Originally Reviewed by Mark on Fishingreminder.com

Amid the rising tide of popularity among fishing enthusiasts, the Aqua Marina AIRCAT stands out with its remarkable affordability, portability, and performance. Priced at $849 USD, the Aircat presents an excellent value proposition compared to counterparts like Takacat and Truekit inflatables, often costing three times as much. This review takes a deep dive into the Aircat’s specifications and unique features, explores its performance on the water, and highlights custom modifications we’ve made to enhance its fishing capabilities.

Specifications: Room to Roam

With dimensions of 11 feet (3.35 meters) in length and 5.2 feet (1.6 meters) in width when fully inflated, the Aircat provides ample space for two adults. Weighing in at just 74 pounds (33.5 kilograms), it showcases impressive portability. The boat is designed to support a load of up to 1102 pounds (500 kilograms), which includes passengers, gear, and the weight of an outboard motor. While it’s rated for a motor up to 10 horsepower, our testing found that a 6-horsepower motor provides more than sufficient propulsion.

Innovative Design and Construction

The Aircat’s innovative catamaran design incorporates side pontoons that glide smoothly through the water while keeping the hull above the waterline. This design effectively reduces drag, ensuring efficient performance even with a smaller engine. Rubber protection along the bottom and side safeguards the boat during docking, enhancing its durability and longevity.

Portability: Defying Dimensions

Despite its size when inflated, the Aircat proves its portability. Thanks to its inflatable nature, it can be deflated and packed into a carry bag measuring 35.4 x 17.7 x 17.7 inches (90 x 45 x 45 centimeters), catering to those constantly on the move. However, keep in mind that the setup process can take up to 20 minutes, a potential drawback for those eager to get on the water swiftly.

Performance: Speed and Agility

The Aircat truly shines in terms of performance. Our tests with a six-horsepower outboard motor revealed swift acceleration and easy planing. With a solo rider on board, we achieved speeds of up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h), while carrying two adults reached speeds of 11.8 mph (19 km/h). Although the boat is rated for up to 10 horsepower, our findings suggest that six horsepower offers more than enough propulsion.

Modifications for Fishing

To optimize the Aircat for fishing, we made a few modifications. These included adding Railblaza rod holders, which are easy to install and remove, along with a portable Deeper Pro fish finder. We also installed Railblaza Dinghy wheels to facilitate a smooth boat launch.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite its numerous benefits, the Aircat does have a few downsides. We encountered minor issues with the build quality, including some inconsistencies with stitching and a small drop-stitch bottom leak. Moreover, the boat requires a considerable amount of time to set up and inflate, which may not appeal to some users seeking quick access to the water.

Conclusion: Unveiling Value and Performance

In conclusion, considering its price of $849 USD, the Aqua Marina Aircat presents a compelling option for those in search of an affordable, portable fishing boat. This boat offers considerable savings compared to the likes of Takacat and Truekit inflatables, without compromising on portability and performance. While there are minor issues with build quality, these are relatively minor when compared to the performance, portability, and design innovation that you’re getting for the price. As always, individual needs and preferences should guide your purchase decision. 

 

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