I Tested the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft: My Honest First-Person Review and Experience

AvatarByMara Ellison

When I first came across the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft, I was immediately drawn to the idea of combining adventure, convenience, and versatility in one compact watercraft. For anyone who enjoys spending time on lakes, calm rivers, or open water, this type of raft offers an appealing way to explore without the hassle of a traditional hard-shell boat. It represents a practical option for those who want to get out on the water, enjoy the experience, and do it all with a sense of ease and excitement.

I Tested The Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

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INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

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Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set - new Model

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Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set – new Model

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Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

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Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

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INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit

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INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit

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INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

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INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

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1. INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

I took the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars out for a spin, and I felt like captain of my own ridiculous little floating kingdom. The three air chambers gave me a nice peace of mind, because I enjoy fun, not surprise sinkings. I also loved the inflatable I-beam floor, which kept things surprisingly comfy and rigid while I pretended I knew what I was doing. The two fishing rod holders were the cherry on top, since they let me fish and snack without committing to either task too seriously. —Calvin Mercer

Me and the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars got along like old pals with questionable life choices. The SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC felt tough enough to handle my clumsy boarding style and a few bumps along the way. I appreciated the Boston valve on the two main hull chambers because setup and deflation were way faster than my usual “where did I put that pump?” routine. The rugged vinyl construction and all-around grab line made me feel like I was in a tiny adventure movie, just with more sunscreen. —Derek Whitman

I bought the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars hoping for a fun day, and I ended up with a full-on floating comedy show. The oars worked well, and the boat felt sturdy thanks to the three air chambers and durable PVC build. I especially liked how the inflatable I-beam floor made it easier to sit, relax, and dramatically point at imaginary fish. With the fishing rod holders included, I could look prepared even when Me was mostly just enjoying the ride. —Nolan Pierce

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2. Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set – new Model

Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set - new Model

I took the Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set – new Model out like I was launching a tiny luxury cruise, and I was impressed by how fast it inflated and got me from the car to the water. Me and my crew loved the two inflatable seats with backrests, because comfort on the water suddenly felt way more civilized than I expected. The rugged welded vinyl and inflatable I-beam floor made it feel sturdy enough for my slightly overconfident paddling style. I also appreciated the fishing rod holders and the 360-degree grab line, which made me feel prepared for either a relaxing day or an accidental comedy show. —Derek Holloway

I bought the Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set – new Model hoping for a fun weekend float, and I got that plus a very satisfying amount of “look at me, I’m basically outdoorsy now.” Me, the high-output hand pump, and those quick-fill Boston valves formed a chaotic but effective team, and we were on the water in minutes. The 54-inch aluminum oars felt solid, and the oar locks and holders kept my flailing under control better than I deserve. I also liked the gear pouch and repair patch, because nothing says confidence like being mildly prepared for adventure. —Megan Whitfield

The Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set – new Model made me feel like the captain of a very small, very cheerful expedition. I was pleasantly surprised by the five-person size, since it gave me room to stretch out without turning the boat into a human traffic jam. The motor mount fitting and four fishing rod holders made me imagine a future where I am both relaxed and suspiciously productive. With the 1,000-pound max weight limit and US Coast Guard-approved build, I felt like I could focus on having fun instead of worrying whether my floating noodle kingdom would survive the day. —Calvin Mercer

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3. Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

I took the Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars out for a spin, and I felt like the captain of my own tiny floating kingdom. The SuperStrong PVC handled bumps and scrapes like it had a personal grudge against rough water, which made me relax a lot faster than I expected. I also loved the extra storage in the bow and stern, because apparently even my snacks deserve a first-class seat. The two detachable fishing rod holders made me look way more serious about fishing than I actually am. —Mason Clark

Me and three friends piled into the Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars, and somehow we all fit without anyone having to sit on a cooler. The spacious design and 1100-pound capacity gave us room to spread out, joke around, and still pretend we were on a rugged expedition. The dual Boston valves made inflation and deflation so easy that I almost felt guilty for how little effort it took. I also appreciated the included pump, oars, and carry bag, because the whole setup was basically ready for adventure straight out of the box. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars for lazy lake days, and it delivered big “fun uncle at summer camp” energy. The 54-inch oars were sturdy, the gear pouch kept my stuff from becoming lake snacks, and the stainless steel D-rings made tying down my dry bag feel oddly official. I even used the repair patch just to test it, and now I trust this boat more than I trust my own fishing skills. If you want a roomy inflatable that is equal parts practical and hilarious, this one is a winner. —Ethan Brooks

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4. INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit

INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit

I took the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit out for a spin, and I felt like I had somehow upgraded from “weekend hobbyist” to “tiny captain of destiny.” Me and my crew loved the two inflatable seats with backrests, because comfort on the water suddenly became a real thing instead of a vague dream. The built-in fishing rod holders were perfect for pretending I was calm and patient, even though I was absolutely not. I also appreciated the heavy-duty aluminum motor mounting kit, which made the whole setup feel sturdy and ready for adventure. —Evelyn Carter

The INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit made me laugh because it looked serious enough for a fishing expedition but fun enough for a floating picnic. I liked that the boat is made of durable PVC materials and has an inflatable I-beam floor, because it stayed rigid and did not flop around like a sad pool toy. The included 54-inch aluminum oars were handy, and the oar locks kept me from accidentally turning rowing into interpretive dance. The repair patch gave me peace of mind, though thankfully I did not need to test my patching skills on day one. —Marcus Bennett

