The Island Hopper White Marlin 9.8′ is a compact inflatable fishing boat for adults that punches well above its size. At 9.8 feet and 70 lbs rolled up, it stores in a truck bed, an RV bay, or below deck as a yacht tender — and inflates to a full rigid-floor dinghy in about 10 minutes. Same military-grade PVC construction and 15HP motor capability as our larger Swordfish model, in a package that goes where a bigger boat can't.
Heavy-Duty PVC Build — Fresh and Salt Water Ready:
Constructed from heat-welded PVC with a reinforced 0.9mm, 1100-denier rip-resistant fabric shell, the White Marlin resists punctures, UV exposure, oil stains, and the daily abuse of saltwater use. The V-shaped hull and 3-bow mooring D-rings provide structural rigidity and real directional control underway — this is inflatable dinghy construction at a commercial standard.
Drop-Stitch Air Floor | EVA Teak Deck:
The high-pressure drop-stitch air floor inflates to 8 PSI, eliminating the soft, flexy floor feel of basic blow-up boats. The slip-resistant EVA foam teak deck surface adds grip, comfort, and style whether you're fishing, diving, or running gear. It's the feature that makes this inflatable pontoon boat feel like a hard-hull vessel underfoot.
5-Person Capacity | 15HP Motor Ready:
Supports up to 5 people and 1,158 lbs. The reinforced transom handles motors up to 15HP (15″ short shaft recommended; 20″ long shaft compatible), accommodating both 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboards. Extended rear pontoons improve buoyancy under load and keep the stern stable at planing speeds. Includes 2 aluminum oars and oar locks for rowing when going motor-free. Adjustable bench seats allow all sizes to row comfortably.
Compact Portable Fishing Boat — 10-Minute Setup:
Deflated, the White Marlin weighs 70 lbs and packs into a 46 × 25 × 14 in carry bag — lighter and more packable than most portable fishing boats in its class. The included high-pressure foot pump inflates all 5 chambers (3 main + keel + air floor) in approximately 10 minutes. Ideal for lake fishing, river runs, coastal exploration, or as a tender for larger vessels.
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, padded seat cushion with storage bag, 2 aluminum oars with lock-in holders, carry bag, high-pressure foot pump, and 2 PVC repair patches. Backed by Island Hopper's 3-year limited 'No Seam Blowout' manufacturer warranty.
Product Specifications:
- Deflated Weight & Dimensions: 70 lbs; 44 × 24 × 11 in
- Inflated Dimensions: 9.8 ft x 5 ft
- Interior Air Floor Dimensions: 80 in × 32 in
- Tube Diameter: 16 in
- Chambers: 3 + 1 keel + 1 air floor
- Motor Compatibility: 2 or 4-stroke outboards; 15″ short shaft recommended (20″ long shaft compatible)
- Max Power: 15 HP
- Max Capacity: 5 persons or 1,158 lbs
- Box Dimensions: 46 × 25 × 14 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 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
- Air Deck Floor: SUGGESTED: 6 PSI/ MAX: 8 PSI
