The Island Hopper Shark 9.8′ is the mid-size aluminum floor inflatable fishing boat — built for buyers who want the rigidity and performance of a hard-deck RIB in a package light enough to handle without a davit or a crew. At 70 lbs for the hull and 30 lbs for the floor system, it is one of the most manageable aluminum-floor inflatable dinghies available, and at 9.8 feet it threads the line between day-trip compact and serious offshore capable. Rigid Aluminum Floor — No Inflation, No Maintenance: The Shark ships with 4 interlocking aluminum floor pieces and 4 aluminum side rail stabilizers that lock into place to form a flat, rigid deck. No inflation pressure to monitor. No re-pumping between trips. The aluminum surface handles SCUBA tanks, anchor chain, dive weights, fish tackle, hard coolers, and everything else that would put an air-floor deck at risk and wipes clean in minutes after use. Military-Grade PVC | Fresh and Salt Water Rated: Heat-welded PVC with a reinforced .9mm, 1100-denier rip-resistant fabric shell — UV-resistant, oil-stain-resistant, and puncture-resistant in fresh and salt water. The V-shaped hull and 3-bow mooring D-rings deliver confident directional handling, while contoured rear pontoons and an extended transom improve buoyancy and planing performance even under a full load. 5-Person Capacity | 15HP Motor Ready: Supports up to 5 people and 1,158 lbs. The reinforced transom handles motors up to 15HP (15 inch short shaft recommended; 20 inch long shaft compatible), accommodating both 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboards. Fast planing performance, stable tracking, and enough beam at 5 feet wide to carry a cooler, gear bags, and a full crew without feeling crowded. Optional EVA teak foam decking ($129) adds a slip-resistant surface over the aluminum panels. Light Enough to Handle Solo: Combined hull and floor weight is approximately 100 lbs — meaningful in the world of aluminum-floor inflatables, where competing models often exceed 130 lbs fully kitted. One reviewer notes: 'I can easily lift the boat onto the back of my transom with two lines.' For sailors, liveaboards, and boaters without davits or a crane, that difference matters on every launch and recovery. How the Shark Compares to the Rest of the Lineup: The Shark 9.8′ sits between the Manta Ray 8.8′ (compact, entry-level) and the Killer Whale 10.8′ (maximum capacity, heavier floor). All three share the same PVC construction standard and 3-year No Seam Blowout warranty. Choose the Shark if you want the aluminum floor in a size that one person can manage, and if 9.8 feet gives you enough room for your crew and gear. 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, foot pump, and repair kit. Backed by Island Hopper's 3-year limited 'No Seam Blowout' manufacturer warranty.
