$500 Costco Boat Unboxing & Setup

While shopping at Costco we noticed a $500 inflatable dinghy so we decided to see if it's any good. So today we are unboxing, setting up, and testing this Tobin Sports inflatable boat made by Bestway. We will slap a 6.0 HP Hangkai outboard motor on her and see how she runs on the water.
Amazon Links to Products Used:
Air Pump: amzn.to/3pJLEK5
Hangkai Outboard: amzn.to/3B4ZesV
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow us @hufflergarage on:
Instagram: / hufflergarage
TikTok: / hufflergarage
Twitter: / hufflergarage
Facebook: / hufflergarage
www.hufflergarage.com
© 2023 HGM Productions LLC. All Rights Reserved.
0:00 Intro
0:21 Unboxing
3:39 Floor
10:30 Seats
11:12 Inflation
15:09 Thoughts, Overview, & Launch
16:28 Oars
18:32 Motor Install
20:02 Water Test
22:05 Final Thoughts/Outro

[@mrw3334]

Every time he says…ALRIGHT….I took a drink….got pretty drunk lol

[@Motorhead-hm5jq]

I didn't look through all the comments, but I'll share one thing with you my father taught me 55 years ago with my first jon boat. When mounting the motor you put the bow in the water first with the stern barely resting on the shore. Then you can mount the motor standing on dry ground and not risk dropping it in the water by stepping on some unforseen obstacle on the bottom. Then you lift the back of the boat up, slide it into the water about a foot and spin the boat around. I think he figured that out after my drunken grandfather dropped a 5hp Johnson through the bottom of his hand built boat! By the way, my father never drank alcohol - I think that was a double life lesson...

[@davidfoster3427]

He also seems to be adverse to reading the instructions first. Typical male behavior

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

​@@davidfoster3427REQUIRED male behavior.

[@rolltide9173]

@@davidfoster3427. Lol….youre offended. Classic

[@robertdewald8781]

I think he did it okay..

[@robertdewald8781]

@@davidfoster3427 looks to me like he has done this before and I would have done the same.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

I think the most important rule for inflatables is DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN THE SUN, while fully inflated -- as the temperature of the air inside rises, the air expands, and can pop a seam or hole. Conversely, after you put it into the water, the temperature of the air inside will decrease (from the cold water) and it will appear to lose pressure (so you should have a manual pump on board to put more air in).

[@Al-vy3zp]

WRONG!!!

[@MonicaHolly143]

U think it will pop a hole just becuz of being in the sun ??? 😂 u clearly dont know much about inflatable then 😂. Those can be run through by trucks and will not pop

[@ChrisG9978]

A decent quality dinghy should not puncture unless you seriously abuse it or take a knife to it. Inflate it to the recommended PSI and it should be good in any weather conditions. I've run my Saturn FCB290 over rocks in rivers and creeks with no problems whatsoever, and am going into my 3rd season, zero issues. The Tobin Sports model however does not appear to have heat welded seams which will limit its durability.

[@brucemontgomery6853]

I don’t know jack about this subject but seeing you inflate/ deflate especially after the seat thing, made me question this video/ you

[@robertberry8928]

I've been buying inflateable dingys for 25 years, this has been the best value for the last 3 years and still going strong for this season. And it still fits in the burrito bag.

[@SteveFelt67]

Will the floor withstand a dogs feet?

[@Lambert-hr7sm]

@@SteveFelt67 with trimmed claws I don’t see why not. My girlfriends little cousin took the inflated floor while we weren’t paying attention and dragged it over concrete for a few minutes, no damage other than some light scuff marks. No leaks.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

@@SteveFelt67 Get yourself a carpet 'remnant' for cheap, from a carpet store, and cut it out, to protect the inflatable floor. You could also use something more waterproof, like the green astroturf carpet from Home Depot or wherever.

[@HufflerGarage]

We rode a dog around in it with no problems: kzbin.infoESI-ExJ7ByQ

[@CS-uc2oh]

That man bun made you forget about that valve...

[@VeronicaSchneider305]

Thanks for making this video; I needed it! Your good vibe is also appreciated, so I'm subscribing. The video is straightforward, informative, with no annoying music-very nice to watch! 🎉

[@Moe-pu8ns]

I'm so glad that you got right to it,as far as opening and setting up without a lot of Talking 🗣️

[@michaelmcmullin2093]

Just bought this boat so thanks for the video showing how to set it up!

[@HufflerGarage]

Glad we could help! Thanks for watching and enjoy the boat!

[@oxyfee6486]

My wife works in returns at Costco, she said they haven’t had any returned, that’s always a sign of the quality.

