Best Inflatable Boat for Dogs – Our Top 7 Picks

Do you want to go on boating adventures with your best friend, your dog? Having a dog-friendly inflatable boat will allow you to do just that. With the right inflatable boat, you no longer have to feel guilty about leaving your dog behind.

What is the best inflatable boat for dogs? In this article, I list 7 of our top picks. Each of these inflatable boats is from the company Intex. We are not sponsored by Intex but have been a fan of them for years.

They make the best inflatable boats available and have such a large selection to choose from. Here are our top 7 picks:

  1. Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
  2. Seahawk 4 Inflatable Boat Set Click here to see it on Amazon
  3. Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set
  4. Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat Set
  5. Challenger 2 Inflatable Boat Set
  6. Explorer 100 Inflatable Boat
  7. Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set

Aside from inflatable boats, we have also included in the list our favorite inflatable kayak that is safe to use for dogs. Check out the short overviews of each one to help you narrow down the best inflatable boat for you and your dog.

Also, we hope you find the links here useful. We may get a commission if you purchase something through a link on this page, so thank you!

Also, for an excellent inflatable boat for dogs, take a look at our top pick, the Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Set Series:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Best Inflatable Boat for Dogs – Our Top 7 Picks

1. Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set

The Intex Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat is constructed for supreme durability and strength with tough PVC.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The material used for the Mariner 4 is comprised of three separate layers – two layers of heavy-gauge PVC pressed to an inner layer of polyester mesh for reinforcement. Rocks or your puppy’s claws will not be able to puncture this boat.

Great for relaxing on the water with your friends or your best friend, your dog. This spacious Pro Series boat by Intex can hold up to three adults.

The Mariner 4 is super stable with heavy-duty, extruded plastic flooring, as well as a keel rock guard. Inflating and deflating is very fast, with two Boston valves on the main hull. The Intex Mariner 4 inflatable boat is a very safe, easy way to spend time on the water with your dog.

  • Holds 4 passengers
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 880 lbs.
  • Material: SUPER TOUGH™ PVC

2. Intex Seahawk 4 Inflatable Boat Set

Another great option is the Intex Seahawk 4 Inflatable Boat Set, which is perfect for fishing and recreational boating on calm rivers and lakes.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Made of heavy-duty vinyl material, this inflatable boat is tough and durable, giving you peace of mind when out on the lake. In fact, it can withstand possible damage caused by UV rays, impact, and abrasion.

It has two air chambers – both of which are designed in a way that you will feel safe while in the water. It also features a rigid yet very comfortable inflatable floor.

Add to that the inflatable cushions, and you and your dog will surely have an enjoyable boating experience. Furthermore, it has a couple of fishing rod holders to have a relaxing fishing experience.

  • Holds 4 passengers
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,050 lbs.
  • Material: Tough 30-gauge PVC vinyl

3. Intex Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set

You can also pick the Intex Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set if you wish to invest in a high-quality inflatable boat for you and your dog.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This boat is perfect for bringing your furry friend along with you on your water adventures. The Excursion 4 is roomy enough, allowing it to fit up to 4 adult passengers while still having enough room for your other stuff.

With the puncture-resistant PVC vinyl material used in constructing it, the boat is definitely long-lasting.

It has a couple of inflatable seats, each equipped with a backrest to provide superior seating stability and comfort. You will also have a hassle-free experience deflating or inflating the boat because of the Boston valve found on its main hull chambers.

  • Holds 4 passengers
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 725 lbs.
  • Material: Rugged vinyl

4. Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat Set

The Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat Set is a perfect choice for anyone searching for a high-quality inflatable boat with rugged and puncture-resistant construction.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It can hold up to 5 people and is friendly and safe for dogs. This boat is appropriate for a day of fun water activities, like cruising or fishing together with your loved ones and your dog.

This inflatable boat is also built to be compact and lightweight, so using it for water activities is hassle-free. It is easy and quick to assemble, too, allowing you to prepare it for water recreational activities within just a few minutes.

The fact that it is built from heavy-duty vinyl that can resist punctures proves its durability. The inflatable floor and seats of this boat also guarantee a more comfortable experience on the water.

This boat is what I believe is the best inflatable boat for dogs. It has an excellent room and is durable to last for years.

  • Holds 5 passengers
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,320 lbs.
  • Material: Heavy-duty vinyl

5. Intex Challenger 2 Inflatable Boat Set

If you prefer a smaller and more manageable inflatable boat for you and your dog, then you can go for the Intex Challenger 2 Inflatable Boat Set.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Designed for two adult passengers, this inflatable boat set is meant to give you the satisfaction you hope to enjoy. It is dog-friendly, so you no longer have to leave your dog behind when you want to enjoy water adventures like fishing and rowing.

