One of the best things about inflatable boats is their ability to deflate.
One of the worse things about inflatable boats is their need to inflate.
When you come ashore, you don’t need a boathouse anymore. You can fold your inflatable so small that you can carry it home with you.
That said, you can’t just hop on and hit the water whenever you want. It takes time to get your boat inflated.
That’s why you need a good pump.
Here at Anchor Travel, we know that this is one of the most important things to have. With it, you can cut so much waiting time. And your inflatables will always be full of air.
But what do you look for in a pump? Should you get a manual or electric pump? What are the best pumps in the market today?
Today, we’re going to answer all these questions. We’ll also have a look at the top 10 air pumps in the market. This is our ultimate buying guide to inflatable air pumps.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Air Pump
As always, you should never get the first thing you find. There are several things you need to consider when choosing an air pump. These are:
Manual vs Electric
There are two types of pumps, manual and electric. The difference is self-explanatory, however, which is better is not so clear.
With an electric pump, you can enjoy fast and hassle-free pumping. All you have to do is switch it on, and it will do the work for you. You don’t have to exert any effort to pump up your boat.
One problem with electric pumps though is that not all of them can handle high pressures. When the pressure reaches a certain amount, these pumps can’t force in any more air. You’ll have to either go below the ideal pressure or use a manual pump to finish the job.
Electric pumps also need electricity. Most can be plugged into your car, while others plug into outlets. Whatever the case, without power, these pumps won’t run. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere, you could be in trouble.
That’s why despite requiring more time and effort, manual pumps are still around. To pump your boat with one of these, you’ll need to push the air in yourself. Good manual pumps have efficient designs, but you’ll still have to exert yourself.
Other than that, manual pumps have a lot of advantages. They can pump high pressures into boats, and they don’t need any electricity. Wherever you are, even if you’re in the middle of the water, you can use your manual pump.
High-Volume vs High-Pressure
Another feature you may have heard of is “high-volume” or “high-pressure” pumps. Most electric pumps are either one of these. Knowing the difference will help you choose the right one for you.
High-volume means the volume of air moved is very high. In simple terms, pumps with high-volumes can inflate your boat fast. Once you turn it on, your boat will be full in no time.
However, most high-volume pumps can’t stand high pressures. They will fill up the boat, but can’t go all the way. You’ll have to finish this off with a manual pump.
High-pressure electric pumps, on the other hand, are the opposite. They take some time to fill up (sometimes even slower than a manual pump), but they can stand high-pressure.
With a high-pressure pump, you won’t need a manual pump around anymore. But the speed at which it inflates your boat is quite underwhelming.
Valves
Before you even look for an air pump, it’s important to know what type of valve your boat uses. There are plenty of unique valves, so not every adapter will work on your boat. Some inflatable boats use pinch valves and military valves, while others use Boston valves.
Once you know which valve your boat uses, get a pump with a nozzle or adapter for that particular valve. Too many people make the mistake of not checking this first. When it’s time to inflate their boat, they discover that their pump can’t fit.
That’s why you should check your boat’s valve first before buying a pump.
If ever you end up with a pump that doesn’t have the right adapter, it’s not the end of the world. You can buy adapters for any valve in boat stores or online.
Top 10 Air Pumps for Inflatable Boats
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best air pumps in the market today.
AGPTEK Electric Air Pump
(Best Seller)
If you’re looking for a small but strong pump, check out AGPTEK’s electric air pump. When it comes to convenience and portability, few can match this one.
When you’re on a trip, traveling light is always a good idea. AGPTEK’s electric air pump is so small, it won’t take up any space at all. It also supports both A/C and D/C power, meaning you can plug it to an outlet or your car.
This pump comes with three nozzles for different valves. To use, attach the inflation port to your boat and switch on. Then all you have to do is wait for it to fill up.
One feature that we really like with this pump is the deflation feature. Once the day is over, you can also use this pump to deflate your boat. Attach your boat to the deflation port of the pump and turn it on. This makes deflating your boat so much easier.
The only problem we have with this pump is that it is quite slow. It is, after all, a very small pump. It’s size also makes it quite loud.
What we like:
- Portable
- A/C and D/C Option
- Three Nozzles
- Deflation Feature
What we don’t like:
- Slow
- Loud
Intex Double Quick III S
(Most Affordable)
For people looking for a manual pump, this is one of the best options. When it comes to inflatable boats, Intex is one of the biggest brands around. It’s no surprise then that they came up with their very own pump.
Unlike the previous one, this is a completely manual pump. This allows you to pump in any place at any time, even when you are far away from electricity.
The Intex Double Quick III S is super easy to use. It is completely foolproof, just attach it to your boat and get pumping. It also comes with three different adapters to fit different valves.
It’s not only easy to inflate, but also to deflate as well. Transfer the hose to the deflation port, and you can remove all the air faster than ever before.
This isn’t your ordinary manual pump either. It’s called “Double Quick” because it inflates when you push, and when you pull as well. This makes this tool very energy efficient whether you’re inflating or deflating.
