10 Best Inflatable River Rafts 2025 in the United States

The Sea Eagle FastCat Catamaran is an inflatable boat designed for 2-4 people, making it ideal for small groups. One of its standout features is its large open cockpit, which provides ample space for passengers and gear. It can support up to 1600 pounds, accommodating not just people but also significant amounts of fishing or camping equipment.

The boat is made from high-pressure, all-drop stitch material, ensuring durability and rigidity. This makes it suitable for various water conditions, including lakes and bays, where it performs admirably even with smaller 20 hp motors. The performance is complemented by excellent fuel efficiency, capable of traveling up to 50 miles on a small fuel tank, which is an economical advantage for longer trips.

Setup time is relatively swift at 30 minutes, allowing for more time on the water. Its inflatable nature means it can be easily stored in a garage or closet when not in use, saving space. However, it does weigh 139 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users to handle solo. The boat includes a swivel seat canopy package, adding comfort and usability. On the downside, it’s less suited for very rough waters due to its inflatable nature, and the plastic material might not be as robust as more rigid alternatives. Additionally, while it’s designed for adults, it may not be the best choice for families with young children due to the open cockpit design.

The Sea Eagle FastCat Catamaran is a spacious, efficient, and convenient option for small groups looking for a versatile and easy-to-store inflatable boat.

The Sea Eagle FastCat12 Swivel Seat Canopy Package is a 12-foot inflatable catamaran designed to comfortably carry 2 to 4 adults along with their gear, making it a great choice for fishing, camping, or casual boating on lakes and calm waters. It’s made from durable plastic material, which helps keep the boat lightweight at around 101 pounds, while still supporting a strong weight capacity of up to 1200 pounds. The open cockpit design offers plenty of room to move around, which is rare for boats of this size. One standout feature is the fast setup time—about 15 to 20 minutes—which means less hassle before you get on the water. Its high-pressure, rigid all-drop stitch floor type provides solid stability and a smooth ride.

The FastCat12 also performs well with small motors, reaching speeds up to 15 mph using just a 5 hp engine, and it’s very fuel-efficient, able to travel long distances without frequent refueling. Since it's inflatable, it packs down compactly for easy storage in a garage or closet during off-seasons. While the boat is well-equipped and easy to handle, the plastic material might not be as rugged as heavier-duty options for rough river conditions or rocky areas. Also, it's designed more for calm waters and may not suit users needing a raft for intense whitewater rafting.

The included swivel seat and canopy add comfort and protection, enhancing the boating experience. This boat is ideal for those looking for a versatile, easy-to-use inflatable raft for leisure outings, fishing, or light motorized cruising on calm rivers and lakes.

The BRIS 1.2mm 13ft Inflatable White Water River Raft is built with heavy-duty 2,000 Dtex PVC fabric, which is thicker and more resistant to tears and punctures than many other rafts in this price range. Its construction includes heat-welded seams that are strong and designed to hold up well in different water conditions, making it reliable for whitewater adventures. The raft measures 13 feet long and comes with a stable, removable drop stitch floor that adds rigidity, improving your comfort and control on the water.

It features three inflatable thwarts (seats) that can be removed if needed, and a self-bailing system that helps manage water flow inside the raft. Safety valves prevent over-inflation, while rubber strips around the tubes and bottom protect against abrasion and impacts. At around 128 pounds, it's heavier than some simpler rafts, which might affect portability somewhat, but this weight reflects its commercial-grade build quality.

Accessories like a foot pump, repair kit, carrying bag, and D-rings for optional frame attachments are included, so you’re well-equipped out of the box. This raft is best suited for adults looking for a durable and fairly stable boat for moderate to challenging river conditions, especially if you want something rugged but still affordable. It offers good capacity and safety features for its class.