The Island Hopper Dolphin 8.8' is the most portable inflatable fishing boat in the Island Hopper lineup — and the one that goes where the Swordfish and White Marlin can't. At 60 lbs rolled up and 8.8 feet inflated, it stows in an RV bay, fits on a sailboat foredeck, slides under a truck bed, and inflates to a rigid-floor fishing dinghy in about 8 minutes. Same heat-welded PVC construction as the full-size models. Entry-level price. Zero compromises on build quality.
Military-Grade PVC | Fresh and Salt Water Rated:
Built from heat-welded PVC with a reinforced 1100-denier rip-resistant fabric shell — UV-resistant, oil-stain-resistant, and puncture-resistant in fresh and salt water. The V-shaped hull and 3-bow mooring D-rings deliver real directional stability, while the contoured rear and extended pontoons improve buoyancy and planing performance even at the Dolphin's compact size.
Drop-Stitch Air Floor | EVA Teak Deck:
The high-pressure drop-stitch air floor inflates to 8 PSI, eliminating floor flex and creating a rigid, stable surface comparable to hard decking. The slip-resistant EVA foam teak deck adds grip and comfort underfoot — whether you're fishing, anchoring off a sailboat, or running to shore from an anchorage. This is not a basic blow-up dinghy.
4-Person Capacity | 10HP Motor Ready:
Supports up to 4 people and 1,070 lbs. The reinforced transom handles motors up to 10HP, accommodating both 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboards — well matched to the Dolphin's 8.8-foot hull for efficient planing and fuel economy. Comes with 2 aluminum oars and lock-in oar holders for motor-free rowing. Ideal for trolling motors, small electric outboards, and compact gas motors.
Most Packable Inflatable Dinghy in the Lineup:
Deflated: 60 lbs, packs to 42 x 26 x 15 in. That's small enough to check as airline luggage, store on a sailboat foredeck, or fit in an RV storage bay. Inflates in approximately 8 minutes with the included foot pump — faster than the larger models. Whether it's a lake camping trip, a coastal anchorage, or a summer RV circuit, the Dolphin goes where rigid boats and larger inflatables can't.
USCG Approved | Complete Kit | 3-Year Warranty:
Ships USCG approved with a Manufacturer Certificate of Origin for official boat registration. Complete kit includes: 1 aluminum bench seat, removable seat cushion with storage bag, 2 aluminum oars with lock-in holders, carry bag, foot pump, and repair patches. Backed by Island Hopper's 3-year limited 'No Seam Blowout' manufacturer warranty.
Product Specifications:
- Deflated Weight & Dimensions: 60 lbs/ 42 × 24 × 10 in
- Inflated Dimensions: 8.8 ft x 5 ft
- Interior Floor Dimensions: 68 in × 32 in
- Tube Diameter: 16 in
- Chambers: 3 + 1 keel + 1 air floor
- Max Power: 10 HP
- Max Load: 4 persons or 1,070 lbs
- Box Dimensions: 42 x 26 x 15 in
Materials:
Military-Grade PVC Inflatable Boat with Heat-welded PVC with reinforced .9mm 1100-denier rip-resistant fabric layer for heavy-duty use; UV- and oil-stain-resistant. High-pressure drop-stitch air floor.
What's included:
- One aluminum bench seat
- Removable seat cushion and storage bag
- Two aluminum oars with lock-in holders
- Carry and storage bag
- Foot pump
- Repair patches
- Manufacturer Certification of Origin for registration
Assembly:
- Main Sport Boat Tubes: SUGGESTED: 2 PSI /MAX: 3.6 PSI
- Keel Tube: SUGGESTED: 2 PSI /MAX 4.5 PSI
- Air Deck Floor: SUGGESTED: 6 PSI/ MAX: 8 PSI
