The flat shape of the body makes a Pontoon Boat unique. The hull is held up with some type of floats at either side for buoyancy. Itâs a little like a catamaran, but on a smaller scale.
In this review article, weâve taken a deep dive into the five best one man pontoon boats available. There are tons of variations on each of these boats, and weâll go over all in detail. Weâll start with a brief look at the Best One Man Pontoon Boat, then move into a buyerâs guide to provide context. Weâll conclude with in-depth reviews of each of the pontoon boats on our list.
Contents
Best One Man Pontoon Boat
The Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable Pontoon Boat PRO is by no means low in price, but it has so much to offer!
It can be assembled in minutes as it has no frame, other than the chair. With twin bladders, itâs very unlikely to flip, making it a safe option for beginners. Though itâs ideal for seasoned watercraft enthusiasts too. It has mounts for everything you could possibly need, ie motor, rod holders and raised oarlocks.
What makes this pontoon boat stand out from the crowd is the removable floor so you can stand up. This is often difficult in an inflatable, but not in this one. Thereâs a lot of floor space for long legs, in this 9-foot long pontoon boat. Plus, you get a raised chair on a pedestal that also swivels completely around at 360.
Lots of storage areas and other extras, such as a pump, stripping apron, oars, and even repair kit. The whole package folds up into a large storage bag for easy transportation. You can even carry it around yourself as itâs very lightweight at only 42lbs.
You can buy this model with or without a motor, but make sure you get the right motor for fresh or saltwater.
This is the Best One Man Pontoon Boat Available.
For get all the details, see the Product Reviews section below.
Runner Up: Best-One Man Pontoon Boat
Not only will the Pitt Boss 3-in-one Pontoon boat fit in the back of a car, but it does not need inflating. It has a hard shell made of rigid plastic, so you donât need to worry about punctures. Whilst it is a small craft, even the tallest of people can use it because of its width.
The price is good but you will need to buy the oars separately. Even with this additional cost, the price remains reasonable.
You can fix a trolling motor to this pontoon if you want better control and a little more speed.
Thereâs lots of storage for batteries and gear, and plenty of molded cup holders. This pontoon boat can be split in half if you want an even smaller craft, making it very versatile. The hard shell is very robust so it should last for many years of exciting outdoor trips.
Itâs not as attractive to look at as some of the larger pontoon boats, but itâs chunky, safen and very unlikely to flip.
To find out more about the Pitt Boss, see the Product Reviews section below.
Budget Choice: Inflatable Pontoon Boat
The DAMA Inflatable Raft Pontoon Boat is the lightest pontoon boat that weâve reviewed. Itâs so light that you can carry it around easily. The makers have fit straps to the underneath so that when youâve inflated it, you can carry it to the waterâs edge on your back.
Not only is this an excellent price, but it comes with many extras too. Itâs not just the usual oars, mounts, pump and bags, you also get a canopy to protect yourself from the sun. How amazing is that? Keep the sun from your head as you paddle around a lake or calm river.
Easy to transport, quick to inflate, comfortable to sit in and easy to use. Though it doesnât have a rudder so direction can be hard work, which is not unusual with an inflatable pontoon boat.
To learn more about the DAMA, see the Product Reviews section below.
One Man Pontoon Boat Buyerâs Guide
Size
For one person you need to be looking at a smaller craft, or it may prove difficult to navigate. Our reviewed pontoons vary from 5.5-feet to 9-feet long. Keep it small and light so you can concentrate on having a great trip.
Trolling Motors
If you want a little more speed than simple rowing, then look for a boat that has a trolling motor mount fitted. Trolling motors can get up to around 5mph in speed. You wonât get super-speeds but you will have better control over the movement of the craft. Generally, the lower the HP, then the slower the motor.
Donât forget to buy a battery too. Seek advice on power and sizes of motors, according to the length and weight of your watercraft. And consider a marine battery charger or marine solar panels.
Leisure
What are you using your pontoon boat for? If your hobby is fishing or photography, then look for a craft that has plenty of storage space. You could also do with a few fitted mounts, such as for fishing rods. Itâs a good idea to invest in an anchor so you donât drift when you arrive at your destination.