[@eddycolumbusohio6063]

Finally something everyone can afford

[@andystoybox1723]

They look fun ! 😊😊👍🏻👍🏻

[@darabu.julhaz6955]

Really very good value for your money.. also, excellent video demonstration 👍

[@AlbertMoyerJr]

A great value for what the company is selling. Impressive in this day and time.

[@HufflerGarage]

Have to agree since it costs about half of what we paid for our other inflatables and it's fairly similar in quality.

[@trxntroll843]

Yeah you can get one of these or a pack of hotdogs, buns, ketchup and mustard…same price.

[@farzana6676]

​@HufflerGarage What if I buy a $200 inflatable raft and put an electric trolling motor on there? Please can you tell me the drawbacks of this suggested setup compared to what you have in the video.

[@AlbertMoyerJr]

I am not the owner of that boat by I can suggest the differences. The battery to power the trolling motor will add more weight. Also, if the trolling motor is under powered it may be very slow. Rafts have a lot of drag. Torqeedo motors are nice electric motors, but I have steered clear of them because of the need for multiple batteries to power them and that adds a ton of weight to the boat. I hope this helps. @@farzana6676

[@karltraveldude7817]

super views , thank you for sharing ! Enjoy ....

[@tayeblondon]

thank you for sharing with us, i enjoyed the video, cheers

[@jbreefer148]

Nice to see you back and I miss your videos. This boat is very similar to my Saturn SD-385 boat.

[@HufflerGarage]

Great to hear from you again. Hopefully we'll be back to posting fairly regularly again. How's the Hangkai holding up?

[@desert-walker]

For some dumb reason I thought the motor came with it lol I was ready to go out and buy one but very nice😊

[@kurtschreihart7424]

The motor is what costs the money. They can get $2800 for a 15 hp Mercury these days. You need a 2 stroke (gas oil mix) for these because the 4 stroke motors are too heavy to be portable if you take it around in your trunk. Plus I would go with a 12 foot or bigger inflatable so you can use a bigger motor (up to 25 hp) but 15 hp is just fine unless you are on the ocean and need to more fast. With the larger motors you would have to keep it set up and trailor it like a hard hull boat. A 15 hp is still doable as a trunk portable set up boat if it is a 2 stroke motor. You can buy dolly wheels for these boats so you can hand launch them in the water too. I have been using these all my life on Lake Michigan.

[@tomsmith476]

​@kurtschreihart7424 thank you good to know how is fish on them

[@cindyreid6404]

The Hangkai outboards are cheap but, run well. This video shows it in action, follow the break-in instructions and you'll be fine. I personally thought a 6 hp was a bit much for this inflatable considering it's not a rib hard bottom, fiberglass hull. This boat is not designed for speed, she's a slow cruiser. Have fun!

[@Moe-pu8ns]

Don't feel bad,I did to😅

[@tampaps324]

Same here...

[@markeaston7353]

Excellent video review thanks. I found this very helpful.

[@glenncollins4778]

Aahrahtt!

[@allisone8]

great video. thank you

[@1woksape606]

Very nice video, thank you..

[@Joanne-gt1bo]

Thanks for showing 👌

[@HufflerGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@survivalhealthandhealingtv5651]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@larryboles629]

OUTSTANDING!! Costco got a homerun here.

[@loadthebowl]

until it sinks

[@kurtschreihart7424]

@@loadthebowl I owned these type of boats all my life, these boats have three main chambers, the keel and the high pressure floor. Never had a problem. Most sail boats have these so they can go to shore when there is no marina to handle the size of their boat ON THE OCEAN. These are very stable. If you buy a name brand like Zodiac, there might be a slight quality advantage. Put a 15 h.p. Mercury on one of these and go alone and you be flying like a wave runner.

[@JohnSteedman]

@@loadthebowl 2

[@thefisherman6000_USA]

That if this one last. Lol

[@Dirtyswiff]

Great job

[@jerrymiller276]

When you launched the boat I found myself cringing, wondering it the bow line hanging down there in the water was going to end up uncoiling itself and wrap in the prop! Kudos to the manufacturer for ensuring it was secure.

[@timarcher5695]

Me too. I prefer to cut the line short so it can't reach the prop.

[@rainerg2226]

Das ist doch für den Preis interessantes Boot . Danke für das Video .

[@oxyfee6486]

Wife works at Costco, said they haven’t had any come back, that’s a good sign.👍

[@bertram46]

I'm curious as an employee of Costco what type of a discount do they give you on food and other purchases if I may be so personal

[@oxyfee6486]

@@bertram46 Actually employees pay the same as customers, no breaks, she also has to buy a membership. However as a employee she is paid really well, I’m in Ontario Canada, they are paid bonuses based on sales as well as shares in the company. Have a great day.

