Plenty of anglers need a portable fishing boat that can slip into the bed of a truck with just one or two people doing the heavy lifting is ideal.
Kayaks definitely fit the bill, but for some fishermen, that just isn’t what they’re looking for.
Instead, most of them want a more or less traditional hull and the ability to attach a small outboard that will allow greater speed and range.
If that sounds like you, but you’re not sure what your options look like, we’re here to help.
Below, you’ll find reviews of the top portable boats on the market, as well as a complete buying guide to get you up to speed:
Quick glance at the best portable fishing boats:
Table of Contents (clickable)
Best Portable Fishing Boats Reviewed
West Marine WaterTender 9.4 Dinghy – Best Conventional-Hull Portable Fishing Boat
Size: 9.4’ x 55”
Weight: 106 lbs.
Material: high-density polyethylene
Outboard and trolling motor capable: Yes, up to 3 HP
Max. capacity: 439 lbs.
West Marine has been manufacturing high-end dinghies for decades, and their WaterTender 9.4 reflects that experience on the water.
Made from extremely durable and ridiculously strong high-density polyethylene, essentially a super-tough plastic, the WaterTender 9.4 is capable of shrugging-off impacts that would leave lesser boats broken and sinking.
At 9.4 feet long and roughly 4.5 feet wide, the wide, catamaran-style hull is remarkably stable – far more so than a V-hull of similar size. That makes it a great fishing platform, as stability is definitely something to maximize.
You’ll find plenty of space for gear if you’re alone, though a pair of anglers will need to think through what they bring. That’s just the reality of a boat that can slide into the bed of a truck.
The stern of the WaterTender 9.4 can accommodate a small outboard, and West Marine recommends no more than 3HP. Fully loaded, that’s more than enough get up and go for this dinghy, and its range and speed will be excellent.
One downside of this portable boat is that it’s not set up for fishing specifically, so rod holders will need to be mounted to the gunwales, and rails for electronics like fish finders will be essential.
That’s not uncommon for the products on our shortlist, so that doesn’t cause it to fall behind its competition.
The Watertender 9.4, as stable as it is, isn’t a great choice for rough open water. Without a self-bailing mechanism of any kind, any water you do take on from a wave or heavy rain is going nowhere, and that’s a dangerous situation far from shore.
But for lakes, ponds, and sheltered inshore waters, the 9.4 is a nearly ideal fishing platform, offering speed, seaworthiness, stability, and durability in a relatively light, easily transported platform.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Light
- Fast
- Very stable
- Tough and durable
Cons:
- No self-bailing mechanism
Lowe Boats L1032 Jon
Size: 10’ x 48”
Weight: 80 lbs.
Material: riveted .043” aluminum
Outboard and trolling motor capable: Yes, up to 3.5 HP
Max. capacity: 275 lbs.
Lowe Boats produces a full range of aluminum jon boats, and our favorite that can slide into most truck beds is definitely the L1032.
Manufactured from durable aluminum, you can count on the L1032 to take a beating, and even if you do hit a nearly-invisible log or stump, you should dent rather than puncture this hull.
At 10 feet in length and 48 inches wide, this flat-bottomed hull can handle shallow water with the best of them, and it’s plenty stable on small lakes and ponds. But the absence of a self-bailing mechanism, and that hull shape, mean that this is not the best boat for waves or rough water.
Use it where it’s designed to be taken and you won’t have any trouble.
The stern of the L1032 accepts an outboard motor, and Lowe Boats recommends not going above 3.5 HP. That’ll get you moving just fine in a jon boat of this size and weight.
Surprisingly, this boat can’t take much weight, and the stated capacity is just 275 pounds, plus motor.
Assuming that number is correct, and I’m not at all sure that it is, that makes two adult anglers a stretch, and this is probably best as a single-man boat. Gear space for a single angler will be outstanding, and there will be plenty of space for tackle, rods, and a cooler. Standing and moving around to access your gear will be a breeze, too, thanks to that flat hull’s excellent stability.