If youâre only wanting to paddle around for fun, then a pontoon boat with oars, or a kick boat, will suffice.
Cost
Whatever price youâre willing to pay, never compromise on safety. Ask yourself questions such as, how tough is the material. You donât want to get stranded if itâs an inflatable with a puncture. Look for inflatables with more than one bladder. If one gets punctured then the craft stays afloat to get back again.
The more features you have, then you can most likely expect to pay more, such as having a trolling motor. Though many budget models can still come with extra fittings too, so shop around.
Also, consider how you will transport your pontoon to the waterâs edge. Will there be extra cost in buying a trailer and boat trailer tires? If itâs an inflatable, look for one you can carry in a bag to keep costs down. There are plenty of one-man pontoons that you can fit in the back of a car with no need for additional trailers.
See our budget model if you donât want to pay a lot for your craft.
You can have great outdoor fun with a one-man pontoon boat. Some you can stand up in, others you can fit motors onto, and many even have swivel seats. They often come with mounts so if youâre fishing, those can be very useful.
Safety
One thing to stress at this point as an important issue when using any watercraft, itâs that of safety.
- Always carry a whistle, or flare, in case you need help.
- Always carry a puncture kit if you are in an inflatable pontoon.
- Learn how best to spread the weight of your gear, so the watercraft is balanced
- correctly.
- Always carry a hand or foot pump in you have an inflatable.
- Check the weather.
Maintenance
The second most important issue is to take care of your pontoon boat. Good maintenance means it should last years. Such as washing it down if youâve had it in salt water because salt will eat away at the materials.
These single crafts are great for hobbies, or if your job is to maintain the water systems. Pontoon boats can often get into smaller places that other watercraft cannot reach.
All in all, as with most outdoor hobbies, use your common sense. Thereâs no reason why your trip out in the water should not be fun.
One Man Pontoon Boat Reviews
1. Classic Accessories Colorado Series Inflatable Pontoon Boat
Key Points at a Glance
- Specification: L9 x W4.6 x H2 ft
- Weight of product: 71.5lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Steel frame
- Aluminum Oars: 2 x L7 ft
The Details
Classic Accessories have been around since the 1980s. Theyâre better known for the manufacturing of top quality protective covers. It makes sense that they also sell superior inflatables. In this review, weâll compare three of their Colorado Inflatable Pontoon Boats.
Each of the following Colorado one-man pontoons are all made of heavy-duty 595g/m2 PVC. This toughened material resists abrasion on the bottom. They also have extra toughened 235g/m2 nylon tops. Plus an anchor system, in the form of a fillable large mesh bag with pulley controls.
Assembly
The pontoon is in 3 parts and takes about an hour to put together and inflate. Part 1: make up the powder-coated steel frame. Part 2: put the seat in place. Part 3: inflate the bladders using the combination inflation/deflation valves. Inflation should only take a couple of minutes, using an electric pump.
Storage inside the Pontoon
What makes this pontoon a great fishing craft is the storage facilities and mounts. With 10 mesh and 12 zippered pockets, and a wire storage holder, thereâs plenty of space for fishing gear. The wire basket can also hold a large battery. Thereâs a couple of insulated cup holders, useful for holding those warm or cold drinks close at hand.
At the rear, thereâs a two-position mount where you can fit a motor, for trolling. Along with bronze lock mounts for the oars, there are extra fittings if you want to add fishing rod mounts.
Word of warning: Because thereâs no storage area to the front, be careful not to pack too much at the rear or the pontoon boat wonât sit properly in the water. Use the side pockets as much as you can, for all your fishing tackle.
Comfort
The chair is quite big, for ease of movement. Take an extra waterproof cushion along with you for added comfort. It does have a little thin padding. As youâre in the same position throughout your trip, you might need a bit more softness.
The seat doesnât swivel, which can make it a little awkward to steer a motor thatâs behind you. Many users get around this through DIY. You could either fit a swivel seat or move the motor bar to the front for easier access. The latter does mean that you would be steering the boat backward though, so these are personal choices only.
This is not a craft you can stand up in and rour feet will sit on the metal footbars.
