Customer Reviews: Dana Inflatable Boat
Rated 4.55 out of 5 stars based on
56 customer reviews.
100% of reviewers recommend this product.
Review summary
Reviewers consistently praise the Dana Inflatable Boat for its durable construction, exceptional stability provided by oversized air tubes, and convenient portability, while highly commending Newport's outstanding customer service and commitment to standing behind their product.
Purchased our Dana several...
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Purchased our Dana several years ago and have had countless hours of use on the Jersey coast. Started with an electric motor that was switched to a Yamaha 2.5 hp short shaft motor then to a Yamaha 6 hp short shaft motor. Great product. We deflate every wall and reinflate every spring. Love everything about this inflatable although I loathe installing the floor every year!
- Performance
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5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Environment
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Saltwater
Reviewed by Paul P.
on September 17, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
lasted 1 year and seams came apart
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
Don't waste your money on a inflatable newport boat. I bought a 8' new port dinghy from amazon. Used for 2 months worked good then stored it deflated for a year seams came apart now will not hold air. Contacted customer service they said sorry warranty is out already cant help you. They didn't even offer to send me some glue to fix the seams. Going to the dump. Will never buy newport dinghy again.
Reviewed by makai M.
on August 27, 2024
The BEST Customer Service!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The over all experience was the best in the industry. The follow through and transparency was all First Cabin.
Reviewed by Dave M.
on June 5, 2024
Verified buyer
Worth Every Penny!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Haven't had it in the water just yet, but I can see the quality of the build and especially the care in packaging is outstanding. The storage bags are heavy duty and will last. The weight and thickness of the PVC is proof enough that this is a well built boat. This is not a toy!I am extremely pleased this far!
Reviewed by Robert G.
on May 15, 2024
Verified buyer
A pocket yacht
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This inflatable craft is made to superior quality specifications. I am very happy with the easy of assembly, use and comfort of the ride. I've paired my with a 2.5hp gas motor and this overall package has been excellent! I also use a standard electric pump for paddleboards to inflatable and deflate the vessel.
Reviewed by Gabe C.
on April 10, 2024
Inflatable
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Haven't opened the box yet. Still to cold to use it. Hopefully everything works out
Reviewed by Leon M.
on April 3, 2024
Verified buyer
4 Star Boat
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Good, not perfect. First time set up was not easy because a strip of about 12 inches of the bottom of the port side tube near the front was stuck to the floor, making it very difficult to center the floorboards. I slowly pulled it apart with an oar. I have a 10 HP two stroke which I've used on other boats. This is the first time this short shaft (15") motor has had trouble getting a small boat up on a plane and loading the gas can in the front doesn't solve the problem. I have to move towards the front of the boat to get it to plane. Also not liking the fact the seats slide out of their mounts.
Reviewed by Douglas A.
on September 20, 2023
Verified buyer
Dana purchase
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I was very pleased with the tech support. However, assembly of the floorboards was very difficult. The manual was not at all clear regarding the widths of floorboards 2 and 3 (actually misleading). Also the manual provided a link to assembly videos. It was incorrect. Please update the manual or link!!!
Reviewed by Robert R.
on August 23, 2023
Verified buyer
Nice Little Inflatable
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Dana - new. Packed well, easily assembled, the floors are a bit tricky but not that difficult (just put a small amount of air in). Appears well made but time will tell. In terms of performance I was struck how well it turns - sharply. I am used to the “slip and slip crabbing” of most inflatables. I have a 3hp electric engine so it is not fast, 5.5 knts max but it tracks very well. The oversized tubes make it quite stable (have not had it in extreme wind though, just waves. Pretty dry ride too.One issue: the foot pump fabric came undone as I was inflating the boat, making the pump useless halfway through. I was able to jury rig an old one I had. That said, I contacted Newport about this issue and they responded immediately and sent another one free-of-charge. Took some time for delivery but they were/are extremely responsive. Their follow-up was excellent also. Very impressive there. On another note they might be a little too responsive with all their marketing e-mails! They clearly have a zealous and good marketing department! But it seems, at this point, they also have a solid product and a great company.
Reviewed by Todd S.
on August 10, 2023
Verified buyer
Good so far
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Am impressed with the quality of this boat and materials
Reviewed by Mitch B.
on August 9, 2023
Verified buyer
Have not opened box yet
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Not sure yet. The box looks nice though!
