By: Bradley Axmith
I’ve used this boat for fishing trips and as a dinghy to get back and forth between my sailboat and the shore.
After three years of experience with it, I know this raft quite well. This review hopefully will reflect that authority.
Where to buy Intex Excursion 5:
Amazon
The Intex Excursion 5 is a spacious inflatable boat that has an attachment for a small motor.
We tested this while sailing–to get to land when on anchor–and on rivers and canals. We even went fishing and managed to catch a perch (not too big unfortunately).
This inflatable dinghy boat can accommodate up to 4 people on board. Moreover, it is made of sturdy vinyl. The vinyl can withstand sharp objects and other potentially deflating points of hindrance found by the shore during launch and landing.
The size of the boat requires a bit of effort and space to inflate. But once done and set in the water it’s surprisingly sturdy. That comes in handy when casting with a fishing rod and reeling in a catch.
All in all, the Excursion 5 is a dinghy that can comfortably accommodate 2/3 adults and 2 children. There are holes for another set of oars, but they aren’t included (unfortunately). There’s a transom system (sold separately) for a motor to speed up to 5 miles per hour or for trolling.
For a fuller spectrum of possibilities, check out some interesting DIY hacks on youtube involving this inflatable and some imaginative people out there.
Things we like:
-
Inflatable seats makes it feel like lounging on a sofa -
The 4 fishing rod holders work well
-
Plenty of space for 3 adults
-
Can be used as a budget-friendly tender for sailboats.
-
Rowing is surprisingly less difficult than feared
-
2 people can row at the same time
Things we don't like:
-
Packing up into the cheap carrying bag takes time and isn't easy -
Need an extra set of oars for a second rower
-
Calling it a 5 person boat is a stretch
-
The hand pump works, but not well
Where to buy Intex Excursion 5:
Amazon
- Inflated Size: 12' x 5'6" x 1'5"
- Packed Size: 144"L x 66"W
- Weight: 55.6 lbs
- Oars: 1 set of aluminum oars.
- Rod Holders: 4
- Material: Polypropylene
The Best Budget Inflatable Raft
All in all, the Excursion 5 is a dinghy that can comfortably accommodate 2/3 adults and 2 children. There are holes for another set of oars, but they aren’t included (unfortunately). There’s a transom system (sold separately) for a motor to speed up to 5 miles per hour or for trolling.
Only smaller motors are suitable for use with the Excursion 5.
For a fuller spectrum of possibilities, check out some interesting DIY hacks on YouTube involving this inflatable and some imaginative people out there.
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Things we like:
-
Inflatable seats makes it feel like lounging on a sofa
-
The 4 fishing rod holders work well
-
Plenty of space for 3 adults
-
Can be used as a budget-friendly tender for sailboats.
-
Rowing is surprisingly less difficult than feared
-
2 people can row at the same time
Things we don't like:
-
Packing up into the cheap carrying bag takes time and isn't easy
-
Need an extra set of oars for a second rower
-
Calling it a 5 person boat is a stretch
-
The hand pump works, but not well
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Comments
Putting a wood floor in is highly recommended if you plan on a trolling motor and fishing a lot. Just the inflated bottom is very unstable if you have to move around. Other then that? Good price for what you get, spacious, and pretty easy to launch.
I have a neighbor at the marina that’s done this. He too says it works well. I can see how it would turn this inflatable into something a little more versatile.