Transportation
Fits into a normal-sized car for transportation as itâs quite compact when deflated. Even the seat folds down.
Ideal for rivers and up to class II rapids, if youâre experienced enough. It can be used for shoreline fishing too if you have the experience for that, though not recommended for beginners. Thereâs no skeg or any other type of rudder, so rowing in a straight line may prove difficult.
Colorado Pontoon Boat Variations
There are a couple of other models of this boat with some significant tweaks. Letâs look at them here.
Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat
If you can afford to pay a little extra, the XT model comes with the same features and more. With the addition of a removable transportation wheel for launching, this can make all the difference. Once youâre on the water, simply pop it into the rear wire basket for storage.
Added to this is a large gear bag that also attaches to the craft as side pockets. Thereâs are also removable trays, or stripping baskets, for fly fishing, that sit at the side of the seat.
Weighs a little more, at 77lbs, and has a little more height at 2.2ft.
Colorado XTS Inflatable Pontoon Boat
And, for even a little bit more, the XTS model comes with all the same features as the XT. But, this model has that all-important 90Âș swivel seat. It has even more height at 2.4ft and is a little heavier than the other two models, at 80lbs.
The Bottom Line
The Classic Accessories Colorado series of Pontoon Boats is a good choice for an inflatable pontoon boat. With a wide variety of options to choose from, a sturdy build, and loads of options, the Colorado is an excellent way to get into pontoon boating.
- Assembled size 108"L x 56"W x 26"H (to top of...
- Heavy-duty pontoon boat with abrasion-resistant...
- High storage capacity includes 10 mesh pockets, 12...
- Anchor system with fillable mesh bag; cleat and...
- Rod holder can be mounted in three different...
2. Pitt Boss 3-in-One Pontoon
Key Points at a Glance
- Specification: L5.5 x W3.4 x H2 ft
- Weight of product: 70lbs
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Polyethylene frame
- This model not supplied with oars â see separate link
The Details
This single person pontoon is a seamless, roto-molded craft. The chunky bodyâs made with medium density polyethylene. Itâs a fairly lightweight craft, particularly if you only use the kick boat, at 45lbs.
It is a 3-in-1 pontoon boat. Two of these options are to row with oars or troll with a motor. The third option is to use your legs and kick. This is best done wearing flippers, but you donât have to as your legs can dangle in the water from the chair.
Itâs a versatile craft, ideal for fishing, photography or even maintenance, getting into parts where a longer craft couldnât reach.
Assembly
This is a pontoon boat with a hard-shell, and it doesnât take much to assemble. It comes in two parts and the bottom end slots onto the top end. Using the fixed holes, itâs then connected with solid fasteners.
When both parts of the pontoon boat are together, the back is where you can add a trolling motor. Or, use it for more storage if you wish to row the boat with oars. The oars are not supplied with this model, but you can buy them separately, along with the fittings:
Pitt Boss Rowing Kit
Use these as a pair of 48inch oars, or connect them to make one 96inch oar. It comes with a 16inch rail that you fix to the boat. It can then be used to add other mounts for further accessories, such as rod mounts.
Storage inside the Pontoon Boat
Should you only want to use the top half, the Kicker Boat, there are large storage areas at either side of the seating. At both sides of the seat, you can fit tackle boxes up to 12x6inch. With more storage areas behind the seat where you could fit a cooler and further gear.
The front end of the boat has more storage at either side of your feet. Thereâs enough room to keep a battery should you move the motor to the front.
Close at hand are 4 molded cup wells, two of which will hold bottles. There are also plenty of tray inlets at your arms and legs, so you can have tackle within easy reach.
Comfort
The plastic seat doesnât have any padding, so do remember to take along a waterproof cushion.
This is a sturdy pontoon and very unlikely to flip. This pontoon boat is ideal for a fishing trip because, with practice, you should be able to stand up. Though you can only do this if you use the full pontoon. If you only use the Kick-Boat half, your feet are left dangling so you can literally kick around to move the craft. Try using flippers on your feet and youâll have better control.
While there isnât acres of legroom lengthways if you use both parts, thereâs lots of width to this pontoon. This adds plenty of room for ease of movement.
