Key Takeaways

• The Fish Skiff 16 is a top-tier fishing boat for overlanders, van lifers, and RV travelers seeking portable performance and water access in remote locations.

• Unlike a traditional inflatable boat, the FS16 inflates into a rigid, stable platform, perfect for standing, casting, and mounting fishing accessories.

• Compared to an inflatable yacht, the Fish Skiff 16 is far more compact, affordable, and designed specifically for anglers who prioritize utility over luxury.

• This inflatable skiff is built for real-world use, with durable materials, a shallow draft, and easy transport, making it ideal for exploring shallow lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

• Among small fishing boats, the FS16 stands out as one of the best fishing boats for those living a mobile lifestyle, offering long-term value and serious on-the-water performance.

For adventurous souls combining road life with outdoor exploration, nothing beats the freedom of having your own fishing boat. Whether you're parked by a remote lake, near a tidal flat, or alongside a quiet river, access to water can take your RV or overlanding trip to a whole new level.

Among the many small fishing boats available today, the Fish Skiff 16 stands out as one of the most practical and versatile options. Built with mobility, durability, and anglers in mind, it’s the ultimate balance between portability and performance, making it a top contender for anyone seeking the best boat for life on the move.

What Is the Fish Skiff 16?

The Fish Skiff 16 is a modern take on the classic skiff, a shallow-draft, flat-bottomed boat designed for navigating lakes, rivers, and near-shore saltwater. Unlike traditional skiffs made from heavy materials like aluminum or fiberglass, the FS16 is an inflatable skiff that offers exceptional portability. When deflated, it can be packed down to fit inside an RV storage bay, a pickup truck bed, or even secured on a rooftop cargo rack. This makes it ideal for mobile lifestyles where space and weight are limited.

Despite its inflatable design, the Fish Skiff 16 is a serious, full-featured fishing boat. Once inflated, it becomes a wide, stable platform with ample deck space for casting, standing, or bringing along a second angler.

It's compatible with electric or gas outboard motors and offers mounting points for rod holders, swivel seats, coolers, and more. Whether you're into freshwater fishing or light inshore angling, the FS16 delivers big performance in a compact, overland-ready package.

Why Overlanders and RVers Need a Fishing Boat

Reach Quiet, Untouched Fishing Spots

Some of the most rewarding fishing happens in quiet, out-of-the-way waters that simply can't be reached on foot or from the shore. With a fishing boat, you gain access to remote areas like hidden coves, shallow backwaters, and islands far from the noise and crowds of public access points.

These untouched spots often have thriving fish populations due to minimal human disturbance, giving you a better chance at a great catch. Beyond that, there's something deeply peaceful about being alone on the water, surrounded only by nature. It’s a chance to disconnect from the busy world and connect with the environment in a more meaningful way.

Explore More Remote Destinations

A fishing boat opens up a world of exploration beyond your campsite or usual parking spot. It allows you to venture into remote lakes, slow-moving rivers, and lesser-known waterways that offer a true sense of discovery. These places are often only accessible by water, making them perfect for overlanders and RVers seeking solitude and adventure.

Whether it’s drifting through a quiet estuary or navigating a winding river, the ability to go where most can’t is a game-changer. It turns any stop into a potential off-grid expedition, giving you more reasons to stay and explore.

Add Variety to Your Outdoor Adventures

Even the most passionate road travelers can fall into predictable routines: drive, park, rest, repeat. A fishing boat like the Fish Skiff 16 breaks that pattern and injects new life into your adventures. It adds an interactive, hands-on element to your outdoor lifestyle, one where every stop is an opportunity to fish, paddle, or explore.

From early morning casts to sunset paddles, it brings fresh experiences to each location. This kind of variety keeps the journey exciting and allows you to fully embrace the outdoor lifestyle in every way.

Enjoy Water Activities Without Sacrificing Storage or Mobility

Space is a constant challenge for overlanders and RVers, and carrying a traditional boat often isn’t practical. That’s where a lightweight, inflatable skiff like the Fish Skiff 16 makes a huge difference. It gives you the freedom to enjoy full-on water access without needing a trailer or sacrificing valuable gear space. You can pack it down and stash it in a storage bay, cargo area, or rooftop, no special equipment required. This makes it the ideal solution for those who value both mobility and adventure.

