Not every boat needs to be a permanent fixture at a marina. Inflatable boats, fishing skiffs and small aluminium jon boats give genuinely capable, easy-to-store options for lakes, sheltered coastal water and as tenders for bigger boats. Here’s how the options we stock compare.
| Boat | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Intex Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set – 4-Person | 4-person | £344.99 |
| Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable FishSkiff – 2-Person | 2-person | £574.99 |
| Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Aluminum Jon Boat – 12ft | 12ft aluminium | £804.99 |
| Apex A-9 Open RIB Inflatable Dinghy – 9ft, 5-Person | 5-person RIB | £5164.99 |
| Caribe C9 Inflatable RIB Dinghy – 9ft, 4-Person | 4-person RIB | £5632.99 |
Best Budget Inflatable: Intex Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set – 4-Person
At £344.99, the Intex Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set – 4-Person is a straightforward, easy-to-store inflatable for calm inland waters — pack it away in the boot of a car and inflate in minutes.
Best Fishing Skiff: Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable FishSkiff – 2-Person
The Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable FishSkiff – 2-Person (£574.99) is purpose-built for anglers, with a stable, high-pressure floor and enough capacity for two anglers plus gear — a genuinely popular choice for fishing sheltered water without needing a trailer.
Best Aluminium Jon Boat: Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Aluminum Jon Boat – 12ft
If you’d rather have a rigid hull, the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Aluminum Jon Boat – 12ft (£804.99) gives a stable 12-foot aluminium platform, well suited to small outboards and calm inland fishing.
Best RIBs: Apex A-9 Open RIB Inflatable Dinghy – 9ft, 5-Person and Caribe C9 Inflatable RIB Dinghy – 9ft, 4-Person
Stepping up to a rigid inflatable boat, the Apex A-9 Open RIB Inflatable Dinghy – 9ft, 5-Person (£5164.99) and Caribe C9 Inflatable RIB Dinghy – 9ft, 4-Person (£5632.99) both bring a solid fibreglass or aluminium hull with inflatable tubes for stability — genuinely capable small craft for coastal use, tendering to a larger boat, or as a standalone RIB for sheltered coastal trips.
Which Type Should You Choose?
- Budget inflatable: best for calm inland lakes and rivers where portability matters most.
- Fishing skiff: best if fishing stability and a rigid floor matter more than capacity.
- Aluminium jon boat: best if you want a rigid hull without the cost of a fibreglass RIB.
- RIB: best for coastal use, tendering, or where a more capable, seaworthy hull is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do inflatable boats need a licence in the UK?
Requirements vary by waterway — check with the relevant harbour authority or the Canal & River Trust if using inland waterways, as many require registration regardless of boat type.
How do I transport an inflatable boat?
Most pack down into a carry bag small enough for a car boot; RIBs with rigid hulls typically need a trailer.
What size outboard do I need?
Check each listing’s rated maximum horsepower — inflatables and skiffs are typically rated for smaller outboards than rigid hull boats of similar size.
Not sure which small boat suits your waters? Our team can help you choose — browse the full range in our online shop.