The heavy-duty PVC vinyl used in creating this boat contributes a lot to make it as sturdy yet comfortable as possible. It even comes with an inflatable I-beam floor, which further enhances the boat’s ruggedness and stability.

Your safety is also guaranteed with the three air chambers integrated into the boat. Furthermore, it has a couple of Boston valves that are quick and easy to fill, thereby ensuring hassle-free inflation and deflation.

  • Holds 2 passengers
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 375 lbs.
  • Material: Rugged vinyl

6. Intex Explorer 100 Inflatable Boat

You can also choose the Intex Explorer 100 Inflatable Boat if you want a boat that can hold just one passenger and a dog.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It is strong and durable, thanks to the 14-gauge vinyl material used in constructing it. It works well for leisurely cruising or doing some relaxing activities in the water.

It has a couple of air chambers, which can guarantee your safety as it allows you to stay all the time afloat. The boat also provides the utmost comfort and buoyancy with the aid of its inflated I-beam floor.

Furthermore, welding with oarlocks ensures that the oars stay securely in place while you are rowing.

  • Holds 1 passenger
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 120 lbs.
  • Material: Heavy-duty 12-gauge vinyl

7. Intex Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set

If you intend to invest in an inflatable kayak set that is also friendly for dogs, go for the Intex Explorer K2 with a 2-person capacity.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Intex’s inflatable kayak is designed to handle small bodies of water, like mild rivers and lakes. One advantage of this kayak is that it is available in bright yellow, which plays a major role in boosting its visibility, especially during emergencies.

It is comfortable enough, thanks to the adjustable inflatable seat and the backrest integrated into it. It is also roomy and spacious enough. With the built-in Boston valves, users will not experience problems inflating and deflating this kayak.

  • Holds 2 passengers
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
  • Material: Heavy-duty vinyl

Benefits of Using Inflatable Boats for Dogs

Choosing one of these inflatable boats can produce plenty of benefits. One of the benefits is that it lets you cut through the water faster than the cheaper, no-name brand inflatable boats.

These boats also allow you to slide through the water with ease, even when dealing with rough, choppy waters. So your canine friend won’t be scared as the ride will be smoother and less bumpy.

Another benefit of these inflatable boats is that they do not easily capsize. They have a rigid construction that boosts their stability even at high-speed operations.

These inflatable boats are also suitable for almost all bodies of water, like calm lakes and rough seas. In addition, you can use them for a wide range of purposes, like recreational and leisure water activities (e.g., fishing) and as rescue boats or lifeboats.

What Should You Look for in an Inflatable Boat?

When trying to pick the right inflatable boat for you and your dog, it would help to check its overall construction first. Check the material and how durable it is.

Also, keep in mind that all inflatable boats come with seams at specific locations. This is to put the materials together in a more rigid and airtight manner.

Some have butted seams, while the others have overlapped seams. Regardless of the seams being overlapped or butted, there will still be glue to keep them sealed. It would be best to go for an inflatable boat with butted seams, although it is usually more expensive.

Aside from the quality and strength of the seams, make sure to check the inflatable boat for additional reinforcements in certain areas. This helps make the boat more durable and prevents wear and tear sooner than expected.

Look for an inflatable boat with material reinforcements along with the oarlock/paddle attachments, as this can further enhance its stability.

It is also advisable to check out the amount of space and the weight capacity provided by inflatable boats. These factors can guide you in figuring out whether the inflatable boat you are planning to buy perfectly meets your requirements and demands.

Conclusion – What Is the Best Inflatable Boat for Dogs?

So what is the best inflatable boat for dogs? In summary, here are our top 7 picks:

  1. Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
  2. Seahawk 4 Inflatable Boat Set Click here to see it on Amazon
  3. Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set
  4. Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat Set
  5. Challenger 2 Inflatable Boat Set
  6. Explorer 100 Inflatable Boat
  7. Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set

What is great about inflatable boats is that they are more affordable, lightweight, and compact than non-inflatable boats. Inflatable boats are also much easier to store and transport.

They require the least maintenance as well. Just make sure to pick an inflatable boat, which is appropriate enough for the size of your dog and has the specific weight capacity/limit that you both need.

Related reading:

Intex Mariner 3 Review and Specs

What Is the Best Inflatable Boat to Buy?

Best Inflatable Boat for the Money – Our Top 10 Picks

Intex Explorer Vs Challenger – K2 Review and Comparison