Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Review (2026): A Spec-Based Look

What stands out

• SuperStrong PVC construction offers high impact and abrasion resistance.
• Dual Boston valves on main hulls allow for quick inflation and deflation.
• Includes four detachable fishing rod holders and a gear pouch.
• Spacious bow and stern areas with stainless steel D-rings for securing dry bags.
• Comes with two 54-inch oars, a high-output pump, and a repair patch.

Who it fits

Key specs for this raft

Person Capacity: 5

The listing states this boat holds five people. This makes it suitable for family fishing trips or group outings on calm waters. When comparing kayaks, most sit one or two people. You get significantly more seating space here, though you sacrifice the speed and maneuverability of a single-person kayak.

Weight Capacity: 1,300 lbs

You can load up to 1,300 pounds of gear and passengers. This high limit allows for heavy coolers, fishing tackle, and multiple anglers. Kayaks typically carry far less weight. This spec ensures the boat remains stable and safe even when fully loaded with equipment for a long day on the river.

Inflated Size: 12' x 5'6" x 1'5"

The raft measures twelve feet long and five feet six inches wide. This wide beam provides excellent stability for casting and moving around. A kayak is much narrower, often under two feet wide. You trade the kayak’s sleek profile for a stable platform that resists tipping in choppy river water.

Weight: 55.6 lbs

The boat weighs 55.6 pounds. This is heavy for an inflatable but manageable for two people to carry. Kayaks are often lighter and easier to transport alone. You must consider how you will move this raft to the water. The weight reflects the durable PVC material used for the hull construction.

Construction: Inflatable

This boat is made of inflatable PVC chambers. It deflates for storage and transport. Kayaks are rigid, solid structures. You gain portability and easy storage with this raft. You lose the rigid hull performance and tracking ability of a traditional kayak. The inflatable design requires regular inflation before each use.

Design and Build Quality

The listing states the hull uses SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC. This material choice aims for high impact and abrasion resistance. You get a gray finish that is practical for outdoor use. The construction is inflatable, which allows for compact storage when deflated. The boat weighs 55.6 pounds. This weight makes it manageable for transport, though you will need assistance for loading five people and gear into the water.

Inflated dimensions are 12 feet long by 5 feet 6 inches wide and 17 inches high. The listing notes a maximum weight capacity of 1,300 pounds. This spacious layout allows five adults to sit comfortably. The bow and stern offer extra storage space. Stainless steel D-rings are included to tie down dry bags and other necessities. You can secure gear effectively during your river or lake trips.

Controls rely on dual Boston valves located on the side of the two main hull chambers. These valves provide easy, quick inflation and fast deflation. Propulsion is handled by oars, as the listing includes two 54-inch boat oars. There is no motor mount mentioned. This design suits calm waters where paddling is sufficient. The high-output pump is included to help you inflate the chambers efficiently before you start fishing.

Setup And Everyday Use

Setting up the Intex Excursion 5 relies on the included high-output pump. You inflate the two main hull chambers using the dual Boston valves. These valves sit on the side of the boat and allow for quick inflation and fast deflation. The process is straightforward because the pump is part of the package. You do not need to hunt for external equipment to get the raft on the water.

Once inflated, the boat reaches its stated dimensions of 12 feet long by 5 feet 6 inches wide. The height is 1 foot 5 inches. This size provides a stable platform for five adults. The spacious interior allows you to arrange your gear comfortably. You can store necessities in the extra space located in the bow and stern. Stainless steel D-rings are also present. You can use these rings to tie down dry bags and secure other equipment during your trip.

For daily use, propulsion is handled by the included two 54-inch oars. The listing notes oars as the primary method of movement. You will need to paddle to navigate rivers or lakes. The boat is designed for fishing, and it comes with four detachable fishing rod holders. You can mount these holders to keep your rods secure while you fish. A gear pouch is also included for smaller items. The carry bag makes transport easier after you deflate the boat. The total weight is 55.6 pounds. This is manageable for most people to carry to the water. The maximum weight capacity is 1,300 pounds. This allows you to carry gear and passengers without exceeding limits. The construction uses PVC for durability. You can rely on this material for abrasion resistance during regular use.

Before you buy this raft

Before you buy, consider how this raft fits your routine. It is an inflatable, not a hard-shell kayak. You will need a compatible pump if the included one fails. Check your local water regulations for inflatable craft. Some rivers restrict non-motorized vessels. Store it in a dry place to preserve the PVC. The material resists abrasion, but sharp rocks still pose a risk. Keep the repair patch accessible. Compare this to the other 1 options. Most are rigid kayaks for speed. This model offers stability and space for five people. You trade speed for capacity. If you fish in calm lakes or slow rivers, this works well. For fast currents, a rigid kayak is safer. Ensure you have storage for the oars and gear. The bow and stern provide space. You must secure items with the D-rings. This setup suits groups who prioritize comfort over performance. It is a practical choice for leisure fishing.

Check before you buy

• Verify local water regulations for inflatable craft.
• Ensure you have storage for the oars.
• Check if your pump is compatible.
• Confirm the water body is calm.

The product at a glance

1

Intex Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Raft

Best for: Group fishing on calm lakes and rivers

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 fishing boat designed for five adults. It features a 1300-pound weight capacity and 17-inch side height for stability. The gray hull uses SuperStrong PVC for durability. You get four detachable rod holders, oars, and a high-output pump included. This setup suits groups needing ample gear space on calm waters.

Pros

• 1300-pound maximum weight capacity supports five adults
• Four detachable fishing rod holders for gear management
• Dual Boston valves allow quick inflation and deflation
• Includes high-output pump, oars, and repair patch
• 17-inch side height provides stability on the water

Cons

• 55.6-pound weight is heavy for solo transport
• Oar propulsion requires manual effort without a motor mount
• Inflatable construction requires regular pressure checks

Good fit if

• You need a boat for five people on calm lakes
• You want a complete package with oars and pump included
• You prioritize high weight capacity for gear and passengers

Skip if

• You require a rigid hull for rough water conditions
• You plan to use an outboard motor
• You prefer a lightweight boat for frequent solo carrying

Verdict: Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Fishing Boat offers a stable, high-capacity platform for group fishing trips on calm waters. Its included accessories and durable PVC construction make it a practical choice for anglers who value space and stability over speed.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• intex excursion 5 person inflatable fishing alternatives
• intex vs sea eagle inflatable raft
• intex purespa 4 person inflatable hot tub review
• beyond marina 12 5 ft inflatable 2 person review