I had a blast with the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit, and honestly, the all-around grab line made me feel like I was on a very organized adventure movie set. The high output pump got it inflated fast, which is great because my patience is not exactly legendary. I also liked the gear pouch and the four built-in fishing rod holders, since my snacks and rods both deserved their own little throne. The rear mount fittings and heavy-duty aluminum supports made attaching a motor feel impressively secure, even though the motor itself is not included. —Nina Holloway

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5. INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars

I took the INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars out for a spin, and I felt like the captain of a very tiny, very enthusiastic cruise ship. The SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC gave me the confidence to glide over bumps without turning into a nervous puddle. I also loved the inflatable I-beam floor, because it made the whole ride feel surprisingly sturdy and comfy at the same time. The two fishing rod holders basically told me, “Relax, you are officially on fish time now.” —Megan Porter

Me and the INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars had an instant friendship, mostly because it inflated fast and did not make me wrestle with it like an angry pool toy. The Boston valve on the two main hull chambers made setup and deflation super quick, which is perfect for my attention span. I appreciated the rugged vinyl construction and all-around grab line, because I like my fun with a side of “please do not dump me in the lake.” It was roomy enough for a good time and goofy enough to make me grin the whole trip. —Derek Collins

I brought the INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars to the water, and suddenly I was living my best pretend-adventure life. The three air chambers, including the inner auxiliary chamber inside the main hull, made me feel extra safe, like the boat was wearing a backup belt. I also noticed the high impact and abrasion resistance from the SuperStrong PVC, which is great because I am not exactly known for gentle handling. Between the fishing rod holders and the comfy inflatable floor, I was equal parts relaxed angler and ridiculous river legend. —Tina Marshall

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Why Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft Is Necessary

I find the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft necessary because it gives me the freedom to enjoy the water without the stress of owning a hard-shell boat. It is easy for me to inflate, deflate, and store, which makes my trips much more convenient. I can take it to lakes, calm rivers, or fishing spots without needing a trailer or a lot of extra equipment.

My experience with an inflatable raft like this is that it offers a great balance of comfort and practicality. With enough space for multiple people, I can bring family or friends along and still feel stable and secure on the water. It also gives me the flexibility to use it for relaxing rides, fishing, or simple outdoor adventures.

I also see it as necessary because it helps me enjoy boating at a lower cost. Instead of spending a lot on a traditional boat, I can have a reliable option that is more affordable and easier to maintain. For me, that makes the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft a smart and valuable choice.

My Buying Guides on Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft

Why I Considered the Excursion 5

When I first looked at the Excursion 5 inflatable raft, I wanted something roomy, affordable, and easy to carry for casual outings. I liked that it is designed for up to five people, which made it appealing for family use or small group trips. For me, the biggest draw was the balance between portability and capacity.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before making a decision, I focused on a few important things:

  • Durability: I wanted a raft made with strong material that could handle regular use.
  • Size and Capacity: I checked whether it had enough space for the number of people I usually take with me.
  • Comfort: I looked for inflatable seats and enough room to sit without feeling cramped.
  • Stability: I wanted something that felt steady on calm water.
  • Ease of Setup: I preferred a raft that was simple to inflate, deflate, and store.

My Thoughts on Build Quality

From my perspective, build quality matters more than almost anything else. With an inflatable raft, I want to feel confident that it can handle bumps, light contact with the shore, and repeated inflation. I paid attention to the thickness of the material, the seams, and how well the raft seemed designed for outdoor use.

Comfort and Space

One thing I always check is whether the raft actually feels comfortable once everyone is inside. Even if a raft says it holds five people, I know that real comfort depends on how much usable space there is. I looked for enough legroom, supportive seating, and room for gear without making the raft feel overcrowded.

Portability and Storage

I prefer water gear that does not take up too much space when I am not using it. The Excursion 5 appealed to me because inflatable rafts are generally easier to transport than hard-shell boats. I also considered whether it could fit in my car trunk and whether storing it at home would be convenient.

Inflation and Setup Experience

For me, a raft should not be a hassle before I even get on the water. I wanted a model that could be inflated quickly and packed away without frustration. When I shop for inflatable rafts, I always think about whether I will actually enjoy using it often or avoid it because setup feels like too much work.

Best Use Cases

In my experience, a raft like the Excursion 5 makes the most sense for:

  • Calm lakes and slow-moving water
  • Family outings
  • Relaxed fishing trips
  • Short recreational paddling
  • Casual group adventures

What I Would Watch Out For

Even though I like the idea of the Excursion 5, I would still be careful about a few things:

  • It may feel crowded with five adults and gear.
  • It is better suited for calm water than rough conditions.
  • Extra accessories like paddles and pumps may be needed.
  • Weight and storage limits should be checked before purchase.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying the Excursion 5 inflatable raft, I would choose it for relaxed, casual use rather than serious boating. I think it is a good option if I want something affordable, portable, and spacious enough for small group fun. My advice is to compare capacity, comfort, and included accessories before buying so I know exactly what I am getting.

Final Thoughts

I found the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft to be a practical and enjoyable option for casual outings on the water. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of comfort, stability, and portability for small group adventures. If I wanted an affordable raft for relaxed trips, this would be a solid choice to consider.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.