10 Best Pontoon Fishing Boats of 2021 [Buying Guide]

2. Sea Eagle 285 – Boat You Can Sit On Entire Day

Sea Eagle is a name to reckon with when it comes to inflatable boats. Be it kayaks and boats, this company knows how to deliver. Sea Eagle 285 is a perfect example of it.

The build quality and the material used in this pontoon is solid and rugged.

Sea Eagle 285 has a unique U-shaped hull design that allows you to use the maximum space of the boat. It comes with a removable wood floor which enables you to stand on the boat. Consequently, you would be able to cast the bait with maximum precision and accuracy.

The seat is well-padded and swivels 360 degrees. This allows you to move freely in the boat without standing up. Therefore, you would be able to grab everything on the boat without bending your body. The point is that even if you spend the entire day on the water you would not get home feeling tired or exhausted.

There are not any specific compartments for storage. However, as mentioned earlier, you can use pretty much all the space of the boat because of its unique design. Therefore, because of this design and its 450lb carrying capacity, you wouldn’t have to leave anything behind.

What sets Sea Eagle 285 apart are its pre-installed two Scotty mounts and rod holders. These rod holders keep the rod exactly in place and do not let them slide down. Therefore, no matter how strong or big fish you catch, it will make sure that you bring that up on board.

3. Colorado Xts Pontoon Boat – Never Run Short Of Storage

Classic Accessories Colorado XTS is a prime example of how the design of an inflatable boat should be. It features a black steel rowing frame that secures the 9-foot long two pontoons.

In order to maximize safety, the company has zipped the tubes around vinyl air bladders. This acts as a protective layer that keeps you afloat even if it gets punctured, though it is unlikely to happen.

When it comes to accessories, this boat offers plenty of them. It has an anchor pulley system that allows you to throw the anchor off the stern. Moreover, there is a stripping basket for the extra line and dual fly patches for your gear bag. This boat is not less than a treat for people who are into fly fishing.

The storage compartments and the capacity is where it can beat most pontoon boats available in the market. There are two big pockets on each side of the seat and a number of smaller pockets at both the rear and front ends of the boat. Therefore, you would be able to stash much more than just your fishing gear in this boat.

You will like its seat for being well-padded which ensures comfort. However, the swiveling feature of the seat is nothing but gimmickry. This boat has a design where you have to put your feet on the footrests. Otherwise, you would end up having your legs in the water if you move your feet from the footrest. Therefore, you would have to replace this swiveling seat with an immovable type.

Colorado XT Vs XTS – Which One Is Better?

Both of these boats have an almost similar basic design but the details are slightly different.

XY has rod holders which the XTS lacks. On the other hand, XTS has a swiveling seat which is not present in the former model.

From the price point of view, XTS comes at a little higher price than XT. However, if you compare them, overall, XT takes the lead because of its rod holders.

4. Sea Eagle FoldCat 375fc – Makes Your Evenings Memorable

This 2 man pontoon boat features one of the most practical designs that you would find on the market. The deck of the boat has an entire fabric floor that allows you to stand and move freely on it. Moreover, there is a casting stand that enables you to cast precisely and accurately.

When it comes to stability, this boat does not disappoint. The combination of wide stance and structural strength makes it one of the most stable boats. No matter how windy the conditions are, it will stay on the course you intend it to.

You would not see any dedicated storage compartment on this boat. However, the design allows you to use pretty much all the space for storage. The carrying capacity of the boat is enough for you to stash all of your equipment on board.

The seats are well-padded and would not make your butt numb even if you sit on it the entire day. Moreover, both of the seats swivel at 360 degrees which allows you to access all the equipment without leaving the seats. Therefore, you would get back home feeling fresh as you were in the morning.

You will like it for the fact that there are four-rod holders. These holders lock the rods firmly and do not let them slide down. Therefore, no matter how strong fish fights, you would be able to bring that on board.

5. Roanoke Pontoon Boat – Affordable, Durable, and Efficient

The build quality and the material used for Classic Accessories Roanoke are rugged and solid. The company has utilized heavy-duty PVC bottom which we usually find in high-end inflatable boats. There is additional nylon covering to enhance the durability of this boat.

In order to make this boat budget-friendly, some compromises were made. The first one of them is the seat which has plastic in the construction and does not feature any cushioning. There is no way you would be able to sit on it the entire day without tiring yourself. However, you can make it better by placing a cushion over it.

Let me assure you one thing, you would run out of things to store but not the space on this boat. It features a lot of storage compartments including two large integrated pockets on the armrest. Moreover, on the rear, there is a fabric platform that provides additional storage space. Therefore, if you were worried about the storage capacity you should check that off your list

The best thing about this boat is its adjustable footrests. Usually, these footrests are immovable, so, unless you have an average-sized body, you have to adjust yourself according to it.

However, in this case, you would not have to adjust yourself. You can bring them closer if you are short or far if you have a tall length. The point is you would feel comfortable regardless of your height and the size of your legs.

Though the weight of the boat is very light, it does not have any problems with stability. It stays on the intended course no matter how tough the conditions are.

