For years, I’ve fished from kayaks and tested just about every type of small watercraft. But recently, I’ve been asking myself a big question: are kayaks dead? With the rise of new inflatable fishing skiffs that cost a fraction of a premium kayak, it’s worth finding out.
In this review, I put the Saturn Fishing Skiff (around $500) to the test. I’ll walk through the unboxing, setup, and my first day on the water with a motor strapped to the back. We’ll look at how it compares to fishing kayaks in terms of stability, portability, customization, and overall performance.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should buy another kayak or try one of these new skiffs, this review will help you decide.
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First Impressions: Unboxing the Saturn Fishing Skiff
I’ve been curious about whether skiffs like this could really compete with kayaks, so I picked up the Saturn Fishing Skiff for around $500. When I unboxed it, I was impressed right away. The canvas carry bag was heavy-duty, way better than the cheap zipper bags a lot of inflatables come in. Inside, it had:
- A manual pump
- Paddles
- Transom mount for a motor
- Cam buckle straps
- A fin and repair kit
- Track mounts for accessories
The build quality exceeded my expectations for the price. The bottom even had rubber strips for extra protection, and the deck was ready for customization.
👉 Check the 13ft Skiff I used here: 13ft Saturn Fishing Skiff
👉 There’s also a 12ft version available: 12ft Skiff
Inflation and Setup
The skiff is rated for 15 PSI, which is higher than most inflatables I’ve used. I could have used the included manual pump, but honestly, I always recommend grabbing a compact electric pump to save time and energy. (That’s what I used here.)
Once inflated, the skiff felt semi-rigid and surprisingly sturdy. Attaching the transom and cam straps for the motor mount was quick and simple — and the boat was ready for customization.
Adding Power: Newport NT300 Motor
I wanted to see how this skiff performed under power, so I mounted the Newport NT300 electric outboard motor. It’s lightweight, comes in at about 3 horsepower, and paired with the Newport battery it was a clean, quiet setup.
👉 Newport Electric Motor & Battery: Check it out here — use discount code kayakdiy for 10% off.
The battery is Bluetooth-enabled, waterproof (IP67), and let me monitor run times straight from my phone. For a budget-friendly setup, this combination worked better than I expected.
Rigging the Deck
One of my favorite things about this skiff is how much of a blank slate it is. I strapped on some simple lawn chairs, added a fin, and we were ready to go. The D-rings and track mounts mean you can set it up however you want — rod holders, coolers, or even extra seating.
It really felt like Legos for boaters. You can build it out as simple or as complex as you want, and that makes it a fun project platform.
On-Water Performance
Out on the water, the skiff blew me away:
- Stability: I was able to stand, sit, and even go over waves without feeling tippy.
- Speed: With the NT300, it cruised fast enough for fishing or exploring.
- Maneuverability: It handled well for an inflatable, and with a paddle it felt similar to an inflatable SUP.
- Durability: I even tested it against oysters along my seawall, and it held up fine.
For around $500, this thing doesn’t just compete — it changes the game.
👉 Don’t forget about batteries: I recommend LiTime Lithium Batteries — use code KayakDIY for 6% off.
Final Verdict: Is the $500 Skiff a Kayak Killer?
After testing the Saturn Fishing Skiff, I can honestly say it’s one of the most budget-friendly and versatile platforms I’ve ever been on.
- If you love kayaks for their simplicity and portability, this skiff gives you that same experience — but with more deck space and customization options.
- With a motor, it feels closer to a mini boat than a kayak, but still stays affordable and easy to store.
- At just around $500, it’s hard to argue with the value.
Does it mean kayaks are dead? Not quite — kayaks still have their place, especially if you’re into pedal drives or prefer a smaller footprint. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, customizable alternative, this skiff might just be the future.
Shop the Gear From This Review
- 🛶 13ft Saturn Fishing Skiff
- 🛶 12ft Saturn Skiff (smaller version)
- ⚡ Newport NT300 Electric Motor & Battery – use code kayakdiy for 10% off
- 🎣 AutoBoat GPS Trolling Motor System – discount code KAYAKDIY
- 🔋 LiTime Lithium Batteries – 6% off with code KayakDIY
📺 Watch Next
Curious how this compares to pedal kayaks?
👉 Check out my review of the $800 Saturn Pedal Kayak vs $3000 Hobie iTrek