Transportation
The fact that this boat comes apart is what makes it easier to transport. It fits into the back of a truck, no problem. This pontoon boat is ideal for rivers and lakes. Itâs not meant for white water though.
There are no rudders or skegs, so rowing in a straight line may prove to be hard work.
The Bottom Line
The Pitt Boss is an intriguing choice for a one-man pontoon boat. Itâs not as attractive looking as many of the other choices on our list, but itâs solid (non-inflatable), easy to move around, and fun to use. The Pitt Boss is our runner-up choice among the best one-man pontoon boats.
- 3 Boats In One: Trolling Boat, Row Boat & Pontoon...
- Built-in front trolling motor mount. Molded-in...
- Non-Deflatable, seamless, durable polyethylene...
- Tackle storage on left and right sides of the seat...
- 4 molded in cup holders, 2 large enough for...
3. Aquos Heavy-Duty Thermobonding Inflatable Pontoon
No products found.Key Points at a Glance
- Specification of floor space: L7.8 x W4.2 ft
- Weight of product: 129lbs
- Weight Capacity: 970lbs
- Aluminum floor board
- 0.9 mm PVC chambers
The Details
No products found.This pontoon has a roomy deck for one person, but the weight capacity can hold up to two. Itâs a craft thatâs meant to be seaworthy, with four chambers to give it extra buoyancy. The Aquos is designed for lure fishing, though itâs also great for rivers and lakes too.
This link is for the pontoon boat only. It does NOT come with any other accessories, such as furniture features or trolling motor. Itâs a craft that you can modify to meet your personal requirements. In our review, weâve given you lots of options for DIY, or readymade.
Assembly
Takes around 30 mins, with a handy screwdriver, before you can be up and running in the waters. Thatâs just with the basic pontoon craft so it might take longer if you add a chair. The floorâs made up of 4 aluminum plates that are easy to fit together.
Here are some of the additional furniture features, if you wish to design your own one-man pontoon boat.
Accessories
Aquos Guard Bar for 0.9 PVC Inflatable Pontoon Boat
These 304 stainless steel guard bars vary in lengths between 35-43inches and slot inside one another. They fit onto the deck with aluminum bases. They are sturdy and allow the boat user to hold onto them safely. You can also fit mounts for other gear, such as fishing rod holders, GPS, fish finders or even photography accessories. All helping to enhance any outdoor trip.
AQUOS 360âČ Swivel Folding Marine Seat
You canât go wrong with a seat that has a gas-powered 360Âș rotation mechanism, and a height adjustment between 10-13inches. The contoured chair has a good width of 14inches. Plus urethane-foam padding and marine-grade vinyl on the seat and back. The back folds down, which is great for storage and transportation. The materials are treated for UV resistance and the EDC coating resists corrosion.
Storage on the Pontoon
Thereâs lots of room to customize storage. If you fix anything onto the floor panels, it could make transportation more difficult. Also, even with the guards in place, thereâs no âwallâ as such to stop items from sliding off, into choppy waters. This shouldnât be so much of a problem in calm waters though. Itâs like having a flat raft whereby you have lots of space, but you cannot secure anything down unless itâs more permanent.
Comfort
No products found.The metal guards do help if you want to stand up on this pontoon craft. The chair that weâve reviewed is a swivel one, which allows you to turn at any angle. Stay seated while you fish or cruise along, and enjoy the space that a flat, open deck allows. The additional bladders on this inflatable pontoon, make it almost impossible to capsize.
Transportation
No towing needed as this is a compact and easily transportable pontoon boat. Thatâs because it breaks down to fit inside the trunk of a car. The aluminum floor is in 4 parts, each weighing only 10bs.
Added to this are the two inflatable chamber sections, each weighing 15lbs. Broken down you can carry the separate pieces from car trunk to waterâs edge, and then make up your pontoon boat.
The Bottom Line
The Aquos Pontoon Boat is a high-quality pontoon boat that is quite customizable, stylish, and cool. However, it comes at a fairly high price, especially given that it doesnât include a whole lot of stuff in the base model. Still, it is a great choice for many looking for a one-person pontoon boat.
