5 Person or 4-Person Inflatable Boats? Compared by Specs
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Choosing between a 5 Person vs 4-Person inflatable raft depends on your group size and gear needs. Both options offer inflatable construction and oar propulsion for calm water use. The Intex Excursion holds five people, while the Hydro Force Voyager X4 seats four. You will find differences in length, weight capacity, and seating comfort. Review the specs below to see which fits your plans.
Key differences
| Aspect | Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft | Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 11'6" Raft |
|---|---|---|
| Person Capacity | 5 | 4 adults |
| Length | 12 feet (144 inches) | 11.5 feet (138 inches) |
| Width | 5.5 feet (66 inches) | 4.75 feet (57 inches) |
| Weight Capacity | 1,300 lbs | 1,058 lbs |
| Boat Weight | 55.6 lbs | 35.3 lbs |
| Seating Style | not listed | Inflatable seats and floor |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft if
- You need to carry five adults or heavy gear.
- You prefer a wider hull for more side-to-side stability.
- You want a higher maximum weight limit for your load.
Choose Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 11'6" Raft if
- You prioritize a lighter boat for easier transport.
- You want built-in inflatable seats and floor for comfort.
- You typically fish or ride with only three or four people.
Verdict: The Intex Excursion is the better choice if you frequently travel with five people or need extra width for stability. The Hydro Force Voyager X4 suits those who value a lighter package and integrated inflatable seating. Select the model that matches your usual group size and weight requirements.
5 vs 4 Person Inflatable Boat Specs
Person Capacity
The Intex Excursion is rated for five adults, providing extra seating for larger groups or fishing parties. The Hydro Force Voyager X4 supports four adults. If you regularly fish with a friend or need space for a child, the Excursion offers that additional seat. The Voyager X4 is tighter but sufficient for a standard quartet. Your choice depends on whether you need that fifth spot for gear or a passenger. The Excursion wins here for sheer occupancy potential.
Weight Capacity
Load limits differ significantly between these two rafts. The Intex Excursion handles up to 1,300 pounds. The Hydro Force Voyager X4 has a maximum weight capacity of 1,058 pounds. This means the Excursion can carry more gear, cooler, and people combined without exceeding its limit. If you haul heavy fishing equipment, the Excursion’s higher tolerance provides a safer margin. The Voyager X4 is lighter but has a lower ceiling for total weight. The Excursion takes the edge for heavy loads.
Inflated Size
Size affects stability and storage. The Intex Excursion measures 12 feet long and 5 feet 6 inches wide. The Hydro Force Voyager X4 is 11 feet 6 inches long and 57 inches wide. The Excursion is slightly longer and wider, offering more floor space for moving around. The Voyager X4 is more compact, which may be easier to store in a smaller vehicle or garage. Both are spacious enough for their rated capacities. The Excursion offers more interior volume for comfort.
Construction Material
Build materials impact durability and maintenance. The Intex Excursion uses SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC, noted for high impact and abrasion resistance. The Hydro Force Voyager X4 features Inflata-Shield material, which resists punctures, limits stretching, and enhances grip. Both are inflatable constructions designed for calm water. The Excursion emphasizes general strength and durability. The Voyager X4 highlights puncture resistance and grip. Both materials aim to keep the boat intact during use. This is a tie, as both offer robust protection.
Seating Style
Comfort while paddling or fishing varies by design. The Hydro Force Voyager X4 includes inflatable seats and an inflatable floor for added comfort. The Intex Excursion data does not specify inflatable seats or floor, listing only oar propulsion and general construction. Inflatable seats typically provide more cushioning than hard plastic or fabric inserts. If you prioritize comfort for long sessions, the Voyager X4’s design is advantageous. The Excursion may have standard seating not detailed in the specs. The Voyager X4 wins for comfort features.
Which inflatable raft suits your group
Larger fishing groups needing max capacity
The Intex Excursion seats five adults and holds 1,300 pounds. Its 12-foot length and 5.5-foot width provide ample space for gear and passengers. You get four detachable rod holders and stainless steel D-rings for securing dry bags. This model fits larger parties who prioritize seating volume and total weight allowance for extended trips.
Solo anglers or couples seeking portability
The Hydro Force Voyager X4 weighs only 35.3 pounds, making it much easier to carry than heavier options. It measures 11.5 feet long and 57 inches wide. This lighter, slightly shorter raft is ideal for two people or a solo angler who values easy transport and storage without sacrificing the comfort of an inflatable floor.
Users valuing puncture resistance and comfort
This raft uses Inflata-Shield material to resist punctures and limit stretching. It features inflatable seats and a floor for added comfort on the water. The included Air Hammer hand pump and sturdy oarlocks simplify setup and propulsion. If you prefer durable materials and built-in comfort features over maximum seating capacity, this spec-focused choice is best.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft | fishing trips with five passengers | Check price of Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft on Amazon |
| 2 | Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 11'6" Raft | 4-person fishing trips with oars | Check price of Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 11'6" Raft on Amazon |
The products compared
Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft
Best for: fishing trips with five passengers
- Person Capacity
- 5 Person (what this guide is about)
- Weight Capacity
- 1300 pounds
- Inflated Size
- 12' x 5'6" x 1'5"
- Hull Material
- PVC
- Weight
- 55.6 pounds
- Included Accessories
- Oars, pump, carry bag, repair patch
View on Amazon: Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft Affiliate link
The Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Raft measures 12 feet long and 5 feet 6 inches wide. It supports five adults with a 1,300-pound weight limit. The gray hull uses SuperStrong PVC for abrasion resistance. Two main chambers inflate quickly via dual Boston valves. You get a complete set with oars, rod holders, and a pump. This raft offers ample storage space in the bow and stern for your gear.
