Island Hopper Dolphin 8.8' Air Floor Inflatable Sport Boat – Premium Yacht Tender & Lake Boat
A lightweight, high-pressure air-floor inflatable designed for maximum portability without sacrificing stability — ideal for yacht tender duty, marina runs, and lake use.
Quick Highlights
- Heat-welded, reinforced PVC construction (1000-denier fabric layer)
- Rigid drop-stitch air deck floor (supports up to 8 PSI)
- Rated for up to 10 HP outboard
- Capacity: 4 persons / 1,070 lbs
- Inflates or deflates in ~8 minutes (typical)
Tip: This model is a strong fit for owners who want quick setup, compact storage, and a stable deck feel.
The Dolphin 8.8' Air Floor Inflatable Sport Boat delivers an ideal balance of portability and on-water stability. Designed for yacht tender duty yet versatile enough for lake and marina use, it offers dependable performance in a compact footprint. The high-pressure drop-stitch air deck provides impressive rigidity while keeping total weight manageable for easy transport and storage. Whether you’re shuttling to shore, accessing a sandbar, or storing aboard a mid-size yacht, this model is built for practical, real-world marine use.
Quick Specifications
| Model | SB-270A (Dolphin 8.8' – Air Floor) |
|---|---|
| Inflated Dimensions | 8.8 ft × 5 ft |
| Tube Diameter | 16 in |
| Chambers | 3 + 1 keel + 1 air floor |
| Interior Floor Dimensions | 68 in × 32 in |
| Max Power | 10 HP |
| Max Load | 4 persons or 1,070 lbs |
| Deflated Weight & Bag Size | 60 lbs / 42 × 24 × 10 in |
| Box Dimensions | 42 × 26 × 15 in |
| Materials | Heat-welded PVC with reinforced 1000-denier rip-resistant fabric layer; UV- and oil-stain-resistant. Drop-stitch deck supports up to 8 PSI. |
| Floor Type | High-Pressure Drop-Stitch Air Deck |
Who This Boat Is For
- Yacht owners needing a dependable, compact tender
- Lake property owners & marina transport
- Sandbar / shoreline runs and quick dock access
- Anyone who values fast setup + compact storage
Typical tender pairing: Often a great match for mid-size yachts (roughly 30–45 ft) depending on passenger load and gear.
High-Pressure Air Floor Convenience
The drop-stitch air deck provides impressive rigidity while keeping weight down and setup simple — a major advantage for frequent tender deployment or RV travel.
Air Floor Benefits
- Lightweight and easier to transport
- Fast assembly and breakdown
- Rigid, steady deck feel at high PSI
- Compact storage footprint when deflated
Prefer maximum rigidity and panel-floor feel? Consider an aluminum-floor model in the same size range (we’ll help you choose).
Real-World Use Cases
Yacht Tender Duty
- Stable boarding from dock or swim platform
- Compact stowability for onboard storage
- Reliable short-range transport with up to 10 HP
Lake & Marina Use
- Quick marina shuttles and dock runs
- Shoreline and sandbar access
- Easy to transport in SUV/truck and launch
What’s Included
- One aluminum bench seat
- Removable seat cushion and storage bag
- Two aluminum oars with lock-in holders
- Carry and storage bag
- Foot pump
- Repair patches
- Manufacturer Certification of Origin (for registration)
Setup & Storage Snapshot
- Typical inflate/deflate time: ~8 minutes
- Deflates into carry bag for compact storage
- Easy transport for dock, marina, or RV travel
- Recommended pressures: Tubes ~2 PSI (max 3.6), Keel ~2 PSI (max 4.5), Air Deck 6 PSI (max 8)
Always use a gauge and follow manufacturer PSI limits for best performance and longevity.
Why This Model Stands Above Entry-Level Inflatables
- Heat-welded seams + reinforced fabric layer (durability where it matters)
- Higher horsepower capability (up to 10 HP)
- Rigid drop-stitch deck designed for real marine use
- Built for both fresh and salt water conditions
Why Buy Island Hopper From Splashy McFun
- Real product support from a U.S.-based team
- Fast shipping and secure checkout
- Lake-focused experience (we’ll help you pick the right setup)
- We can help match boat size + motor choice for your use case
Questions? Contact us here and we’ll point you to the right model.
Authorized Island Hopper Retailer
- Genuine Island Hopper products – factory-backed
- Full manufacturer warranty protection
- Marine-grade construction built for real-world use
- U.S.-based customer support
- Expert guidance on sizing and setup
Island Hopper products are trusted for durability, performance, and long-term value across inflatable boats, water trampolines, docks, and commercial-grade inflatables.
We don’t just list inflatable boats — we help customers choose the right size, floor type, and motor setup for real-world marine use. If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll guide you based on how and where you plan to use it.
Boat Registration & Titling
Depending on your state, inflatable sport boats may require registration. Always review your Home State Boaters Form and local marine regulations prior to operation.
This model includes a Manufacturer Certification of Origin to support registration where required.
Product FAQ
Yes. The Dolphin 8.8' is designed for portability and quick deployment, making it a strong tender choice for many mid-size yachts (commonly ~30–45 ft depending on load and gear).
The drop-stitch air deck is designed to run at higher PSI (up to 8 PSI), providing a notably rigid and stable platform compared to basic low-pressure inflatable floors.
Typical inflate/deflate time is about 8 minutes, depending on your pump and experience.
This boat is rated for up to 10 HP. For typical tender and lake use, many owners run a 4–8 HP outboard depending on passenger load and desired speed.
Registration rules vary by state. Check your local requirements prior to use. A Manufacturer Certification of Origin is included to support registration where needed.
Compare Other Inflatable Sport Boat Options
Prefer a Rigid Floor?
Compare with the Manta Ray 8.8’ Aluminum Floor.
Need More Room?
Step up to the White Marlin 9.8’ Air Floor.
Want Our Largest Air Deck?
Explore the Swordfish 10.8’ Air Floor for expanded deck space and EVA comfort surface.