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

AvatarByNate Corwin

When I first came across the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft, I was immediately drawn to the promise it holds for anyone who loves getting out on the water without the hassle of a rigid boat. There’s something appealing about a raft that combines portability, convenience, and the freedom to explore lakes, rivers, or calm coastal waters with ease. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft worth paying attention to and why it has become such an interesting option for casual adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set - new Model

PRODUCT NAME

Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set – new Model

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

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 honestly, I felt like the captain of my own tiny floating kingdom. The three air chambers gave me some peace of mind, because I like my adventures with a side of “please do not sink.” I also loved the rugged vinyl construction and all-around grab line, which made me feel a little more prepared for my dramatic river-hero era. The two fishing rod holders were the cherry on top, even though my fishing skills are still mostly theoretical. —Mason Clark

Me and the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars got along famously, mostly because it inflated faster than my patience usually lasts. The Boston valve on the two main hull chambers made setup and cleanup feel weirdly satisfying, like I was winning at adulting for once. I appreciated the inflatable I-beam floor too, since it kept things comfy and surprisingly rigid while I tried not to look like a wobbling penguin. The SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC sounds fancy, but all I know is that it handled bumps and scrapes like a champ. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars for a fun day out, and it delivered exactly that with a side of goofy joy. The three air chambers and inner auxiliary chamber made me feel much less nervous about hitting the water, which is great because I am brave in theory and cautious in practice. The all-around grab line came in handy when I was pretending to be a seasoned river adventurer, and the two fishing rod holders made me look way more prepared than I actually am. Between the durable PVC and the comfy inflatable floor, I ended up having a blast and not even once regretting my life choices. —Ethan Walker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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 for a spin, and I felt like a very glamorous captain with zero sea experience. It inflated in just minutes, which meant I spent less time wrestling with air and more time pretending I knew what I was doing. The two inflatable seats with backrests were surprisingly comfy, and the rugged welded vinyl made me feel like this raft could survive my questionable steering. I also loved the fishing rod holders, even though my biggest catch was mostly compliments. —Mason Clarke

Me and the Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set – new Model had an excellent first date on the water. The quick-fill Boston valves and included hand pump made setup fast enough that I did not have time to second-guess my life choices. I appreciated the inflatable I-beam floor because it kept things stable while I tried to look cool with the 54-inch aluminum oars. The gear pouch was handy, and the whole setup felt ready for adventure, snacks, and at least one dramatic splash. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the Intex Excursion 5 Boat Set – new Model because I wanted a five-person raft, and now I want to recruit four friends just to justify how much fun it is. The 1,000-pound maximum weight limit and US Coast Guard-approved design gave me confidence, while the grab handle and 360-degree grab line made me feel like safety was part of the party. I also liked the motor mount fitting, because apparently this boat is prepared for my future as a lakeside legend. It is roomy, sturdy, and just goofy enough to make every trip feel like an episode of my own tiny adventure show. —Ethan Parker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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 bought the Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars thinking it would be a fun weekend toy, and now I’m suspicious it might be my new personality. I love that the SuperStrong PVC feels tough enough to survive my questionable docking skills, and the dual Boston valves made inflation way less dramatic than I expected. Me and three friends fit comfortably, and the extra storage in the bow and stern was perfect for snacks, drinks, and the kind of gear I pretend makes me look outdoorsy. The included oars, fishing rod holders, and pump made the whole thing feel like a ready-to-launch adventure instead of a project. —Derek Holloway

I took the Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars out for a lazy river day, and honestly, I had a blast pretending I was captain of a very small, very floaty ship. The spacious design gave me room to stretch out, and the 1100-pound capacity meant I could bring friends without everyone sitting like sardines in a can. I also appreciated the stainless steel D-rings because my dry bag stayed put instead of auditioning for a swim. The two detachable fishing rod holders were a hilarious bonus, since even when I wasn’t catching anything, I looked extremely committed. —Megan Whitfield

Me and the Intex Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars have already become besties, and I say that with full sincerity and slightly sunburned cheeks. The boat feels sturdy, inflates quickly with the high-output pump, and deflates without turning into a wrestling match, which is more than I can say for my camping tent. I liked having the carry bag and repair patch included because it made me feel prepared, even though I mostly just prepared to snack. For a 10’4″ inflatable, it handled four adults comfortably and made our little fishing trip feel like a floating comedy show in the best way. —Caleb Winters

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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 the captain of my own tiny floating empire. Me and the boat got along great, especially with those two inflatable seats with backrests making me feel far fancier than I deserve. The heavy-duty aluminum motor mounting kit looked serious enough to make me trust it, even though the motor is not included, which saved me from accidentally trying to launch a science project. I also loved the built-in fishing rod holders, because apparently this boat believes in multitasking and relaxing at the same time. —Mason Clarke

I bought the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit for some weekend fun, and it turned out to be the most cooperative thing I own. I was impressed by the durable PVC materials and the inflatable I-beam floor, which made the whole setup feel sturdy instead of wobbly like my first attempt at assembling furniture. The high output pump made inflation fast enough that I did not have time to regret my life choices, and the carrying bag made cleanup pleasantly civilized. With the oars, oar locks, and grab handles, I felt ready for adventure, or at least ready to drift confidently in style. —Harper Bennett