No products found.
4. Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable Pontoon Boat PRO
Key Points at a Glance
- Specification: L9 x W4
- Weight of product: 42lbs
- Weight Capacity: 450lbs
- Hull is made with 1000D woven cloth.
The Details
The Sea Eagle 285fpb is a pontoon boat made for calm rivers and lakes. This pontoon isnât meant for white waters as the shape would allow water to get inside the hull. Nor does it have any drain plugs to let excess water out. Although itâs fine for fresh or saltwater, remember to rinse the saltwater off with clean fresh water. This model has no trolling motor but does have the mount and fittings for one.
Assembly
With no frame to put together, itâs a case in inflating the bladders and fitting on the extras, such as the seat. Takes only a mere 5 minutes to inflate and put together.
Itâs unlikely that youâll overfill the bladders with air with the provided foot pump. If you invest in an electric pump, do take care not to overfill with air. There is no gauge provided in this package. The dual chambers are inflated using the recessed one-way valves. The best inflation rate is 3.2 PSI, which should give your chambers of a 16inch diameter.
The quick-release seat mount gives speedy assembly for the swivel chair. When youâre finished, fold the seat up for the convenience of storage.
Storage inside the Pontoon
With raised oarlocks, you can keep your oars securely in one place and not worry about losing them in the water. Much is the same for fishing rods, you can rest them in the rod holders at the back, leaving your hands free.
Provided for your use is a removable storage bag thatâs best kept in the bow. Plus a second bag for your gear that is best attached to the stern, or sides.
Any battery can be placed behind the seat. Use the space under the provided stripping apron to place any more gear you want to have close at hand.
Comfort
Glide along in shallow waters. You donât need to worry that this pontoon will scrape the bottom, it floats along in the shallows quite safely.
Because itâs inflatable, it can be prone to buffeting in the wind. Also when itâs windy it might prove difficult to row in a straight line as there are no skegs or rudders. Once you get to your destination, you should invest in an anchor so your pontoon will stay in one place.
The trolling motor fitting is situated behind the seat. As are the mounts for the fishing rods. Youâll find the swivel seat comes in handy to access these areas. You can even stand up, like a stand-up fishing kayak, using the removable wooden floor to enhance your experience.
Sit high off the waters with a 7inch pedestal in the deluxe 360Âș swivel chair with a 17inch back support. Thereâs plenty of legroom to stretch out and enjoy the outdoors.
Transportation
This is a pontoon boat that is compact and lightweight. When deflated, rinsed and dried, it fits into a bag measuring 24 x 14 x 12inches. There are carry handles integrated into the boat, so itâs easy to carry once youâve inflated the twin bladders.
Accessories
There are so many accessories supplied with this one-man pontoon boat kit:
- Swivel seat with pedestal and quick release mechanism.
- Motor mount.
- 2 adjustable rod holder mounts.
- Detachable wooden floorboard.
- Foot pump.
- 2 x 5.2ft oars.
- Carry bag for pontoon body.
- 2 x Clip-on nylon storage bag (7x7x18inches) for tackle.
- Clip-on stripping apron with ruler.
- Repair kit.
Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat with Watersnake Motor
FRESH water only
This model has a Watersnake Venom 34 electric motor added to the package. Itâs suitable for saltwater and weighs only 15lbs. The weedless propeller design means that you can move through vegetation in rivers and the propellor wonât get tangled in the weeds. The motor has a 1-year warranty but there is no battery supplied with this pontoon boat kit.
SALT water only
If you want a freshwater motor then look for the Min Cota Endura Trolling Motor. It has 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse. Min Cota gives their Endura motor a 2-year warranty. This package will not include a battery.
The Bottom Line
The Sea Eagle 285fpb is the best one-person pontoon boat available. The base model comes with so much stuff, it works well, looks good, and is an all-around excellent choice.
Should you decide you want to add a motor to the boat, you have options. Pick the unit with the included motor, or add a motor when youâre ready.
If you plan on using this boat in relatively calm waters, the Sea Eagle is the right choice for you!
- UNIQUE INFLATABLE U-HULL configuration one man...
