What Are the Best Inflatable Boats for Fishing in Australia?

Fishing in Australia offers an incredible variety of environments — from quiet rivers and billabongs to coastal bays and reef edges. For many anglers, an inflatable boat combines portability, affordability, and flexibility in ways that hard-shell boats cannot match. But not all inflatables are ideal for fishing. In this article, we’ll explore the features to look for in a fishing inflatable and highlight what makes certain models (especially from Easy Inflatables) stand out for Aussie fishos.

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Why Choose an Inflatable for Fishing?

Before diving into models, it’s worth understanding why an inflatable boat can be a fantastic fishing platform:

• Portability & Storage: Inflatable boats can pack down to a compact size, making them easy to transport and store — no trailer needed.
• Access to Shallow Waters: Inflatables can work in shallow bays, creeks, and flats where deeper hull boats can’t go.
• Cost Efficiency: You can get a high-performing inflatable plus motor and accessories for a fraction of the cost of larger rigid boats.
• Comfort & Safety: Modern inflatables with rigid or air-deck floors, multiple chambers, and reinforced materials are stable and reliable on water.

However, not every inflatable is made equal for fishing. The right design choices make the difference.

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Key Features to Look for in a Fishing Inflatable

When choosing an inflatable for fishing in Australian conditions, keep an eye on these essential features:

Feature	Why It Matters	Recommended Spec / Approach
Floor Type / Rigidity	A rigid or semi-rigid floor (aluminium slats, drop-stitch, air-deck) improves stability and comfort.	Look for models with aluminium or drop-stitch air floors.
Multiple Air Chambers	Safety in case one chamber deflates or is compromised	At least 3-5 independent chambers.
Strong Transom	To mount outboard motors securely	Heavy-duty aluminium or reinforced PVC transom.
Tube Diameter & Profile	Thicker tubes resist abrasion; lower profiles reduce wind effect	35–50 cm tubes with abrasion patches on the bottom side.
UV & Heat Resistance	Australia’s sun can degrade materials over time	UV-stabilized PVC (or Hypalon in premium builds).
Mounting Options	Fishing rigs, rod holders, fish-finder mounts	Pre-installed fittings or flat areas to install accessories.
Load Capacity	Enough for your weight, gear, and maybe a passenger	Always exceed your total planned weight + margin.

These criteria help ensure that your boat won’t just float — it will perform well under real fishing conditions.

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Types of Inflatables Best Suited for Fishing

There are a few styles that tend to be favored by anglers in Australia:

1. Inflatable Boats with Rigid or Semi-Rigid Floor
   These combine the benefits of an inflatable with the stiffness of a hard floor. They’re excellent for casting, standing, and mounting gear.
2. Inflatable RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats)
   RIBs have a solid hull (fibreglass, aluminium, or plastic) with inflatable tubes on the sides. They’re better for choppier water and longer runs.
3. Flat-Bottom or Air-Deck Boats
   Ultra-portable models where the floor is air-filled (drop-stitch), giving them rigidity but still allowing them to roll up.
4. Inflatable Catamarans / Twin-Tube Designs
   Some inflatables use two parallel tubes (catamaran style) for extra stability and smoother ride in chop.

Each style has trade-offs in weight, setup, and performance. The best choice depends on your fishing environment and preferences.

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What Makes an Ideal Easy Inflatable Fishing Option?

As a brand dedicated to quality, portability, and practicality, Easy Inflatables (via its Aerowave / Viper line) is well-positioned to provide top choices for Aussie anglers. Here’s what to highlight:

• Premium Build Materials: High-grade PVC with UV stabilizers, reinforced seams, and abrasion-proof undersides make the boats resilient against sun and wear.
• Air-Deck or Rigid Options: Boats with reinforced floor options allow you to move, stand, and cast confidently.
• Strong Transom Compatibility: Easy Inflatables designs transoms that can support a moderate outboard motor without flex or stress.
• Accessory Compatibility: The ability to mount rod holders, fish finders, or lighting is important, and these boats provide the needed mounting points or reinforced flat spots.
• Balanced Weight & Capacity: Easy Inflatables aims to strike a balance so that the boats are light enough to transport yet sturdy enough to carry gear, lines, and anglers.
• Warranty & Support: The backing of a strong warranty (2–5 years) and reliable support gives anglers confidence in long-term use.

When you combine all of these factors, an Easy Inflatable fishing boat can deliver performance similar to rigid hulls at a lower cost and with more flexibility.

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Sample Use Cases: Where Inflatables Shine for Fishing in Australia

• Estuaries and Mangrove Creeks
  Inflatables are ideal for winding through narrow creeks, mangrove channels, and shallow estuaries — places where rigid hulls can’t reach.
• Coastal Bays & Island Fishing
  For nearshore reef, bay, or island trips, an inflatable with a modest motor can comfortably handle breaks and keep you nimble.
• Inland Rivers and Lakes
  Flat-bottom or air-deck inflatables perform well on calm inland waters — good for targeting bass, cod, or other freshwater species.
• Beach Launches
  Their lightweight design makes inflatables easier to launch from beaches, unestepped ramps, or shallow sandbars.

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What to Avoid and Common Pitfalls

• Overloading — exceeding weight limits greatly reduces performance and safety.
• Poorly matched motors — too small, and you’ll struggle; too big, and you risk structural stress.
• Ignoring UV damage — always rinse and dry your boat, store in shade.
• Missing safety gear — lifejackets, repair kits, pumps, signaling gear are non-negotiable.
• Neglecting maintenance — regular inspections of valves, seams, and the transom area will prevent future failures.

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In summary: the best inflatable boats for fishing in Australia are ones that combine a rigid or semi-rigid floor, strong transom, UV-stable materials, smart accessory mounting, and balanced weight-to-capacity. Easy Inflatables aims to bring those features together in its product range — delivering fishing-ready inflatables that are portable, durable, and truly fit for Aussie waters.