The Island Hopper Manta Ray 8.8' is the entry-level aluminum floor inflatable fishing boat — the most compact, most manageable model in the aluminum lineup, and the one that replaces a larger rigid inflatable without the dock fees, the trailer, or the storage cost. Perfect size that inflates and deflates it on the deck of his 34-foot sailboat while at anchor. At 8.8 feet and 90 lbs total, it goes where bigger boats can't.
Solid Aluminum Floor Dinghy — No Plywood, No Re-Inflation:
The Manta Ray ships with a rigid solid aluminum floor system — 4 interlocking panels and 4 side rail stabilizers that lock into a flat, permanent deck. This is not the plywood-reinforced floor found in lower-cost competitors. The aluminum panels are rigid, lightweight, and easy to wipe clean after a day on the water. No inflation required between uses. No pressure monitoring. No soft spots developing over time.
Fully Welded PVC | No Glued Seams:
Hull constructed from 0.9mm, 1100-denier reinforced PVC — UV-resistant, oil-stain-resistant, and puncture-resistant in fresh and salt water. Every seam on the Manta Ray is fully welded, not glued. Glued seams fail over time, particularly in UV-exposed environments. Island Hopper's 3-year 'No Seam Blowout' warranty backs that claim. The V-shaped hull and 3-bow mooring D-rings provide confident directional handling, with contoured rear pontoons that improve buoyancy and allow efficient planing even under load.
4-Person Capacity | 10HP Motor Ready:
Supports up to 4 people and 1,070 lbs. The reinforced transom handles motors up to 10HP (15-inch short shaft recommended; 20-inch long shaft compatible), accommodating both 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboards. One owner runs a 10HP and reports: 'it gets up and goes.' For sailboat tenders, a 5HP removes significant weight while still providing enough power for harbor and anchorage use. Comes with 2 aluminum oars and lock-in oar holders. Optional EVA teak foam decking ($129) available as an upgrade over the aluminum panels.
Fits on a Sailboat Deck | Compact Inflatable Tender:
At 8.8 feet inflated and 60 lbs for the hull, the Manta Ray is the right size to inflate and deflate on the foredeck of a 30-to-35-foot sailboat — small enough to stow, large enough to carry two adults and gear from anchorage to shore. The aluminum floor system assembles without tools and disassembles just as fast. For cruising sailors who need a reliable inflatable tender without a davit system, the Manta Ray is the practical choice.
How the Manta Ray Fits the Lineup:
The Manta Ray 8.8' is the entry-level aluminum floor model — the same hull size as the Dolphin air floor, with the upgrade to permanent aluminum decking instead of an inflatable air floor. Step up to the Shark 9.8' for 15HP capability and more beam, or to the Killer Whale 10.8' for maximum load and the largest aluminum floor in the lineup. See the full Island Hopper inflatable boat comparison chart to find the right model for your use.
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 2 repair patches. Backed by Island Hopper's 3-year limited 'No Seam Blowout' manufacturer warranty.
Measure Specifications:
- Deflated Weight and Dimensions: 60 lbs/42 × 24 × 10 in
- Inflated Dimensions: 8.8 ft X 5 ft
- Aluminum Floor Weight: 30 lbs (4 floor pieces and 4 side rails)
- Tube Diameter: 16 in
- Chambers: 3 + Keel
- Motor Compatibility: 2- or 4-stroke outboards; 15″ short shaft recommended (20″ long shaft compatible)
- Max Power: 10 HP
- Max Capacity: 4 persons or 1,070 lbs
- Box Dimensions: 47 × 24 × 15 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 4 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
- Two 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 4 floor pieces, connect 4 side rail stabilizers, and lock into position. No inflation required.