The Right Boat Makes All the Difference

Not every boat is built with the mobile traveler in mind. For RVers and overlanders, the perfect fishing boat needs to be easy to pack, quick to deploy, and tough enough for all kinds of water. The Fish Skiff 16 meets those demands with a lightweight design, strong construction, and thoughtful features tailored for travel. It’s not just another inflatable. it’s a purpose-built tool that supports your lifestyle. Whether you're a casual angler or a full-time traveler, having the right boat elevates every trip.

How Is the Fish Skiff 16 Different from Other Small Fishing Boats?

• It’s an Inflatable Skiff That Feels Like a Rigid Boat -Thanks to drop-stitch technology and reinforced construction, the FS16 inflates into a rigid, flat platform that feels much like a hard boat underfoot. You can stand, walk, cast, and move around just like you would on a traditional skiff, but with the portability of an inflatable boat.

• It Packs Down for Travel-When you're not on the water, the FS16 deflates and rolls up to fit into a compact space, ideal for those living the Tiny Boat Nation lifestyle or overlanding in smaller vehicles.

• It’s Modifiable and Angler-Ready- With mounting points for accessories, rod holders, and even electronics, the FS16 can be customized to match your fishing style. It's not just a boat, it's a mobile fishing platform.

How to Use the Fish Skiff 16 for Overlanding and RV Travel

Setup and Transport

Getting the Fish Skiff 16 ready for adventure is simple and efficient, even for solo travelers. Store the boat deflated in a dry compartment inside your RV, in the bed of your pickup, or securely strapped to a roof rack. When you're ready to launch, use a 12V air pump or a manual foot pump to fully inflate the skiff in under 15 minutes.

Once inflated, mount a trolling motor or a small outboard, up to 10 HP, for effortless movement on the water. Its portability means you can launch from a wide range of spots, including boat ramps, sandy beaches, or even grassy shorelines with minimal setup.

On the Water

Once you're out on the water, the Fish Skiff 16 becomes a stable, reliable platform for fishing or exploring. The high-pressure, drop-stitch floor allows you to stand, cast, and move around just like you would on a rigid boat. With its shallow draft, you can easily maneuver through tight spots, shallow flats, and narrow inlets that other boats can’t reach.

The spacious deck leaves room for your cooler, tackle box, and even a second angler without feeling crowded. Whether you're fishing inland lakes, winding rivers, or calm coastal waters, the FS16 gives you quiet, confident performance every time.

After Fishing

When you're done for the day, cleaning up is quick and hassle-free. Simply rinse the boat with fresh water to remove dirt, sand, and salt, especially if you've been in coastal areas. Allow the boat to dry completely before packing it up to prevent mildew or long-term wear. You can either deflate it and roll it up for compact storage or leave it inflated and strap it down to your rig for the next destination. Its ease of breakdown and transport makes it ideal for travelers who want to move quickly without spending hours on cleanup..

How to Compare the Fish Skiff 16 with Inflatable Yacht and Inflatable Boat Options

Inflatable Yachts

Inflatable yachts are typically larger, more luxurious, and designed for comfort over practicality. They often feature built-in seating, sun decks, and other amenities, making them ideal for leisurely cruising but not ideal for rugged or remote fishing. These boats tend to be expensive, complex to assemble, and require more storage space than most overlanders or RVers can spare. Their size also limits launch flexibility, meaning you’ll need proper docks or ramps. While they have their place, they’re often overkill for anglers who just want to fish and explore efficiently.

Inflatable Boats

General-purpose inflatable boats are compact, easy to transport, and usually more affordable, which makes them attractive to minimalist travelers. They’re well-suited for basic water access, like short-distance paddling or getting to shore from a larger vessel.

However, many lack the deck space, rigidity, and stability required for serious fishing, especially when it comes to standing or mounting gear like trolling motors, rod holders, or swivel seats. Their rounded design and flexible floors can make fishing awkward or uncomfortable for long periods. In short, they’re functional but limited in terms of true angling performance.

Fish Skiff 16

The Fish Skiff 16 bridges the gap between portability and performance better than either of the above. It offers the rigid deck, wide platform, and motor compatibility of a hard-sided skiff, while still packing down like an inflatable boat for easy storage. Unlike inflatable yachts, it’s straightforward to set up, affordable, and purpose-built for anglers who need space and stability without added bulk.

It’s ideal for RVers, van lifers, and overlanders looking to fish in remote spots without the hassle of a trailer. With the FS16, you get serious fishing capability in a design that travels as easily as you do.