At just 80 pounds, this jon boat is extremely light, and one person should be able to load and unload it with the outboard removed.
As with most of the products on our shortlist, you’ll need to install mounts of some kind for both rods and electronics, as the hull comes bare. But given the design of the gunwales, that shouldn’t be too much of a challenge.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Very light
- Fast
- Very stable
- Tough and durable
Cons:
- No self-bailing mechanism
- Low stated capacity
Takacat Lite X T300 LX – Fastest Portable Fishing Boat
Size: 8’ 6” x 5’ 1”
Weight: 55 lbs.
Material: 1000D PVC and stainless steel tubes
Outboard and trolling motor capable: Yes, with a max of 8 HP
Max. capacity: 793 lbs.
The first inflatable on our list today, Takacat’s Lite X T300 LX is an amazing fishing platform.
Just 55 pounds, this is one of the lightest portables on our shortlist and also among the fastest. That makes it great for running from a boat launch to a hotspot through a salt marsh or blasting across a big lake, and this is a small boat that can definitely handle big water.
Made from 1000-denier PVC, the bottom of the hull is essentially two catamaran-style pontoons with a single glued seam on each. That makes them very durable to abrasion, puncture, and failure, and there’s no question that this boat can take a beating.
You might be worried about hooks and knives with an inflatable, but don’t be: it’s darn tough. PVC inflatables can take a lot more punishment than you expect, and unless you’re dead-set on poking a hole in this boat with a spear gun, you’ve got nothing to be concerned about.
A dual-pontoon hull is a great idea for a fast, stable, reliable boat, and its unique design depends on an attached, rigid platform between the two air cells. While this may not sound secure, it is – and it provides tons of drainage. Whether you’re swamped by a wave or drenched by a sudden rain storm, the water will leave instantly, keeping this inflatable high and dry. This boat is also very easy to re-enter for swimmers, a point to note in emergencies.
Now, the ride is probably wetter than the West Marine dinghy or the aluminum jon boat, but the capacity is excellent, and when equipped with as much as an 8 HP outboard, the T300 LX runs like lightning.
But the two pontoons don’t create quite as much space between them as you’d think, and while one angler can carry all the gear you’d expect, two will find space more of an issue. And you’ll need to get pretty clever when it comes time to mount rods and electronics.
Takacat does offer aftermarket, quick-release rod holders, and these are probably a really good idea.
For anglers facing rough water, this is among the best options, as it’s far more sea-worthy than the West Marine or Lowe Boats alternatives.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Extremely light
- Very fast
- Very stable
- Tough and durable
- Self-draining
- Easy to re-enter in an emergency
Cons:
- Mounting electronics is going to be a challenge
Sea Eagle SE9
Size: 11’ x 4’ 8”
Weight: 50.7 lbs.(with floor and motor mount)
Material: 38 mil Polykrylar (K80 PVC)
Outboard and trolling motor capable: Yes, 3 HP max
Max. capacity: 1,199 lbs.
Sea Eagle’s SE9 is a great inflatable boat that offers a winning combination of light weight, seaworthiness, and durability. But it’s not built for rigidity or speed, and anglers who want to get where they’re going quickly should look elsewhere.
Sea Eagle has built its reputation on tough inflatables, and the SE9 is no exception. Constructed with a skin of thick 38 mil PVC that holds 4 air chambers and an inflatable floor, it’s hard to imagine losing floatation in this boat, and even if you somehow punctured one chamber, the other three should keep you afloat.
With plenty of weight capacity and a spacious deck, two anglers will find the SE9 a comfortable fishing fit, including gear and coolers. The floor is inflatable and thus not as sturdy or confidence-inspiring as the Intex Mariner 3 or the Takacat’s Lite X T300 LX.
And there’s just no question that the Takacat is much, much faster, even with identical outboards. The advantage of this design is that it offers even more buoyancy, decreases weight, and provides more room for anglers and gear.