6. BRIS 10.8 ft Pontoon Boat – Nothing Beats Its Strength

BRIS is in a league of its when utilizing premium quality materials in its boats. This boat on our list for best pontoon fishing boats uses heavy-duty 1100 denier PVC with polyester support.

Denier is the measure of the mass density of fibers and anything above 1000 denier is considered durable and long-lasting. Therefore, you can be sure of the durability of this boat. It’s constructing materials that offer maximum strength and resistance against tearing and breaking.

In addition, there are separate internal air chambers for safety on the water. Therefore, it is not only sturdy and strong but also a reliable boat that guarantees your safe return ashore.

Because of its design, it allows the free movement of individuals. The heavy-duty sectional aluminum floor provides a platform for all kinds of water activities. Be it fishing, diving, or snorkeling, this boat would let you have all the fun you want.

BRIS 10.8 ft Inflatable fishing boat lacks the dedicated storage compartments but has plenty of space on the deck. You can use all the space to store your equipment and still leave room for the fish you may catch.

The best thing about this boat is its splash guards that minimize the backsplash and protect transom holders. Moreover, they reduce the exposure to the UV-rays which enhances the durability of this boat.

With its wide stance, the performance in terms of stability is out of the question. It would stay on its course without wobbling and jiggling. Moreover, because of its streamed-lined front, it provides excellent maneuverability. All it would take is a stroke of the oar to steer it in the direction you want.

7. Aquos Pontoon Boat – Best Inflatable Pontoon For Ocean

This boat has a unique but most practical design you would ever find on the market. It has a flat aluminum floorboard over the two pontoons. You would not see any seats, storage areas, or anything of that sort on this boat. Therefore, you get a plain board that allows you to modify it according to your needs.

You can even put the regular chair on it or can sit directly on the floor if you want. The deck is spacious enough for two individuals even if they want to lay down on it. Moreover, you can install a bar stands to increase the precision and accuracy of the cast.

The point is you can turn this boat into whatever thing you want. You can make it a fishing boat, a recreational boat and can even use it as a towable tube for a thrilling experience.

The build quality of this boat is pretty solid that can withstand the abuse of seawater. The company is so confident that they offer an “only replace no repair” warranty. Therefore, if you were looking for a durable boat you should stop your search right now.

Since it has a flat deck, there are not any storage compartments. Moreover, unlike most of the boat, you cannot stash equipment on deck.

This boat does not have a wall which is why your stuff will slide down in the water.

Therefore, you would need to get slip-resistant storage boxes and baskets to store your fishing equipment. It will increase the overall cost of the boat but trust me it is worth it.

Moreover, with that basket, you would be able to carry as many rods as you want. Therefore, the lack of accessories is a kind of blessing in disguise.

8. BRIS 12 ft Pontoon Boat – A Design That Catches Everyone’s Eyes

The biggest concern while buying an inflatable boat is safety. It needs to be reliable so it can bring you back to the shore safely. Therefore, BRIS has implemented a design that guarantees your safety.

The material and the construction of this boat is pretty solid. It resists tearing and breaking which is why it does not get punctured due to the abuse of water and underwater rocks.

Moreover, there are two separate air chambers in each tube. Therefore, even if somehow it gets punctured, you would be able to reach the shore safely.

BRIS 12ft boat features a streamlined design that ensures maximum stability and easy maneuverability. Therefore, you can take it out in the sea, ocean, river or lake even when the conditions are not ideal. Moreover, to steer the boat in the desired direction, it will only take a stroke with oars.

There are not any dedicated storage compartments, but because of the high sidewalls, you can stash everything on the deck. The storage capacity of the boat is enough for the fishing gear and camping equipment in case you are planning an overnight stay. Therefore, you should tick the storage off your list because you would not have any problem with it.

The design of the boat is for two people and both of them can sit freely without congesting the space. However, there are not any proper seats with back support which is why you might get tired after an hour or two.

9. DAMA Pontoon Boat – A Mini Boat With Mega Features

The first thing you are going to notice about this boat is its golf cart-like ceiling which might look like just a show-off but it is not. This ceiling covers the entire seating area and protects you from the sunlight. Therefore, even on the days when the sun is blazing, you can enjoy boating without sweating yourself.

Moreover, the construction is also pretty rugged which allows you to take it out even in seawater. The pontoons have abrasion-resistant PVC with nylon covers for additional strength. Therefore, it can withstand the abuse and rough treatment seawater has to offer.

The best thing about this boat is its seat which is super comfortable. It is an inflatable tube with back support. It would not tire or numb your butt even if you spend an entire day on this boat. The seat alone can make this the best one-man pontoon boat.

The boat has a relatively small size which is why it is not the most stable one around. However, when the water is calm and the weather is kind, you would not find it wobbling.

Its maneuverability, on the other hand, is exceptional, you can easily steer in whatever direction you want. The small and lightweight of the boat requires just a stroke from the oars to set the right direction. Therefore, even in windy conditions, you can take it out but it would be one hell of a workout.

The storage capacity is not much, but enough to accommodate all of your fishing equipment. It comes with a waterproof handbag that can store the hooks, baits, and stuff like that. You can even take the snacks or electronics like a cellphone without worrying about getting them wet.

