Looking Beyond the Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How alternatives compare to Intex

Intex Excursion 5-Person with Motor Mount

This model is a variation of the Intex Excursion line, sharing the same 5-person capacity and large inflatable construction. It retains the transom mount for trolling motors, keeping it suitable for calm water group trips. The primary difference lies in the specific model configuration and included accessories. You get a similar stable platform for fishing with friends. However, it may lack the specific motor control panel details found in the top pick. If you need a straightforward, high-capacity raft without complex motor integration, this version offers a familiar experience. It prioritizes raw passenger space over advanced features. The grey color and large size remain consistent with the original design philosophy.

Goplus 10ft 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat

The Goplus 10ft model shifts focus from maximum capacity to fishing-specific utility. It seats four people, which is one less than the Intex Excursion 5, but it includes dedicated rod holders and safety chambers. At 10 feet long and 23 pounds, it is significantly lighter and more portable than the 12-foot, heavier Intex option. You gain a compact vessel that is easier to transport and store. The trade-off is reduced passenger space. This boat suits small groups who value fishing gear integration and maneuverability over carrying a full crew. The green color and drop-stitch floor construction offer a different aesthetic and rigidity compared to the standard PVC inflatable of the original.

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Rigid Inflatable

The Sea Eagle FastCat 12 is a rigid inflatable catamaran designed for two people, a stark contrast to the five-person capacity of the Intex Excursion. It uses drop-stitch construction for a firm, rigid floor, offering superior speed and tracking compared to soft-sided inflatables. Weighing 101 pounds, it is much heavier and less portable. However, it provides a stable, high-performance ride for tandem fishing. You give up passenger capacity and easy portability for speed and durability. This option suits anglers who prioritize performance and a dry ride over group size. The red and white color scheme and catamaran hull design make it visually and functionally distinct from the traditional pontoon style of the original.

Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft

This Intex Excursion 5-Person Fishing Raft lacks a motor mount, relying solely on oars for propulsion. It shares the 5-person capacity and large 144-inch length with the original but sacrifices motor convenience. At 55.6 pounds, it is heavier than the motor-ready version due to its robust construction. The 66-inch width provides ample stability for group fishing. You gain a simpler, all-inclusive raft that is easy to inflate and deflate. The trade-off is the lack of motor support, making it slower and more labor-intensive to navigate. This model fits groups who prefer manual propulsion or use the boat in areas where motors are prohibited. The grey color and traditional pontoon design remain consistent with the brand.

HEYBOARD 10ft Drop-Stitch Inflatable Fishing Boat

The HEYBOARD 10ft Drop-Stitch boat offers a rigid floor surface, enhancing stability for standing fishing compared to the softer floor of the Intex Excursion. It seats fewer people, focusing on a stable platform for small groups. At 48.5 pounds, it is lighter than the original Intex but heavier than smaller inflatables. The 120-inch length and 55-inch width provide a balanced footprint. You gain improved rigidity and standing stability, which is beneficial for casting and reeling. The trade-off is reduced passenger capacity. This boat suits anglers who value a firm deck over maximum seating. The grey color and drop-stitch construction offer a modern, durable alternative to the traditional PVC inflatable design of the original.

HEYBOARD 10ft Drop-Stitch Inflatable Boat

This HEYBOARD 10ft 3-Person Inflatable Boat supports up to 10HP motors, providing more power potential than the trolling motor setup of the Intex Excursion. It seats three people, reducing capacity for increased performance. The drop-stitch floor offers a rigid, stable surface for fishing. At 10 feet, it is shorter than the 12-foot Intex, making it more maneuverable. You gain a versatile craft that balances capacity with motor power. The trade-off is fewer seats for passengers. This model fits small groups needing a durable, portable boat with strong motor support. The grey color and compact size make it a practical choice for anglers who prioritize performance and ease of transport over large group capacity.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Intex Excursion 5-Person Boat with Trolling Motor

Best for: Group river fishing with motor power

Person Capacity

5 adults

Weight Capacity

1320 pounds

Inflated Size

12' x 5'6" x 1'5"

Hull Material

PVC

Included Accessories

Oars, pump, repair patch, carry bag

Use

Fishing, Boats, Travel, River

View on Amazon: Intex Excursion 5-Person Boat with Trolling Motor Affiliate link

This Intex inflatable boat seats five adults and supports a 1,320-pound load. It measures 12 feet long with a 5-foot-6-inch width. The hull uses SuperStrong PVC and has two air chambers. It includes a transom-mounted trolling motor with eight speeds. You get oars, rod holders, and a pump. It suits groups needing stable, motorized river fishing.