Reviewed by James H.
on March 7, 2023
Verified buyer
Great inflatable
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The only problem I have with this boat is that there are no acceptable ways attached to hang this from Davits on my sailboat.
Reviewed by Dennis W.
on March 5, 2023
Verified buyer
Newport-Dana Inflatable Tender
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Very satisfied dealing with Newport Vessels, love the little tender, fits great on the swim platform of my larger boat!
Reviewed by Stephen M.
on February 28, 2023
Verified buyer
Great Customer Service
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I just received my new dingy. It came very well boxed and I was very surprised to find 2 carrying bags containing the dingy and then all the floor boards and other items. Very impressed!!! But the best part was the actual customer service I received. After answering a question I had about my purchase, my customer service representative answered a completely non related question and then sent me links to further answer my question… immediately!!! He was above great!!! So I will say that so far my experience with this company has exceeded my expectations… by a lot!!! Next I will un pack the dingy and hope the quality is as good! Thank you,John
Reviewed by John P.
on February 6, 2023
Verified buyer
Great Inflatable Dinghy
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Pros:- Very stable with 18in tubes. I can fish while standing on the boat with another friend in the boat and we all feel very safe.- The boat is made very well. I can see a lot of attention went into the details and construction of the boat. - Boat looks really nice.- Great vessel for fishing, camping, runabouts, and river floating trips!- 20-25 minute set up time (Same or less time compared to putting a kayak or canoe in my car)- packable- Bag is a foldover system that makes packing the boat up really easy. Simply lay the boat on the middle of the boat bag. The bag looks like a + sign when laid out. Simply fold two flaps over and tighten the straps. Then repeat.Cleaning- Unfortunately, this is a little more cleaning than my canoe as I store this inside my apartment. Of course, you will have to clean any dinghy from any company. The positive side to this is the boat will last for many years if I continue to take care of it this way. Storage- Fits in a 6ft long closet that is about 3.5-4ft deep. Able to place all accessories in the closet as well. The downside (for any inflatable boat)- It is annoying to clean after use. I store this in my house. More maintenance than a canoe.Overall- Great option for boaters that live in apartments, RVers, van lifers, traditional use at a marina, or as a safety boat on a larger vessel. I would recommend it to a friend.
Reviewed by Tripp P.
on October 31, 2022
My purchase
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
It was wonderful. The packing was excellent. One of the paddles has been damaged in shipping and was crushed. I immediately got a replacement at no charge
Reviewed by John Michael M.
on May 17, 2022
Verified buyer
Our new Dana Inflatable
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Everything was great. delivery on time. assembly easy.
Reviewed by robert L.
on May 16, 2022
Verified buyer
Great Inflatable Dinghy
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Pros:- Very stable with 18in tubes. I can fish while standing on the boat with another friend in the boat and we all feel very safe.- The boat is made very well. I can see a lot of attention went into the details and construction of the boat. - Boat looks really nice.- Great vessel for fishing, camping, runabouts, and river floating trips!- 20-25 minute set up time (Same or less time compared to putting a kayak or canoe in my car)- packable- Bag is a foldover system that makes packing the boat up really easy. Simply lay the boat on the middle of the boat bag. The bag looks like a + sign when laid out. Simply fold two flaps over and tighten the straps. Then repeat.Cleaning- Unfortunately, this is a little more cleaning than my canoe as I store this inside my apartment. Of course, you will have to clean any dinghy from any company. The positive side to this is the boat will last for many years if I continue to take care of it this way. Storage- Fits in a 6ft long closet that is about 3.5-4ft deep. Able to place all accessories in the closet as well. The downside (for any inflatable boat)- It is annoying to clean after use. I store this in my house. More maintenance than a canoe.Overall- Great option for boaters that live in apartments, RVers, van lifers, traditional use at a marina, or as a safety boat on a larger vessel. I would recommend it to a friend.
Reviewed by Jameson G.
on November 2, 2021
Replacement Dana Inflatable
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Very good. I had a problem with a leak in my inflatable and Newport Vessels provided a replacement in an expeditious manner. They stood by their warranty and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking any of their products.
Reviewed by Joseph B.
on September 2, 2021
Verified buyer
II's more than a 'boat'!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The clear difference between Newport Vessels and everyone else is customer support and service --- and that's where Newport Vessels shines; great boats and amazing resources to make your purchase a no-brainer!
Reviewed by DAVID G.
on April 26, 2021