Pros
- 12-foot length accommodates five adults comfortably
- 1,300-pound weight capacity for heavy loads
- Dual Boston valves allow fast inflation and deflation
- Includes four detachable fishing rod holders
- SuperStrong PVC construction resists impact and abrasion
Cons
- 55.6-pound weight is heavy to carry
- 17-inch height offers less stability than deeper hulls
- Oar-only propulsion requires manual effort
Good fit if
- You need a raft for five people
- You want a complete fishing setup with rod holders
- You prioritize high weight capacity over speed
Skip if
- You prefer a smaller four-person capacity
- You want a motorized boat for faster travel
- You need a lightweight raft for frequent carrying
Verdict: Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Raft fits groups needing high capacity and fishing features. It suits you if you value storage and stability over portability.
Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 11'6" Raft
Best for: 4-person fishing trips with oars
- Person Capacity
- 4-Person (what this guide is about)
- Weight Capacity
- 1,058 lbs (480 kg)
- Inflated Size
- 11 ft. 6 in. x 57 in.
- Hull Material
- Inflata-Shield
- Construction
- Inflatable floor
- Motor Capacity
- 1.5 HP
View on Amazon: Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 11'6" Raft Affiliate link
The Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 is a 4-person inflatable raft measuring 11 feet 6 inches by 57 inches. It supports up to 1,058 lbs and weighs 35.3 lbs. The hull uses Inflata-Shield material to resist punctures. It includes inflatable seats and a floor for comfort. You get oars and a hand pump for transport. This setup suits small groups needing stable, shared fishing time.
Pros
- Inflata-Shield material resists punctures
- Inflatable seats and floor for comfort
- Built-in fishing rod holders
- Includes oars and hand pump
- Supports 1,058 lbs total weight
Cons
- 4-person capacity is lower than the 5-person option
- Requires manual inflation with included hand pump
- No motor mount listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You need a stable raft for four anglers
- You prefer manual oar propulsion
- You want built-in rod holders
Skip if
- You require a 5-person capacity
- You want to add a motor
- You need a self-bailing floor
Verdict: Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 offers a solid 4-person platform with puncture-resistant material. It fits groups prioritizing shared capacity and manual control over higher passenger counts.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft | Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 11'6" Raft |
|---|---|---|
| Person Capacity | 5 adults | 4 adults |
| Weight Capacity | 1300 pounds | 1,058 lbs (480 kg) |
| Inflated Size | 12' x 5'6" x 1'5" | 11 ft. 6 in. x 57 in. |
| Hull Material | PVC | Inflata-Shield |
| Construction | not stated | Inflatable floor |
| Motor Capacity | not stated | 1.5 HP |
| Weight | 55.6 pounds | 35.3 pounds |
| Included Accessories | Oars, pump, carry bag, repair patch | Oars, pump, pouch, carry bag, patch |
| Use | Fishing, Boats, Travel, River | Fishing, Boats |
| Propulsion | Oars | Trolling Motor, Oars |
| Length | 12 Ft | 138 inches |
| Size | 144" | Large |
| Transducer | Portable Kit | not stated |
| For | Fishing Boat | Fishing Boat |
| Dimensions | 144 × 66 × 17 inches | not stated |
| Width | not stated | 57 inches |
| Color | Gray | 11'6" x 57" - 4-Person |
| Model | 68325EP | 1065156USX23 |
Frequently asked questions
Is a 5-person raft significantly heavier than a 4-person model?
Yes, the extra capacity adds weight. The Intex Excursion 5-person raft weighs 55.6 pounds. The Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4, which seats four, weighs 35.3 pounds. You carry about 20 pounds more with the larger option. This matters if you hike to the water or store the boat in a small vehicle.
How does the width of a 5-person raft compare to a 4-person one?
The 5-person Intex Excursion is wider at 66 inches. The 4-person Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 measures 57 inches across. The extra width on the Intex provides more lateral stability. This can be helpful when fishing or when the water is choppy. The narrower Bestway is more maneuverable in tight spaces.
Which inflatable boat is better for river fishing trips?
The Intex Excursion is built for fishing and river use. It includes features like detachable rod holders. The Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 is also suitable for fishing but focuses on shared capacity. If you need dedicated fishing gear storage and seating for five, the Intex is the practical choice for river environments.
Does the 5-person raft offer more length than the 4-person option?
The Intex Excursion is 144 inches long. The Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 is 138 inches long. The Intex is six inches longer. This extra length allows for more gear storage along the sides. It also provides a slightly more stable platform for multiple passengers sitting side-by-side on the water.
Can you use oars on both the 5-person and 4-person rafts?
Yes, both models use oars for propulsion. The Intex Excursion comes with oars for manual movement. The Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 also relies on oars. Neither boat includes motor mounts in the provided data. You must paddle both vessels. This keeps the weight down and makes setup simpler for calm waters.
Is the 4-person raft easier to transport than the 5-person version?
The Bestway Hydro Force Voyager X4 is lighter at 35.3 pounds. The Intex Excursion weighs 55.6 pounds. The lighter weight of the 4-person model makes it easier to lift into a car trunk. You also get a more compact footprint when deflated. This is ideal if you have limited storage space or travel frequently.