Pros

• Seats 5 adults with 1,320-pound capacity
• Includes 8-speed trolling motor with battery meter
• Features 4 detachable fishing rod holders
• SuperStrong PVC hull with 2 air chambers

Cons

• Heavy and bulky due to large size
• Requires transom mount fitting on the boat
• Manual pump included, no electric option

Good fit if

• You need a boat for 5 people
• You want a motor for river fishing
• You prefer stable, wide hulls

Skip if

• You need a small, portable craft
• You prefer rowing only without motors
• You want a rigid hull design

Verdict: Intex Excursion 5-Person with Trolling Motor is a stable, motor-ready option for groups. It fits anglers who prioritize capacity and easy setup over portability.

2 Also great

Intex Excursion 5-Person with Motor Mount

Best for: group fishing trips on calm water

Person Capacity

5

Weight Capacity

1,300 pounds

Inflated Size

12ft x 5ft 6in

Hull Material

PVC

Construction

Inflatable I-beam floor

Included Accessories

Oars, pump, motor mount kit, patch

View on Amazon: Intex Excursion 5-Person with Motor Mount Affiliate link

This Intex model is a five-person inflatable boat designed for calm waters. It features a durable PVC hull and an inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity. The boat supports up to 1,300 pounds. It includes a composite motor mount kit, two seats with backrests, and four fishing rod holders. You get two aluminum oars and a high-output pump. This setup suits groups needing stable, shared transport on rivers or lakes.

Pros

• Five-person capacity for group outings
• 1,300-pound weight limit for heavy loads
• Inflatable I-beam floor for added rigidity
• Includes composite motor mount kit for trolling motors
• Four built-in fishing rod holders

Cons

• PVC construction is less durable than heavy-duty fabrics
• Motor is not included with the boat
• Inflatable floor is not as rigid as drop-stitch technology

Good fit if

• You need a boat for five people
• You want to mount a trolling motor
• You prefer a stable, wide platform

Skip if

• You require a rigid hull for rough water
• You need a drop-stitch floor for maximum stiffness
• You prefer a boat under four-person capacity

Verdict: Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat is a solid choice for groups seeking a spacious, motor-ready vessel for calm waters. It fits you if you prioritize capacity and stability over premium materials.

3 Best lake

Goplus 10ft 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat

Best for: Small group fishing on calm lakes

Person Capacity

3 adults and 1 child

Weight Capacity

748 lbs/340 kg

Inflated Size

10' x 4.5'/305 x 136 cm

Hull Material

PVC

Construction

Reinforced I-beam design

Weight

23 pounds

View on Amazon: Goplus 10ft 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat Affiliate link

This Goplus inflatable raft measures 10 feet by 4.5 feet and holds up to 748 pounds. It features three independent air chambers and a reinforced I-beam hull for stability. The green PVC build includes rod holders and bolster seats. It suits anglers who need a stable platform for lakes or calm rivers. You get oars and a pump included for immediate use.

Pros

• Three independent air chambers for added safety
• Reinforced I-beam design for a steadier ride
• Includes integrated fishing rod holders
• Ergonomic bolster seats for comfort
• 748-pound weight capacity supports gear and passengers

Cons

• Smaller 10-foot length compared to 5-person alternatives
• Lower 4-person capacity limit
• Motor mount attachment is not included

Good fit if

• You want a stable platform for fishing with rod holders
• You need a boat that fits in a small car trunk
• You prefer a setup with included oars and a pump

Skip if

• You require seating for five adults
• You need a motor included with the purchase
• You plan to use the boat in rough offshore conditions

Verdict: Goplus 10ft 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat offers a stable, fishing-ready setup for small groups. It fits buyers who prioritize rod holders and safety chambers over maximum passenger capacity.

4 Best premium

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Rigid Inflatable

Best for: Two-person tandem fishing trips

Person Capacity

2

Inflated Size

12' x 56"

Hull Material

all-drop stitch

Construction

rigid, high-pressure, self-bailing

Motor Capacity

5 hp

Weight

101 pounds

View on Amazon: Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Rigid Inflatable Affiliate link

The Sea Eagle FastCat 12 is a 12-foot inflatable catamaran built for two adults. Its all-drop stitch hull provides a rigid, high-pressure platform that supports up to 5 hp outboards. This setup allows speeds of 15 mph with excellent fuel efficiency, reaching 50 miles on small tanks. The boat self-bails and packs down for garage storage. It offers significant usable space for tandem fishing or camping gear.

Pros

• All-drop stitch construction for a rigid hull
• Reaches 15 mph with 5 hp motors
• Self-bailing design for safety
• Packs down for compact storage

Cons

• Limited to two-person capacity
• Heavier at 101 pounds
• Only suitable for calm ocean or lake use

Good fit if

• You want a rigid inflatable with high pressure
• You need a boat for two adults and gear
• You plan to use small outboard motors

Skip if

• You need space for more than two people
• You prefer a smaller, lighter craft
• You require a boat for rough water conditions

Verdict: Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran delivers a rigid, high-pressure ride for two anglers. It suits those prioritizing speed and fuel efficiency over maximum passenger capacity.