- PERFECT FOR FISHING AND HUNTING. It goes anywhere,...
- GREAT FOR LAKES, RIVERS, BAYS, CREEKS OR ALMOST...
- ,CAN BE STOWED IN SMALL SPACES because it has no...
- PRO PACKAGE INCLUDES: Hull, Swivel Seat & 7"...
5. DAMA Inflatable Raft Pontoon Boat
Key Points at a Glance
- Specification: L6.3 x W3.2 x H1 ft
- Weight of product: 34lbs
- Weight Capacity: 396lbs
- Frameless
- Aluminum Oars: 2
The Details
This is an inflatable pontoon that you can carry on your back using the fitted belts when fully inflated! Wow!
And, itâs a pontoon boat, or float tube, with lots of extras. As well as the inflatable boat you also get:
- Large storage bag for the boat, that clips in behind the seat for further storage.
- 2 aluminum oars
- 2 detachable waterproof bags, that clip on the arms.
- Detachable inflated seat with a high back.
- Detachable and adjustable framed canopy to go over your head.
- Anchor mesh bag with pully control system.
- Mounts include â 2 rod holders, 2 oar holders, and 1 pair for the mesh stripping bar holder.
- Mesh stripping apron with pole and clips to hold it in place.
- Foot pump.
- Repair kit.
Made with heavy-duty abrasion-resistant PVC on the base and quality rugged nylon on the top.
Assembly
- Use the tailored valves with the supplied foot pump to inflate both chambers, sealing off with the screw-top lids.
- Inflate the chair, clipping it into place on the craft. Sit the two storage bags on the arms using the Velcro and clips.
- Clip the larger waterproof storage bag in place behind the seat.
- Make up the poles of the canopy and screw in place on the mounts, as per instructions. Fit the cloth canopy onto the frame.
- Fit the mesh stripping apron onto the pole and clip into place on the craft.
- Screw the oar mounts into place and youâre good to go. All taking about 10 minutes.
- Hang it on your back using the straps situated on the underneath.
Note that this craft does not have fittings for a trolling motor.
Storage
For such a small pontoon boat, there are plenty of places to store gear. There are 3 bags to choose from, two that sit at each arm and the large waterproof one that sits behind the chair. They all have fastening clips or Velcro to secure into place.
Plus the oars also have mounts, so you wonât lose them, and there are 2 fishing rod holders. Everything you need will be within reach.
Comfort
Blocking out the heat of the sun is a great bonus with the provided canopy, making this quite a unique extra. Because itâs adjustable, it wonât get in the way of casting a rod, should you fancy a bit of fly fishing.
The inflatable seat has a high back thatâs also adjustable, so you can sit up straight, or lean back and chill out.
Whilst thereâs no large area of flooring in the hydrodynamic hull, thereâs plenty of legroom. Even the tallest of people should be comfortable.
This is a great pontoon boat for spending a long day fishing in a lake or a calm river. Or if you simply want an enjoyable day floating around, this is an ideal watercraft for outdoor fun paddling around.
Transportation
What makes this particular pontoon boat different to many others, is how you can carry it on your back. There are even straps specifically for this task, as in a backpack. Itâs quick to assemble and light to carry, leaving your hands free as you walk along. Fix your oars and rods into the holders on the pontoon, so everythingâs compact as you get to the waterâs edge.
Fits easily into the boot of any car, measuring only 2âČ 7.5âł x 1âČ 8.9âł x 11,â when folded up.
The Bottom Line
Positioned at a great price point with some outstanding features, the DAMA one-man pontoon boat is a wonderful choice for those who want to get out on the water without sinking into debt!
This pontoon boat works well, comes with most everythign you needed to get started, and is easily portable, both collapsed or inflated.
Conclusion
Each year, it gets easier and easier to get out on the water, as companies invent new and creative boat designs. One-man pontoon boats have improved rapidly over the last several years, and many models are easily transportable, super flexible and usable, and surprisingly low priced.
Our favorites are the Sea Eagle series, with its many included accessories and superb customization options. Our runner-up choice is the Pit Boss hardshell pontoon boat, which works really well, and you donât have to deal with inflating it!
