The Island Hopper Killer Whale 10.8′ is the aluminum floor version of the flagship inflatable fishing boat — built for buyers who want the rigidity, durability, and permanent feel of a hard-hull RIB without the dock, the trailer, or the six-figure price tag. Where air floor models need pressure checks and re-inflation, the Killer Whale's aluminum deck is always solid, always ready, and handles everything from SCUBA tanks to anchor chain without a second thought.
Rigid Aluminum Floor System — Never Re-Inflate:
The Killer Whale ships with a heavy-duty aluminum floor system: 5 interlocking floor pieces and 4 aluminum side rail stabilizers that lock together to form a rigid, flat deck. Unlike a drop-stitch air floor, the aluminum deck requires no inflation, no pressure monitoring, and no re-pumping between uses. It is the preferred choice for live-aboard sailors, dive operators, and anyone who leaves the boat inflated year-round in the environment or uses it daily over an extended season.
Military-Grade PVC | Fresh and Salt Water Rated:
Built from heat-welded PVC with a reinforced .9mm, 1100-denier rip-resistant fabric shell — the same construction standard across the Island Hopper inflatable fishing boat lineup. 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 extended rear pontoons improve buoyancy and planing performance with heavy loads aboard.
5-Person Capacity | 15HP Motor Ready:
Supports up to 5 people and 1,268 lbs. The reinforced transom handles motors up to 15HP (15 inch short shaft recommended; 20 inch long shaft compatible), accommodating both 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboards for fast planing speeds in fresh or salt water. Comes with 2 aluminum oars and lock-in oar holders. Optional EVA teak foam decking ($129) adds a slip-resistant surface over the aluminum floor for added stability and comfort.
Aluminum Floor vs. Air Floor — Which is Right for You?
Choose the Killer Whale aluminum floor if: you store the boat inflated for extended periods, you carry sharp gear (SCUBA tanks, anchors, weight belts, dive knives), you have pets aboard, or you want zero maintenance between uses. Choose the Swordfish air floor if: you prioritize lighter weight when deflated, you want the integrated EVA teak deck as standard, or you inflate and deflate the boat for each use. Both models share the same hull size, motor capability, and USCG approval.
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, high-pressure PSI foot pump, and repair patches. Backed by Island Hopper's 3-year limited 'No Seam Blowout' manufacturer warranty. One purchase, fully water-ready.
Product Specifications:
- Deflated Weight & Dimensions: 80 lbs / 44 × 24 × 11 in
- Inflated Dimensions: 10.8 ft X 5 ft 3 in
- Aluminum Floor Weight: 35 lbs (5 floor pieces + 4 side rails)
- Tube Diameter: 18 in
- Chambers: 3 + Keel
- Motor Compatibility: 2 or 4-stroke outboards; 15″ short shaft recommended (20″ long shaft compatible)
- Max Power: 15 HP
- Max Capacity: 5 persons or 1,268 lbs
- Box Dimensions: 47 × 25 × 16 in
Materials:
Heat-welded PVC with reinforced .9mm 1100-denier rip-resistant fabric layer for heavy-duty use; UV- and oil-stain-resistant. Rigid aluminum floor system with 5 interlocking floor
pieces and 4 aluminum side rail stabilizers.
What's included:
- One aluminum bench seat
- Removable seat cushion with storage bag
- Two aluminum oars with lock-in holders
- Carry and storage bag
- High-Pressure PSI 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
- Aluminum Floor: Insert 5 floor pieces, connect 4 side rail stabilizers, and lock into position. No inflation required.
