Why We Chose an Inflatable Boat for Full-Time RV Living
One of the most common questions we get about our RV lifestyle is about Barry’s 16-foot inflatable fishing boat. When we decided to hit the road full-time, one of Barry’s non-negotiables was having a way to continue fishing. After years of fishing from boats in Florida, shore fishing just wasn’t going to cut it.
“Once you fish from a boat, it’s kind of hard to go back to fishing from shore,” Barry explains.
The challenge was figuring out how to bring a boat along without towing one behind our RV. We already have a toy hauler, so adding another trailer wasn’t an option. Barry considered kayaks initially, but having owned them before, he knew they weren’t ideal for the type of fishing he enjoys.
That’s when he discovered the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16, a fully inflatable two-person fishing skiff that could be packed down and transported in our truck bed.
The Pros of the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16
1. Portability
Despite its substantial 16-foot size when inflated, the entire boat packs down into a large duffel bag. This means we can store it in our truck bed under a tonneau cover, protected from the sun and elements.
2. Versatility
Unlike traditional boats that require boat ramps, we can launch the FishSkiff from practically anywhere – kayak launches, beaches, or any accessible shoreline. This has opened up fishing opportunities in some truly spectacular locations across the country that would otherwise be inaccessible.
3. Stability
The FishSkiff is surprisingly stable on the water. It features multiple air chambers with a rigid floor design that allows for standing while fishing – something that’s nearly impossible in many kayaks. Barry has taken it through boat wakes and even near cruise ships without feeling unstable.
4. Durability
Despite concerns many have about punctures, the boat is constructed from heavy-duty PVC material that’s remarkably tough. In the rare event of a puncture, the boat has three separate air chambers, meaning one puncture won’t leave you stranded. Repairs are also simple with the included patch kit.
5. Capacity
The two-seater design means Barry can bring a fishing buddy (or occasionally our dog Hugo!) along for the adventure. The boat comfortably accommodates fishing gear, coolers, and other equipment needed for a day on the water.
The Cons to Consider
1. Weight and Setup Time
At around 100 pounds for the boat itself, plus the weight of the 65-pound motor, chairs, and other accessories, this isn’t a lightweight solution. Setting up solo requires some strength and takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish.
2. Storage Requirements
While the boat itself packs down, the outboard motor needs to remain upright to prevent oil leakage. This works well with our toy hauler, where we can secure it inside, but might be challenging for other RV configurations.
3. Maintenance Considerations
Like any marine equipment, proper maintenance is essential. Barry learned the hard way about using non-ethanol fuel after an $800 carburetor replacement in the first year.
Our Power Solution: Lithium Batteries
One game-changer for our portable boating setup has been switching to lithium batteries. Initially, Barry was lugging around a heavy lead-acid battery for the trolling motor and fish finder – adding unnecessary weight to an already heavy setup.
We’ve found Redodo brand lithium batteries to be perfect for this application. The same brand we trust for our RV’s solar system has proven ideal for the boat as well. The lightweight 12V battery powers both the trolling motor and fish finder, dramatically reducing the weight Barry has to transport.
What makes Redodo batteries perfect for RV life is their affordability compared to other lithium options on the market. When you’re investing in multiple battery systems (RV and boat), saving on each component makes a huge difference in the overall budget.
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Is an Inflatable Boat Right for Your RV Lifestyle?
After two years of full-time RV living with the FishSkiff 16, we can confidently say it’s been a fantastic addition to our adventure gear. It’s allowed Barry to fish in some incredible locations across the country that would have been impossible otherwise.
If you’re considering an inflatable boat for your RV adventures, here are our key takeaways:
- Consider your RV setup: This works well with our toy hauler where we can securely transport the motor upright. Fifth wheels with limited truck bed space might find this challenging.
- Assess your strength/assistance: Setup is much easier with two people, though one person can manage with some effort.
- Think about your usage: If you’ll fish frequently, the setup time is worth it. For occasional use, a smaller, lighter inflatable might be better.
- Calculate storage space: Make sure you have protected storage space for the boat when deflated, as prolonged sun exposure can damage inflatable materials.
For weekend warriors with travel trailers, this could be the perfect solution as everything can be transported in the truck bed and set up at your destination.
What’s Next for Us?
As our RV journey evolves, we’re actually planning to downsize to a smaller inflatable boat. Barry has found that he mostly fishes solo, so a single-person setup would be more practical for our needs.
If you’re interested in our current Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 setup (available until April 2025 while we’re in Florida), contact us through the channel.
Have you found ways to bring your favorite hobbies along on your RV adventures? We’d love to hear about your solutions in the comments!
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