The SE9 was designed to accommodate an outboard at the stern, and with one attached, it scoots around well, though the lack of rigidity and hull shape will bleed speed. If you have a long way to run and need a boat capable of handling rough water, the Takacat is probably better. But the SE9 provides more deck space, and with two drain plugs, it’ll keep you dry when a wave breaks over the gunwale or when rain threatens to drown your boat.
The Sea Eagle SE9 is an ideal choice for anglers who want true portability with the motor removed but need more space than the small Takacat provides.
But as you’ve come to expect by now, mounting rod holders and electronics is going to be tricky.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Extremely light
- Very stable
- Tough and durable
- Self-draining
Cons:
- Mounting electronics is going to be a challenge
- Slow
Intex Mariner 3
Size: 9’ 9” x 4’ 2”
Weight: 73.5 lbs.
Material: two layers of PVC
Outboard and trolling motor capable: Yes (with available aftermarket transom)
Max. capacity: 880 lbs.
Intex’s Mariner 3 is a budget alternative to its pricey competitors, offering lots of boat for the buck. That said, there are necessary compromises at this price point, and this is perhaps the least capable of the options we review.
Intex constructs the Mariner 3 from two air bladders (and an inflatable, reinforced floor) covered in double layers of PVC. They don’t report how thick this material is, but it strikes us as durable and tough. It’s probably not as puncture-resistant as the Sea Eagle or Takacat, however, and I’m not sure I’d want to hit floating debris far from shore to test this boat.
There have been some ongoing problems with seam quality. This appears to be a question of quality control rather than materials, so always check your boat for leaks before you use it!
And like many of the products available, there’s no self-bailing mechanism, so water that enters the Mariner 3 will stay put, making this a bad option for rough water.
Weighing in at just a skosh over 73 pounds, it’s nowhere near as light as the other inflatables we’ve reviewed, but it’s still quite manageable. Weight will increase, however, with an aftermarket transom attached.
With an outboard on the stern, this little boat will move quickly and turn easily, but expect some sluggishness attending any throttle changes, as rigidity is poor. That flexion won’t create any real problems, though.
The Mariner 3 provides enough space for one angler and plenty of gear, but two anglers will find the space to be very limited. It’s probably best to think of this as a one-man platform if your goal is serious fishing.
A nice touch is that two rod holders are pre-mounted on this boat, and they’re fine as long as you’re not expecting a Scotty. Mounting electronics, however, is going to be a challenge.
As you can probably tell, we’re not won over by the Mariner 3, but for the price, it’s a good option for fishermen who need a portable boat for quiet water on small lakes and ponds.
Pros:
- Light
- Very inexpensive
- Acceptable durable
- Very stable
Cons:
- Poor seam quality
- Poor rigidity
- No self-bailing mechanism
- Mounting electronics is going to be a challenge
- Slow
Classic Accessories Colorado XTS – Best Portable boat for Quiet Water
Size: 9’ x 4’ “
Weight: 80 lbs.
Material: PVC bottoms and Nylon tops on the pontoons/steel frame
Outboard and trolling motor capable: Trolling motor only (36” shaft/30 pound thrust max.)
Max. capacity: 400 lbs.
Classic Accessories dominates the belly boat market, and they understand the need for portable, effective one-man fishing platforms.
The Colorado XTS is their answer for anglers who want a bit more than a float tube offers but still need a stealthy, easy-to-handle design.
Rather than the conventional inflated gunwales, the Colorado XTS offers a more-or-less standard chair supported by two long, wide-spaced pontoons. That makes it ideal for fishing very calm water like ponds and small lakes.
The two air bladders are protected by tough PVC on the bottom and durable nylon tops. They’re more than capable of absorbing impacts from sharp rocks or stumps, and you’re not going to puncture them with fishing hooks. Real-world anglers have put this platform to the test, and it’s got what it takes to keep you afloat.
With a stated capacity of 400 pounds, even larger anglers should have no trouble with plenty of gear, a battery, and an appropriate trolling motor on board.
And at 80 pounds, the Colorado XTS should be something almost any angler can handle, and its relatively small size means that truck beds are a great way to get this boat to the water.