Despite this, it’s still a manual pump. You’ll still have to exert some effort before you can enjoy your boat. But it isn’t so bad, you can treat it as a warm-up before you hit the water.
What we like:
- Manual Pump
- Efficient Up and Down Pumping
- Deflation Feature
- Three Nozzles
What we don’t like:
- Can be Tiresome
EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump
(Highest-Pressure)
Another automatic pump option you have is EPAuto’s portable air compressor. As the name suggests, this pump was made for tires. However, it does a very good job with inflatable boats as well.
Tires have very high pressures, so a tire pump needs to withstand this. That’s why EPAuto’s air compressor can handle pressure well. You can put as much pressure you want into your inflatable boat with this.
To ensure that you don’t put more air than your boat can handle, this air compressor also has a built-in gauge. This shows you exactly how much pressure is inside your boat. With this, you can get the perfect amount of pressure in your inflatable.
If that’s enough, you can also set this compressor to switch off automatically. All you have to do is set your desired PSI, and it will shut off when it reaches this. This not only makes it convenient, but also safe.
The EPAuto air compressor was made for cars, but they also have a bunch of adapters. They have an adapter for almost every inflatable, including boats.
The main problem is that this pump can only run with D/C power. You can’t plug this to outlets, only cars. Without a car, this pump will be useless.
What we like:
- High-Pressure Pump
- Built-in Gauge
- Automatic Switch
- Multiple Adapters
What we don’t like:
- Only Runs with D/C
- Loud
Video:
Franklin Sports Foot Air Pump
(Most Heavy-Duty)
Not all manual pumps are operated by hand, some are operated by foot. When it comes to foot pumps, Franklin Sports have one of the best ones.
The main advantage of foot pumps is that they aren’t as tiresome to use as hand pumps. Instead of pushing and pulling with your arms, all you have to do is step on the pump. This way, you can use your full weight to push in the air.
Franklin Sports’ foot pump is also very heavy duty. Its body is made of iron, while its hose is made of rope. This allows it to handle high-pressures.
Like every high-pressure pump should, Franklin Sports’ foot pump has a pressure gauge. You’ll never have to guess when your inflatable boat is ready. You’ll get the perfect pressure every time.
When you’re done inflating, it’s super easy to store this pump. It has a compact design that takes up very little space. This also makes it easy to bring along when you go on trips.
The downside of this pump is that it is quite heavy. It is, after all, heavy-duty. Despite its compact size, this isn’t the most portable pump around.
What we like:
- Foot pump
- Heavy-Duty
- Built-in Gauge
- Compact Design
What we don’t like:
- Heavy
Airhead Foot Pump
(Most Portable)
Speaking of foot pumps, another one you can get is Airhead’s foot pump. It’s also a foot pump, but that’s about where all similarities end. Looking at its features, you’ll find that it is quite the opposite of Franklin Sports’ pump.
Instead of a solid metal pump, you get a lightweight plastic pump. But don’t get thrown off by the word “plastic”. This plastic is high-quality and durable, it isn’t cheaply made.
Airhead’s foot pump is very small. When it’s opened, it’s already quite small. But wait until you see it closed. This pump is collapsible, which turns it into a super-thin pump that can fit under kayak seats!
This plus its lightweight allows you to bring it along, even when you’re out in the water. This way, if you lose air while in the water, you can refill it. Should an emergency situation like this arise, this pump will get you out of it.
The best part? Airhead’s foot pump comes with three adapters made for boats. They even have one for Boston valves. So you won’t have to worry so much about buying a separate adapter anymore.
The only thing that you miss out on when you get this is strength. This isn’t a heavy-duty pump. While the plastic is high-quality and strong, it is still plastic. It won’t survive rough treatment.
What we like:
- Foot Pump
- Super Small
- Lightweight
- Three Adapters
What we don’t like:
- Not Heavy-Duty
Etekcity Electric Air Pump
(Fastest Handheld Pump)
Away from foot pumps, we find ourselves with another electric pump. Etekcity’s electric air pump is a handheld pump that is super powerful. You won’t have to wait long at all for your boat to be fully inflated.
Despite its power, Etekcity’s air pump is surprisingly quiet. This is because it features a unique sound insulation design. That’s why it can pump fast, but stay relatively quiet while doing so.
This pump is not only super fast to pump, but can also deflate your boat as well. Deflation can sometimes be a real hassle. Thanks to Etekcity’s deflation feature though, this will now be an easy task for you.
The Etekcity electric air pump is also versatile. It has two nozzles that can fit most of your needs. For inflatable boats, the large nozzle can fit most standard valves.
You want to be a little careful when using this though. Don’t run it for more than ten minutes at a time. It tends to overheat when it doesn’t get any breaks.
What we like:
- Fast
- Quiet
- Deflation Feature
- Versatile
What we don’t like:
- Overheats
Video:
OutdoorMaster The Shark
(Highest Quality)
If you’re looking for a pump that is high-quality, check out the Shark by OutdoorMaster. This pump was built for SUPs, but it works with inflatable boats as well.