5 Also great

Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft

Best for: Large groups fishing on calm water

Person Capacity

5 adults

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 is a 12-foot inflatable boat designed for fishing and river use. It holds five adults with a 1,300-pound weight capacity. The gray hull features SuperStrong PVC for durability. You get a high-output pump, oars, and four detachable rod holders included. This setup offers ample storage in the bow and stern for your gear.

Pros

• 12-foot length supports five-person capacity
• 1,300-pound maximum weight limit
• Includes high-output pump and oars
• Four detachable fishing rod holders
• SuperStrong PVC construction for abrasion resistance

Cons

• Weighs 55.6 pounds, making it heavy to transport
• Only 17 inches of air height limits stability
• Relies on oars rather than motor mounting options

Good fit if

• You need a boat for five anglers
• You want a complete kit with pump and oars
• You fish on calm ponds or slow rivers

Skip if

• You require a rigid hull for rough water
• You plan to use a motor for propulsion
• You prioritize lightweight gear for solo trips

Verdict: Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Fishing Boat fits groups of five who need a durable, all-inclusive raft for calm waters. It sacrifices stability and speed for raw capacity and included accessories.

6 Best budget

HEYBOARD 10ft Drop-Stitch Inflatable Fishing Boat

Best for: stable standing fishing in calm waters

Person Capacity

3-4 Persons

Inflated Size

10 x 4.6 ft

Hull Material

Reinforced 3-layer PVC

Construction

Drop-stitch floor, heat-welded seams

Weight

48.5 pounds

Air Chambers

3

View on Amazon: HEYBOARD 10ft Drop-Stitch Inflatable Fishing Boat Affiliate link

This HEYBOARD inflatable boat measures 10 by 4.6 feet and supports three to four adults. It features a rigid drop-stitch floor that allows for stable standing, which is superior to soft floors. The hull uses reinforced three-layer PVC with heat-welded seams for durability. Three independent air chambers provide safety. The gray UV-resistant material resists fading and heat. It includes rod holders and bench seats for fishing.

Pros

• Rigid drop-stitch floor offers a stable standing platform
• Three independent air chambers enhance safety and stability
• Heat-welded seams reduce air leakage compared to glued options
• Reinforced three-layer PVC resists abrasion and punctures
• Built-in fishing rod holders and motor mount points

Cons

• Smaller length than the 14.1ft BRIS option
• Lower person capacity than the 5-person Intex Excursion
• Weighs 48.5 pounds, which is heavier than some competitors

Good fit if

• You need a stable platform for standing while fishing
• You want a boat with USCG approval for peace of mind
• You prefer heat-welded seams for better air retention

Skip if

• You require seating for more than four adults
• You need a larger vessel for open water or long trips
• You prioritize a lighter boat for frequent carrying

Verdict: HEYBOARD 10ft Inflatable Fishing Boat provides a rigid standing surface and robust safety features for small group fishing. It suits anglers who value stability and durable construction over maximum capacity or portability.

7 Best 3-person

HEYBOARD 10ft Drop-Stitch Inflatable Boat

Best for: small groups needing rigid floor stability

Person Capacity

3-Person

Inflated Size

10 FT

Hull Material

1100D PVC

Construction

Heat-welded seams, drop stitch floor

Motor Capacity

10HP

Included Accessories

hand pump

View on Amazon: HEYBOARD 10ft Drop-Stitch Inflatable Boat Affiliate link

This HEYBOARD dinghy uses 1100D PVC and a drop stitch floor for a rigid feel. It holds three adults and supports motors up to 10HP. The heat-welded seams and multiple air chambers add safety. You get a hand pump for inflation. It packs down for easy transport. This setup suits anglers who need a stable, durable platform for lakes or coastal waters.

Pros

• 1100D PVC construction resists punctures and UV rays
• Drop stitch floor provides a firm, rigid deck
• Supports outboard motors up to 10HP
• Multiple air chambers enhance safety
• Includes a hand pump for quick setup

Cons

• Lower person capacity than the 5-person Intex Excursion
• Smaller 10-foot length limits interior space
• Includes only a hand pump, no oars listed

Good fit if

• You want a rigid floor for standing or casting
• You need a boat for up to three adults
• You plan to use a small outboard motor

Skip if

• You need to carry more than three people
• You require a larger 14-foot vessel
• You prefer a non-inflatable rigid hull

Verdict: HEYBOARD 10ft 3-Person Inflatable Boat offers a rigid drop stitch floor and 10HP motor support for stable fishing. It fits small groups needing durable, portable gear for calm waters.

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