Expect plenty of storage options and zippered compartments to organize your gear just the way you like it. That’s something we really appreciate, and we wouldn’t feel undergunned fishing with what the Colorado XTS can carry onboard.
The seat is comfortable and the seating position is high. For many, this will be a great option because of that, and since the seat swivels, it corrects a common problem when using the earlier XT – being unable to reach the tiller of a transom-mounted trolling motor.
That high seating position does make it susceptible to wind, though, so you’ll want to work out some system to keep you in place on breezy days.
With that motor attached, the Colorado XTS will get you around a pond or small lake in no time, and it’s a quiet, stealthy boat that’s unlikely to spook wary fish.
However, the no-name valves on the Colorado XTS are often difficult to use, refusing to accept air. Many users complain of this issue, and it’s something to look out for before you plan your first trip.
Pros:
- Light
- Plenty of space for gear, much of which is customizable
- Stable
- Comfortable seat
Cons:
- For calm water only
- Mounting electronics is going to be tricky
- The valves can be problematic
Bass Pro Shops Pond Prowler 8 Fishing Boat
Size: 8’ 7” x 48”
Weight: 100 lbs.
Material: UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene
Outboard and trolling motor capable: Yes
Max. capacity: 515 lbs.
Bass Pro Shops’ Pond Prowler 8 is a great option for anglers looking to leave the shore on quiet ponds and lakes. More versatile than the larger pontoon boats offered by Bass Pro, the Prowler 8 has moveable (and removable) seating for one, offering more space for tackle and gear.
Let’s get into what makes this a great portable boat.
At about 8 ½ feet, the Pond Prowler will fit comfortably in most truck beds, though the 100-pound weight may require an extra pair of strong arms to load and unload.
Made from tough, UV-stabilized plastic, this boat is highly buoyant and stable, as long as the water is calm. It isn’t designed for larger bodies of water – this really is a “pond” prowler! And with that limitation in mind, it’s a fantastic platform that won’t sink if you hit a stump or rock while scooting along with your trolling motor.
Speaking of which, this boat has motor mounts both fore and aft, allowing lots of options, and it’s pre-wired, making the job of attaching a trolling motor a breeze.
Don’t expect blazing speed from this flat-bottomed hull, but you’ll get where you need to go quickly enough on small lakes and ponds.
Unfortunately, there’s no self-bailing mechanism or drain plug, so heavy rain can really be a problem. Keep that in mind: this is not a boat for bad weather of any kind.
The included chair moves forward and back along pre-molded tracks, providing a high seating position that’s great for casting. It’s also really comfortable. But that height raises the center of gravity, and some anglers feel uncomfortable twisting and turning. Even a few have removed the chair altogether, putting them closer to the water and increasing stability.
The deck is large enough for plenty of gear, including a cooler, though mounting electronics and rod holders may be a challenge.
For anglers who want to work quiet ponds and lakes in a stealthy, more conventional boat, Bass Pro’s Pond Prowler 8 is an option to consider.
Pros:
- Plenty of space for gear
- Stable
- Comfortable seat
- Pre-wired for a trolling motor
- Motor mounts both fore and aft
Cons:
- For calm water only
- Mounting electronics is going to be tricky
What We Look for in a Portable Boat for Fishing
Why not a kayak?
Let’s get the obvious question out the way first: why not buy a fishing kayak?
Now that there are legions of awesome kayaking options for anglers, including models that offer pedal or electric drive systems, easy mounting of rod holders and electronics, and awesome sea-worthiness, the arguments in favor of kayaks are pretty strong.
And since most of the portable boats we review are really one-man platforms, once you consider gear and tackle, those arguments get even stronger.
About the only reason we would prefer a portable boat to a fishing kayak is pure speed and range.
With a boat like the Takacat and a fuel-sipping outboard, you’ve got incredible speed combined with fantastic range, so getting to your fishing spot from the launch is going to be quick, and running from foul weather – always something to consider – will be easier.