Why get a SUP pump for your inflatable boat? Because this one is super high-quality. The Shark has gone through a lot of tests, and is now both CA65 and CE certified. That’s why you know you are getting a product that delivers.
This pump is not only fast, but can also handle high-pressure. You have the option to switch between high-volume and high-pressure modes. So you can fill your boat up fast, then switch modes to apply more pressure.
Whenever you are applying high-pressure, it’s always good to know the PSI of your boat. With its built-in digital gauge, you’ll never put too much air. So you can keep your inflatable at the perfect pressure every time. Plus, you can set the Shark to turn off once you get to the right pressure.
Yes, it’s built for SUPs, but it also has three nozzles. These nozzles will work fine for standard inflatable boat valves.
It’s a great pump, but it comes at a price. A high price. This is the most expensive pump in our list. Considering what you get for it though, it’s well worth it.
Also, this pump only works on D/C. So you’ll need a car around to pump your inflatables.
What we like:
- CA65 and CE certified
- High-Volume and High-Pressure Modes
- Automatic Switch
- Three Nozzles
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
- Only Runs with D/C
Video:
Intex Quick-Fill DC Electric Air Pump
(Most Portable Electric Pump)
Next up is Intex’s Quick-Fill electric air pump. Again, Intex is a very well-known brand. Chances are your inflatable boat was made by Intex.
Unlike their Double Quick III S, the Quick-Fill is an electric pump. Although it isn’t particularly fast, it is very high-quality. Pumping your boat is going to be super convenient with this.
It won’t only be convenient when you’re pumping, but also when you’re deflating. As every good pump should, Intex’s Quick-Fill also has a deflation feature. Switch the hose to the deflation port, and it will suck out the air in your boat.
The Quick-Fill is also super portable. It is so small, it can fit into the palm of your hand. It won’t take up any space on your trip, so you can bring it wherever you go.
The three nozzles this pump comes with allows you to inflate a lot of things. It can handle airbeds, rafts, and, of course, inflatable boats. It’s unlikely you’ll need to buy a separate adapter.
Unfortunately, this pump is only D/C powered. Also, since it is so small, it can’t handle high-pressure. You’ll have to settle with less pressure or use a manual pump to finish the job.
What we like:
- High-Quality
- Deflation Feature
- Portable
- Three Nozzles
What we don’t like:
- Only Runs on D/C
- Can’t Handle High-Pressure
Video:
Seamax SUP20D
(Most Features)
When it comes to features, few pumps have as many as the Seamax SUP20D. This pump is packed with so many features that make pumping easier and better.
For one, it pumps air super fast. But not only that, but it can also handle high-pressure. Like the Shark, you can also switch between high-volume and high-pressure modes.
You’ll never have to worry about over-inflating your boat as well. The Seamax SUP20D not only has a built-in gauge, but also an automatic switch. You can set your desired pressure, and the pump will turn off the moment it reaches this.
The SUP20D will not only inflate your boat fast, but also deflate it. With this, you can save so much time before and after boating.
While you’re doing this, you won’t have to worry about any noise either. This pump is built with an outtake chamber that reduces the noise. When you’re out in the wild, no one likes the sound of loud motors. But with this pump, you won’t disturb the peace too much.
The problem with this pump is that it is only D/C powered. With a car around though, this won’t be a problem at all.
Also, it is quite expensive. Not the most expensive in this list, but you’ll have to stash out more cash for this one. But as you enjoy its features, you’ll find that it is worth the investment.
What we like:
- High-Volume and High-Pressure Modes
- Automatic Switch
- Deflation Feature
- Quiet
What we don’t like:
- Only Runs on D/C
- Expensive
Video:
Airhead Double Action Hand Pump
(Best Hand Pump)
Last but not least, Airhead’s double action hand pump. As you can guess, this is a manual pump. So it comes with all the advantages and disadvantages that manual pumps have.
With a manual pump, you never have to worry about electricity. It doesn’t matter where you are, you can fill your inflatable boat. You won’t have to worry about finding an outlet, or bringing your car.
Manual pumps can be tiring to use. To combat this, Airhead’s double-action hand pump inflates whenever you push and pull. This way, none of your efforts will be wasted.
The name double-action means this pump can inflate and deflate. A lot of people underestimate this feature. People only appreciate this when they’ve tried waiting for their boat to deflate without any help.
Most pumps come with several nozzles, but the Airhead double-action hand pump comes with 4! These four are all universal sizes, so unless you have a rare valve, this pump should fit your boat.
Manual pumps are great, however, they do require effort. Yes, it is energy-efficient, but you still have to use energy. Before you can enjoy your boat, you’ll have to work a little for it first.
What we like:
- Manual Pump
- Efficient Up and Down Pumping
- Deflation Feature
- Four Nozzles
What we don’t like:
- Can be Tiresome
Video:
Conclusion
There are so many other pumps in the market. So many, you can get overwhelmed with your choices.
But with this list, you won’t have to buy in the dark anymore. You now know what to look for, what your options are, and what the top 10 air pumps for inflatable boats are.