Why a $379 inflatable boat earns a spot in the garage
After a summer of cove drifting, kid friendly swims, and a few crappie trips, the Intex Excursion 5 became the easy choice when we did not want to hitch a trailer. The PVC felt tougher than budget inflatables we have tested before, and the three air chambers gave us peace of mind.
On the water
With a 40 lb thrust trolling motor clamped to the mount, the boat cruised smoothly across small lakes. Paddling solo against wind was slow, which is expected for a wide hull. Capacity was the real win, since we routinely loaded three adults plus gear without drama.
Setup and storage
A 12V pump turned setup into a relaxed pre coffee task. Packed down, the boat lived on a basement shelf and shrugged off occasional damp storage.
Value
At $379 the Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat Set is the right Sports & Outdoors in 2026.
Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat Set vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Eagle SE9 Sport Runabout | - | - | Buy - Sturdier hull and higher motor rating, although it costs significantly more. |
| Bestway Hydro-Force Marine Pro | - | - | Consider - Similar concept with slightly better seats, but motor mount feels weaker. |
| Newport Inflatable Dinghy 9'6 | - | - | Consider - Better for offshore tender duty, but heavier and pricier than family lake use needs. |
| Intex Seahawk 4 | - | - | Skip - Smaller capacity and lighter material, so the Excursion 5 is a smarter pick for a family. |
Full specifications
| Length | 12 feet 1 inch |
| Width | 5 feet |
| Capacity | 5 adults or 1320 lbs |
| Air Chambers | 3 independent |
| Hull | Super tough PVC |
| Motor Mount | Included for small electric or gas |
| Floor | Wooden floorboards |
Should you buy the Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat Set?
The Intex Excursion 5 is the inflatable we keep recommending to families and casual anglers who want lake fun without a trailer. Heavy duty PVC, three air chambers, and a Boston valve setup gave us confidence on calm water, and the included oars plus mounts for a small electric motor turn this into a usable little fishing platform. It is not a serious offshore boat, but it nails the budget category.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a gas outboard on this boat?+
The mount supports a small gas outboard, but most owners use a 30 to 55 lb thrust electric trolling motor for safer use.
Does it come with a pump?+
It includes a hand pump, but we strongly recommend a 12V inflator to save your shoulders.
How long does setup take?+
About 15 minutes with a 12V pump and two adults. A manual pump can stretch that to 25 minutes.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Inspected seams and floor boards after a full season of family use.
Related guides & how-tos
Backpack Sizing by Trip Length: How Many Liters You Actually Need in 2026
A 30 liter pack is enough for an overnight in summer but useless for a five day winter trip. Here is how trip length, season, and gear bulk translate to liters.
Base Layer: Merino vs Synthetic in 2026 (When Each Wins)
Merino wool and synthetic polyester base layers solve the same problem in different ways. Merino is warmer when wet and odor resistant. Synthetic dries faster and costs less. Which one fits your trips depends on duration, sweat rate, and budget.
Base Weight vs Total Weight: What Each Number Actually Tells You in 2026
Base weight is what you committed to before the trip. Total weight is what you actually carry up the hill. Mixing them up leads to bad gear decisions and worse trip planning.
Beach Chair Styles Compared: Low Back vs High Back vs Backpack (2026)
Low-back chairs sit just inches off the sand and cradle you into relaxation. High-back chairs support your neck and head for reading. Backpack chairs carry hands-free for long beach walks. Here is how each style holds up.
Alex Patel
Alex Patel writes for The Tested Hub.