The best thing about this boat is the rod holders. There isn’t anything special about them, but even some of the bigger and expensive boats lack this feature. Therefore, it is a praiseworthy feature for a boat this small that comes at a price like this.

10. Outcast Fish Cat 13 Pontoon Boat – A Build To Last And Perform

The last entry on our list for best pontoon fishing boats 2019 is Outcast Fish Cat 13. This is a high-end boat with solid and rugged construction.

It has PVC pontoons that are puncture-resistant and are able to tolerate wear and tear water has to offer.

Moreover, it has an aluminum frame which not only makes it strong but also a lightweight boat. This boat is highly durable and will last decades without needing heavy maintenance.

The boat was designed to accommodate two people, but because of the removable front, you can also use it solo.

Both the seats are well-padded and come with back support. Therefore, you would not exhaust yourself even after spending an entire day on the water.

For storage, there is an ample amount of space. It comes with four removable bags that can fit much more than just your fishing equipment. Even if you get full, there is enough space on the deck to store all the remaining stuff. The point is you would run out of things to store, but would still have plenty of storage space on the boat.

The stability of the boat is exceptional that allows you to take it in every type of water body. Be it lakes, river, or sea, this boat would not wobble and would stay on its course. Steering of the boat can be carried out with a few pushes of oars in the desired direction. No matter how rough the conditions are, this boat will perform exceptionally well.

Buyer Guide For Best Pontoon Fishing Boats – Things To Know About Pontoon Boats

The number of companies churning out fishing boats is increasing in the US with every passing day.

Every other day, we see a new company coming up on the market with its unique and better idea.

Therefore, in a situation like this, it gets really hard to make the right choice.

However, if you know the importance of some key features, it would make it easy for you to make the decision.

Thus, in this section, we will outline some of the major features that you should look for while getting a pontoon boat.

The material of Construction – Define Boat’s Durability and Longevity

The most important feature of any boat is its material of construction. It attributes a lot of important characteristics to the boat. Be its stability, durability, UV resistance, or strength, it all depends on the quality of the material that is used.

The most common material that the companies are using right now is PVC. This material is heavy-duty and resists the wear and tear water has to offer. Moreover, it has good beyoncé in the water which makes it the best material for inflatable boats.

Some of the boats only rely on the bladder while some of them have frames made from metal for additional strength. You also need to look for the material that is used in the frame. Steel and aluminum are being used widely in fishing boats. However, aluminum is better than steel because of its lightweight and strength.

Therefore, before making a purchase, make sure you are getting a boat that has durable and strong materials in its construction. In case otherwise, you would end up regretting your decision.

Comfortable Seat – Ensures You Spend Long Hours Fishing Without Tiring

Fishing is a sport that demands patience but it is hard to be patient when your butt has numbed. Isn’t it? Therefore, to make the experience better and more comfortable you need to find a seat that is comfortable.

The seats in the boats are usually of two types. The first one includes back support while the other one lacks it. The seat without the back support would not affect you if you are going out for only an hour or two. However, if you want to spend an entire day on the water it will exhaust you.

In that case, you need to find a seat that offers back support. In these kinds of seats, you would be able to sit for long hours without hurting your back.

Moreover, the seats need to be well-padded in order to provide comfort. However, this is not as big an issue as the back support as you can always place some cushion to make it comfortable.

However, everything comes at a price. The more comfortable the seat, the higher the price is going to be. Therefore, figure out how much time you are going to spend on the boat and make the decision accordingly.

Storage Capacity – An Important Convenience To Have

When you are out fishing, you need proper gear. Therefore, your boat needs to have enough storage capacity to store all of your equipment.

Some boats come with dedicated storage compartments while the others lack it. If this feature is the deal maker for you then you should go with the ones that have compartments. These compartments keep the stuff organized and protect it from the water and sunlight.

However, if the storage capacity is not one of your major concerns, you can go with the ones that lack the storage compartment. In these boats, you would have to stash your stuff on the deck. However, even in that case, make sure the boat has high walls. In case otherwise, your stuff would slide down which is definitely something you don’t want.

Moreover, in order to store stuff in a boat that lacks a wall, you would have to buy storage boxes separately. This will increase the overall cost of the boat which is also something you don’t want.

Portability of the Boat – Inflatable Boats Are Portable But……..

The whole point of buying an inflatable boat is that they are portable. However, it is not true in some of these boats. You can come across boats that come with a metal frame, though it adds strength, it takes a lot of storage space.

Therefore, be on the lookout for these frames. However, if you don’t want to compromise on the strength of the boat, there are other options available. Companies are producing frames that are bendable. Therefore, it would make the boat portable, but would not compromise on the strength.

Rod Holders – A Good Plus To Have In Fishing Boats

For a fishing boat, rod holders hold extreme importance. There is no way you would be able to hold a rod in your hand an entire day. Not only it would take all the fun out of it, but it would also exhaust you.

Therefore, you need the rod holders to make the trip exciting, comfortable, and non-tedious.

FAQs About Pontoon Fishing Boats

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