Real-World Benefits for Overlanders and Tiny Boat Enthusiasts

• Easy to Tow or Carry Without Special Equipment -The FS16 doesn’t require a trailer or heavy-duty vehicle to transport. You can carry it deflated in your RV storage compartment or strapped to a roof rack, making it ideal for minimalist travel setups.

• Budget-Friendly Compared to Large Skiffs or Yachts-Compared to traditional hard-hull skiffs or luxury inflatable yachts, the Fish Skiff 16 is far more affordable. It offers professional-grade fishing performance without the high price tag or maintenance costs.

• Simple to Repair or Maintain in the Field -Built with durable, puncture-resistant materials, the FS16 can be easily patched or maintained using a simple repair kit. That means you won’t be stuck or sidelined when you’re off-grid or far from a service center.

• Durable Enough for Long-Term Use -This inflatable skiff is designed to handle real-world conditions like rough landings, sun exposure, and repeated use. With proper care, it will serve you reliably through seasons of overland and fishing adventures.

• Designed for Remote and Shallow Water Access -With its shallow draft and rugged construction, the FS16 lets you launch in places that other boats simply can’t reach. From muddy flats to rocky riverbanks, you’ll have the freedom to explore more water with fewer limitations.

• Stable Platform for All Types of Fishing -The wide, stable design makes it easy to stand and move around, even with another angler on board. Whether you’re fly fishing, bowfishing, or casting from a swivel seat, the FS16 provides a safe and steady platform for a variety of fishing styles.

Is the Fish Skiff 16 One of the Best Fishing Boats?

• Portability and Easy Storage -The FS16 can be deflated and packed into a compact space, making it ideal for RVers, van lifers, and overlanders. You don’t need a trailer or garage, just a bit of storage room in your vehicle or rooftop rack.

• Quick Deployment and Pack-Down-With a 12V or manual pump, the boat can be inflated and water-ready in under 15 minutes. Packing it back down is just as easy, allowing you to hit the road quickly without a time-consuming breakdown.

• Stability for Standing and Casting -The drop-stitch, high-pressure floor gives you a solid surface to stand, walk, and cast from, just like a hard boat. Whether you’re fly fishing or sight casting, you’ll feel secure and balanced on the water.

• Compatibility with Electric or Gas Motors-The Fish Skiff 16 supports both electric trolling motors and gas outboards (up to 10 HP), giving you the flexibility to fish how you want. This makes it suitable for both quiet, no-wake zones and larger waters where more power is needed.

• Long-Term Value for the Price -Compared to traditional skiffs and larger inflatable boats, the FS16 offers incredible value for its durability and versatility. It’s built to last through years of adventure, making it a smart investment for serious anglers who live life on the move.

Final Thoughts

The Fish Skiff 16 isn't just another inflatable boat, it's a practical, powerful solution for anglers who value mobility. For overlanders, van lifers, or RV travelers looking to enhance their journey with serious fishing, this boat offers unmatched flexibility.

Whether you're exploring backcountry lakes, quiet estuaries, or inland rivers, the FS16 gives you access to more water and more opportunities. It’s one of the most thoughtful options in the small fishing boats market today, designed for people who want to do more with less, go further with lighter gear, and fish better with smarter tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: Is the Fish Skiff 16 a good fishing boat for RV or van life?

Yes, it’s one of the best fishing boats for RVers and van lifers. It packs down small, inflates quickly, and doesn’t require a trailer, perfect for overlanding or off-grid adventures.

2: What makes the Fish Skiff 16 better than a regular inflatable boat?

Unlike basic inflatable boats, the Fish Skiff 16 uses drop-stitch technology for a rigid deck. This makes it far more stable for standing, casting, and mounting gear, ideal for anglers.

3: How does the FS16 compare to an inflatable yacht?

Inflatable yachts are larger, heavier, and built for comfort, not fishing. The FS16 is a practical inflatable skiff made for mobility, shallow water access, and real angling utility.

4: Is the Fish Skiff 16 suitable for Tiny Boat Nation-style builds?

Absolutely. Its wide deck and flat layout make it perfect for DIY mods, rod holders, storage setups, and electronics, just the way the Tiny Boat Nation community likes it.

5: Can the Fish Skiff 16 handle long-term use and travel?

Yes. It’s constructed from rugged materials that withstand repeated inflation, UV exposure, and field use. It’s a reliable fishing boat for extended road trips and frequent adventures.