But understand: these types of small boats are not nearly as easy to equip with multiple rod holders and electronics.
That’s the trade-off.
Portability
A portable boat needs to be just that – portable – and that means that it needs to be small enough to fit in the bed of a truck rather than require a trailer.
Practically, that limits its overall length to somewhere between 8 and 10 feet.
And to be loadable, overall weight must be kept to a minimum. Only you know how strong you are, but everyone’s going to struggle with 100 pounds or more.
Capacity
Higher capacity is pretty much always better, allowing you to carry more gear, more fuel, and more… well… you.
For heavier anglers or fishermen who want to bring a cooler, ice, lunch, lots of tackle, and plenty of gas for the trip, that capacity will quickly be used up, so this is a critical point to consider.
Sea-worthiness
This is a serious issue; give the water the respect it deserves.
Some of the boats on our list are specifically designed for quiet water, and launching them in choppy conditions, or getting caught in a storm, can have devastating consequences.
I’ve had friends lose bass boats in Texas to sudden storms, where waves swamped the boat before they could run to safety. These were pros, not weekend anglers, and if it can happen to them, you better believe it can happen to you.
Boats like the Sea Eagle and Takacat are the best in this regard, as they combine excellent buoyancy with great stability and drainage. Whether they take a wave over the side, or the heavens open and flood the bottom of your boat, they’ve got you covered.
But if you get caught in big water during a storm in a boat like the Pond Prowler, you’re going to have trouble on your hands.
Always wear a PFD, always carry a water-proof phone or radio, and always let someone know where you’re fishing and when you plan to be home.
Storage
Anglers need plenty of storage for everything from tackle, to lunch, to a place to store any keepers they land. And more deck space is almost always a good thing.
But to keep these boats portable, they need to stay small, limiting storage and deck area.
And most of the two- and three-person models are that in name only. With tackle and gear, pretty much every boat on our shortlist is a one-person platform.
Rod holders and electronics
Fishing kayaks are designed to equip rod holders and electronics; small boats are typically not.
That’s going to create some challenges, no matter which model you pick, and you’ll need to be an adept problem solver and pretty handy with DIY projects to get the most from your boat.
Some options, like the Takacat, offer aftermarket rod holders. Others, like the Mariner 3, come with rod holders built-in.
If that’s critical for you, these are options to consider carefully.
Speed and range
Last, but definitely not least, speed and range are the real reasons that might tip the scales toward a small boat rather than a kayak.
An outboard, even a small one, offers greater speed and range than any electric motor and there’s no sense in even comparing them to a paddle or peddle drive.
That’s a hard and true fact.
And with the right hull design and a good outboard, boats like the West Marine and Takacat can really zip, providing vastly superior speed and range to even the best kayak.
But they also leave most inflatables – even the Sea Eagle – in the dust. Offering both better hydrodynamics and greater rigidity, they get up to speed faster and cut the water better, planing when you get up to speed.
Final Thoughts
We can’t tell you which portable boat is right for you, but we can guarantee that if you consider your options carefully, and figure out exactly what you need and expect, one of the models we review will be perfect for you.
If a conventional hull is what you’re comfortable with, the West Marine WaterTender 9.4 Dinghy is probably the best of the bunch. Extremely capable in both salt and freshwater, this is a great fishing platform within its limitations. Durable and fast, about the only real problem I see with this dinghy is that it’s heavy enough to cause some trouble loading and unloading from the back of a truck.
If you’re comfortable with an inflatable hull, Takacat’s Lite X T300 LX is simply awesome. While it won’t offer the deck space of the WaterTender 9.4, at just 55 pounds, it’s easy to handle and easily the fastest boat on our list. It’s also the most seaworthy if you take a wave over the side, and of all the boats on our shortlist, it’s the easiest to re-enter in a catastrophe.
For quiet lakes and ponds, we really like Classic Accessories’ Colorado XTS. This pontoon-style belly boat is simply a great choice for sheltered water, offering plenty of storage and great durability.
Source: usangler.com