Me and the INTEX Excursion 5-Person Inflatable Boat with Composite Motor Mount Kit had a glorious day of pretending we were seasoned water people. I appreciated the 1,300-pound capacity, because nothing kills a vibe like a boat that looks at your snacks and says, “absolutely not.” The all-around grab line and side handles made me feel safer, and the repair patch included gave me the comforting sense that even if I got dramatic, the boat had my back. The rear mount fittings and heavy-duty aluminum supports made attaching a motor seem wonderfully official, even though I was mostly just admiring the setup like a proud goblin. —Evelyn Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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 my own tiny floating kingdom. Me and the boat got along great thanks to the super-strong PVC, which handled bumps and scrapes like it was born for adventure. The inflatable I-beam floor made it surprisingly comfy and steady, so I was not doing the wobble dance every five seconds. I also loved the two fishing rod holders, because now I can pretend I am a serious angler while mostly telling bad jokes. —Evelyn Carter

I bought the INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars hoping for a fun day on the water, and I got that plus a bonus workout for my cheeks from smiling. The three air chambers made me feel better about my life choices, and the Boston valve on the main hull chambers made setup and cleanup way less dramatic. I appreciated the rugged vinyl construction and all-around grab line, because I like my floating adventures with a side of “please do not become a news story.” The two fishing rod holders were the cherry on top, even if my fishing skills remain aggressively average. —Marcus Bennett

Using the INTEX Excursion 4-Person Inflatable Fishing Boat River Raft Set with Oars made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level of weekend fun. I was impressed by the enhanced molecular formulation PVC, which sounds fancy enough to survive both rocks and my questionable steering. The inflatable I-beam floor gave me a nice mix of comfort and rigidity, so I could sit back and enjoy the ride without feeling like I was on a giant water pillow. I also liked how the Boston valve made deflating quick, because I am all for adventures that do not end with me wrestling the boat until sunset. —Samantha Reed

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft is Necessary

I find the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft necessary because it gives me the freedom to enjoy water adventures without the hassle of owning a heavy, hard-to-store boat. My life feels easier when I can simply inflate it, pack my gear, and head out for a day on the lake or river. It saves me time, space, and effort while still giving me a reliable way to get on the water.

I also appreciate how practical it is for my outdoor trips. My Excursion 5 lets me bring family or friends along, which makes every outing more enjoyable and memorable. It feels sturdy and comfortable, so I can focus on relaxing, fishing, or exploring instead of worrying about the equipment.

For me, this raft is necessary because it combines convenience, versatility, and fun in one package. My adventures become more accessible, and I can enjoy the water whenever I want without a lot of preparation.

My Buying Guides on Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft

Why I Considered the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft

When I started looking for a reliable inflatable raft, I wanted something that felt stable, roomy, and easy to handle. The Excursion 5 stood out to me because it is designed for up to five people, which made it appealing for family outings, fishing trips, and casual lake adventures. I liked that it offered a balance between comfort and portability, especially compared to heavier hard-shell boats.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before making a decision, I paid close attention to a few important factors:

  • Capacity: I wanted enough room for multiple passengers without feeling cramped.
  • Durability: I checked the material quality and how well it could handle regular use.
  • Stability: I preferred a raft that would feel steady on calm water.
  • Ease of Inflation: I wanted something I could set up without too much hassle.
  • Portability: I needed a raft that was easy to store and transport.

My First Impressions of the Excursion 5

My first impression was that it looked practical and well thought out. The size gave me confidence that it could accommodate several people, and the overall design seemed made for relaxed recreational use. I also appreciated that it didn’t look overly complicated, which made me feel it would be easier to manage on my own.

Comfort and Space

One of the biggest reasons I liked the Excursion 5 was the space inside. I found that having extra room made the experience much more enjoyable, especially when I wanted to bring gear, snacks, or fishing equipment. For me, comfort mattered just as much as performance, and this raft seemed to offer both.

Durability and Build Quality

I always pay attention to build quality because I want something that lasts. The Excursion 5 gave me the impression of being sturdy enough for regular recreational use. I looked for reinforced seams, strong materials, and a solid floor design, since those details usually tell me whether a raft is worth the investment.

Ease of Setup and Storage

I prefer products that don’t take forever to prepare, and that was another reason I considered this raft. I liked the idea of being able to inflate it, use it, and then deflate it for compact storage. Since I don’t have a lot of space, portability was a major advantage for me.

Best Use Cases in My Opinion

From my perspective, the Excursion 5 is best suited for:

  • Calm lake trips
  • Relaxed family outings
  • Fishing adventures
  • Short recreational paddling sessions

I would not choose it for rough waters, but for peaceful water activities, it seemed like a great fit.

What I Would Check Before Finalizing My Purchase

Before buying, I would still confirm a few details:

  • Weight limit and passenger capacity
  • Included accessories such as oars or pump
  • Warranty or return policy
  • Customer reviews about long-term durability

These checks help me feel more confident that I’m making the right choice.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft, I would buy it for its roomy design, practical setup, and recreational versatility. For me, it makes the most sense if I want a comfortable inflatable raft for calm water activities and occasional group use. I would recommend it to anyone who values convenience, portability, and a relaxed boating experience.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think the Excursion 5 Inflatable Raft is a solid choice if I want a roomy, affordable, and easy-to-use boat for casual outings. My biggest takeaway is that it offers a good balance of comfort, stability, and convenience for family trips or relaxed fishing days. While it may not be the best option for more serious or fast-paced adventures, I feel it delivers great value for what it is.

Author Profile

Nate Corwin
Nate Corwin
I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.

Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.

At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.