One of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon is on a paddle boat.
Please enjoy our selection of the best pedal boats for online purchase.
Motorized with comfortable seats that recline
Good value in canopy and adjustable seating
These unique boats let you travel around on the water using your own power. Pedal boats have a paddle underneath that you control using bicycle-like pedals. With these boats, you get a blissful combination of relaxation and light exercise.
Best Paddle Boats (or Pedal Boats) of 2020
| Sun Dolphin 5-Seat Pedal Boat | Sun Dolphin Sun Slider 5-Seat Pedal Boat with Canopy | Sun Dolphin Water Wheeler Electric ASL 5-Person Pedal Boat with Canopy | |
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| BUDGET OPTION | EDITOR’S PICK | BEST OF BEST | |
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| BOTTOM LINE | no-frills basic boat | good value in canopy and adjustable seating | motorized with comfortable seats that recline |
| GO TO STORE | GO TO STORE | GO TO STORE |
BUDGET OPTION Sun Dolphin 5-Seat Pedal Boat
You’ll be hard-pressed to find any paddle boats for a lower price than this but that doesn’t mean that this one is a piece of junk. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! This boat can seat up to five and there are pedal positions for one, two, or three people.
You’ll be able to take this boat out by yourself if desired or you can have up to two other friends share in the workload of pedaling. There are some really nice extras, like a built-in cooler and some other storage areas. There are also some beverage holders spaced throughout the boat. However, no canopy is included with this low-cost boat.
Features:
- Size: 96 x 65 x 24.5 inches
- Weight: 136 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Pedal Positions: 1, 2, or 3
- Extras: built-in cooler, storage compartments, beverage holders
- Canopy: no
- Weight Limit: 545 pounds
- affordable
- rugged and durable construction
- fits up to 5, with up to 3 pedal positions
- cooler and storage compartments
- beverage holders
- no canopy
- leg room is limited
- too small for 4-5 adults
- some quality control issues
Bottom Line
This basic paddle boat offers a lot of value but it does have a few negatives to consider.
EDITOR’S PICK Sun Dolphin Sun Slider 5-Seat Pedal Boat with Canopy
If you’ve ever spent an afternoon on the water, you know it can get hot. When you add in the factor of some physical exertion, the beating sun can sometimes ruin a perfectly good time. This boat offers a canopy that will ensure you won’t boil under the sun. You have the choice of having the canopy up or down and it’s easy to adjust.
Other than the canopy, this boat is quite similar to the budget pick. The other important difference is that the seats are adjustable and you have the option of reclining. It’s an ideal fit for a few adults and a few children but will probably feel uncomfortably cramped for 4-5 adults.
If you’d like to see footage of this boat in practice, you can watch it right here:
Features:
- Size: 93 x 65 x 24.5 inches
- Weight: 110 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Pedal Positions: 1, 2, or 3
- Extras: built-in cooler, storage compartments, beverage holders
- Canopy: yes
- Weight Limit: 544 pounds
- seats adjust and can recline
- canopy
- lightweight
- cooler and storage compartments
- beverage holders
- rugged and durable construction
- might be a tight fit for more than a few taller adults
- risk of some damage during delivery
Bottom Line
This paddle boat is reasonably priced and it offers some significant advantages over a more budget boat, namely the canopy and the adjustable seating.
BEST OF BEST Sun Dolphin Water Wheeler Electric ASL 5-Person Pedal Boat with Canopy
The whole point of paddle boats is that you use your own power to get the boat moving. That said, there’s definitely something to be said for a boat that lets you have the choice of either using pedal-power or effortlessly cruising around with the help of a motor. This boat gives you that choice.
The motor is quiet and you can switch from pedaling to motoring with the flick of a switch. It’s also significantly more comfortable than some other options and two of the seats fully recline. A self-draining bench seat keeps you dry.
Features:
- Size: 91 x 64 x 24 inches
- Weight: 130 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Pedal Positions: 1, 2, or 3
- Extras: built-in cooler, storage compartments, beverage holders, optional saltwater driver
- Canopy: yes
- Weight Limit: 544 pounds
- Motor: 30-pound thrust electric Minn-Kota trolling motor
- option to pedal or use motor
- motor is quiet
- comfortable seats that fully recline
- canopy
- cooler, storage areas, and beverage holders
- can use in ocean
- rather expensive
- will be tight fit for 4-5 taller adults
- battery is not included
- some potential quality control issues
Bottom Line
This boat is pricey but the inclusion of a motor and comfortable seats that can fully recline make it an exceptional boat.
Accessories
iCOVER Water Proof Heavy Duty PEDAL BOAT COVER
The iCOVER Water Proof Heavy Duty Cover for Pedal Boats is a great way to protect your boat when not in use and to keep water out.
Conlusion
Pedal boats should almost be a required purchase for people who live near bodies of water. They are just that fun. Whether you buy just a basic boat or go all out for a boat that includes a motor, this isn’t a purchase that many people regret.
Which of these pedal boats do you have your eye on?
