 285 will perform the best in conditions where there’s no wind and no waves. We like the fact that you can choose to either uses it as a basic rowing boat or all in and rig it with swivel seats, motors, and plenty of other fun stuff. The floorboard is a really nice addition which allows to stand up and fish but also carries additional heavier gear.

If you’re looking to get something for the local lake that’s easy to set up and store, you cannot go wrong with 285.
January 22, 2016
Colorado XT Pontoon Boat Review
Pontoon Overview

One of the best-rated inflatables pontoon boats on Amazon, it’s the Classic Accessories Colorado XT pontoon boat. This is what most fishing enthusiasts would call a “top of the line” pontoon, it’s packed with loads of nifty features, all to make your fishing experience as enjoyable as possible.

The Colorado XT Pontoon boat is 9 feet long and has a carrying capacity of 400 pounds. It comes with a removable transport wheel for an easier launch, it can be easily removed and placed into one of the storage compartments. Some of the many features on the Colorado XT include a weatherproof motor mount, two removable gear bags with 20 pockets in total, two insulated cup holders, a wire basket for rear storage or a battery, two detachable foam fly patches, multi-position rod holders, and much more.

The bottom of the inflatable pontoon boats is coated with heavy-duty PVC for excellent abrasion resistance, getting punctures, and air leaks because you accidentally brushed against rocky surfaces is no longer a problem. The top of the pontoons is made from tough nylon. The bladders are made from cold and heat resistant vinyl, in other words, they’re not going to shrink or expand depending on the weather. The pontoons take about 2 minutes to fill with air if you’re using a small electrical pump.

To summarize, the Colorado XT Pontoon is everything an avid fisherman would want. With all the storage capabilities the XT has to offer, there’s no need to worry about not being able to bring all the gear with you. Even with all the gear packed, you will most likely have storage space left. The smart anchor system allows you to stay in your favorite spot without drifting away, something which we really enjoyed while we were out fishing.

Features
- Two removable side pockets, including 20 pockets and two insulated cup holders
- Loads of storage space for all your fishing gear
- Transport wheel makes it easy to transport from your car into the lake, river or ocean
- Smart and easy to use an anchor system
- Weatherproof motor mount with two positions for trolling
- Two detachable foam fly patches
Specifications
- Dimensions: 108 inches in length, 56 inches in width, and 26 inches in height
- Pontoons: 9 foot long pontoons
- Capacity: 400 pounds
- Weight: 77 pounds (Fully assembled)
- Material: Heavy-duty PVC, Nylon and Steel
Our Review

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We were psyched when we got to try this Colorado pontoon boat this summer. We’ve all been fishing for most of our lives, but we never got the chance to fish from an inflatable pontoon boat, up until last summer that is. We were pleasantly surprised, the experience was quite different from what we’re used to, but we quickly got used to it and had a blast all day long. If you’re looking for an inflatable fishing boat, this is it.

Assembly takes a little bit of time, but is easy and straight forward

To fully assemble the Colorado XT (assemble the steel frame, install the seat and inflate the pontoons) takes about an hour or so, depending on how fast you’re going. At first, we were worried that assembling it would be a little like assembling IKEA furniture, luckily we were wrong. It proved to be an easy and straightforward assembly, if you struggle a quick YouTube search will help you out.

Seat made our butts numb

The frame is made out of rigid steel tubes, which have been powder coated multiple times to ensure that the paint sticks, even with heavy usage. It looks good and it works. One thing we didn’t like however was the seat. It could be because we’re used to soft seats from inflatable kayaks, but we just found that our butts became numb after a couple of hours, even with the padding. We put a small pillow on top of the padding and managed to squeeze out another few hours or so.

Awkward motor mount

So while the above mentioned “problem” is mostly personal preference, here’s one thing that could be a potential deal-breaker for some of you. The motor mounting bracket and basket to carry the battery are all in the back, right behind your seat. If you’re using a heavy battery or motor, the boat becomes very unbalanced. With all the weight in the back, the front will rise up and the back part will start to sag, which makes for a really awkward experience. As if that wasn’t enough, because the motor mount is directly behind your seat there’s really no comfortable way of steering the motor with one hand. It might work if you’re a very flexible elite gymnast, but for the rest of us, it’s very unpleasant.

Luckily there’s a fix to this problem, a Youtube user called Nate D invented a way to mount the motor in the front. This helps to shift all the way from the back to front, but it also makes steering the boat a whole lot easier. It does require some DIY (Do-It-Yourself) knowledge but it shouldn’t be too hard to do, even for people with handyman skills.

Abrasion and puncture resistant pontoons

Next, we have the pontoons. The bladders are made from a vinyl material that is both cold and heat resistant, this will prevent the bladders from either shrinking or expanding in different weather conditions. The bottom side of the pontoons is coated with heavy-duty PVC which makes them incredibly abrasion-resistant. We cannot stress how important abrasion resistance is, even if you launch your boat in a silky smooth area, the possibility of scraping against rocks or other hard surfaces is huge! During our testing we “accidentally” hit a couple of rocks to see how it would hold up, no punctures or leaks were found and we could continue fishing. The top part of the pontoons are covered with tough nylon, not as strong as the bottom part, but it doesn’t need to be either since it will be above water level all the time.

Fits in a medium-sized car without problems

When completely deflated and disassembled, the Colorado XT will easily fit into your car’s trunk. We packed the boat into a Honda Accord, a relatively normal-sized car. Trying to fit your boat in a smaller car might prove to be a little more difficult and you will probably have to use the back seats to store some of the parts. This is not a boat you can easily transport, by the way, so keep that in mind. If you need something highly portable, opt for a kayak instead.

Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Heavy duty and tough pontoons make for great abrasion resistance
- Option to choose between rowing or using a motor
- Loads of storage space
- Transportation wheel for easier launch
Cons
- The seat can be quite uncomfortable if you’re not used to it (easily fixed with a cushion)
- Motor mount is placed at an awkward position, making it hard to steer with one hand (can be fixed with DIY)
- Using a heavy battery or motor without any DIY will cause the back end to sag
Conclusion

If you want a long-lasting, tough, and versatile inflatable fishing boat, this will be one of your best choices. You can take it to the ocean, the lake or a class 1 river. If you’re an avid fisherman wanting to try something new, the Classic Accessories Colorado XT inflatable pontoon boat is definitely a great choice. It’s easy to assemble, has loads of storage room for all your fishing gear, and allows you to choose between rowing or using a motor. Rowing can however be a little difficult, without any skegs going in a straight line is not the easiest of tasks so we recommend getting a motor. If you’re going to be using a heavy motor or battery, be prepared to do some DIY to make it function properly. Luckily there are plenty of video tutorials on Youtube where Colorado XT owners share their tips and tricks.
January 3, 2016