[@bertram46]

@@oxyfee6486 hi thank you for responding I was just curious and I'm thinking about maybe working there part-time just to kill some time and I've heard nothing but good things about the company with their employees. Very fair. All the best Steve from Naples Florida

[@MikeR65]

@@bertram46The one my brother works in if you are not hispanic you aren’t treated well.

[@BrankoFlyFish]

Excellent.

[@darrencorrigan8505]

Thanks, Huffler Garage.

[@jimm8246]

Not bad for a very light craft. For fair weather skippers. Wouldn't recommend taking it out in big waters or windy days with chop.

[@HodgdonH110]

Did that once before my electric pump - hand pumped with 15PSI in my SUP I'd left the valve down - never again haha

[@patrickholcomb9628]

THANK YOU!, for making many GOOGAN mistakes and not editing them out!!! (I actually appreciate that!) [and the tampon vehicle &-Pink board shorts. Totally desperate points of interest .]

[@UncaDave]

Neat boat for sure! Your little car looks pretty snappy too!

[@1FishinAddict]

Those been around for over 20yrs under different named and colors, it's a beginners fun boat for sure

[@pilotarix]

This thing is almost identically with our dinghy which is a low cost Zodiac 310 with inflatable floor. So not bad for the price, this is half the price of the Zodiac. If it holds up to the elements for a couple of years it seems to be a good deal. We use a three hp e-propulsion electric engine which is plenty to go through the marina.

[@viewtx8233]

Your e-propulsion electric engine is charged mostly by fossil fuels used at the power station. About 95% mostly.

[@markeaston7353]

Hey glad that I stumbled upon your comment. I bought this boat recently and have decided on the ePropulsion Spirit Plus. Which shaft length did you choose and are you happy with it? Thanks.

[@pilotarix]

We had the propulsion motor before the inflatable dinghy. We bought it as auxiliary propulsion for an 18-foot open sailboat. Therefore, it has a long shaft, which works but is not ideal. I would guess that for our Zodiac dinghy, the short shaft would be the way to go. If I would buy the motor for this specific dinghy I would go with the short shaft. However, there are charts from e-propulsion showing what shaft lengths to choose in regard to the transom height.@@markeaston7353

[@iandennis7836]

​@@viewtx8233so is your phone and your laptop etc, so your point actually is?

[@jackmoorow1958]

Nice, I love it ❤

[@thomaskim3128]

Wow! I'm gonna need one to go with my Model Y. Soon I can casually tell everyone I own a boat. lol...

[@vinhha6073]

You live right the river its beautiful ..!! The pump i had like you had.. nice pump 🤓🤓

[@cindyreid6404]

I inflate the floor last. 6 hp will move on out. Thank you for the info.

[@Seafariireland]

Handy boat!

[@brownnoise357]

Credit where it’s due, this is the best unboxing and setup inflatable boat review I’ve seen yet and I’ve been looking at a lot of them - I’m looking for an inflatable a bit bigger than the one in this video to be my pickup truck / Tender/ workhorse for my next sailboat, and my favourite local company here in the UK doesn’t appear to do similar introduction videos, which really Sucks. . PS I really liked seeing what that air pump is capable of. I need one of those big time. 👍👍👍🌟🌟❤️Bob in Wales. 🤔⛵️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@robertdewald8781]

yes, I like the pump as well. He just dials in the pressure required, very cool..

[@arrepuess]

Them mistakes and how you handled it was funny. Good watch… good job.

[@Morrisfactor]

My first inflatable was a 16' Avon in 1964. I've owned half a dozen since then, including three Hypalon RIB models right now (used as dinghies for my sailboats). I have to say this Tobin appears to be a nice little PVC material boat for a couple of people. The bottom is rather flat so the boat will pound when there are waves, as opposed to a more "V" shaped model so it is better suited for lakes or rivers. The PVC fabric will be lighter in weight and less durable than boats made from Hypalon and more affected by sunlight so be careful not to drag it up on the rocks or beaches and store in under a tarp (or in a garage). But gosh, the price is a quarter of a similar sized Hypalon boat. I think it is an exceptional value!

[@squatchymusings4421]

I love it when Zach Galifianakis does these low key comedy bits. 😆

[@darrincoy9361]

Nice survival boat

[@survivalhealthandhealingtv5651]

THIS LOOKS LIKE WHAT WE USED FOR LIFEGUARDING RESCUES AT LAKE SILVERWOOD IN CALIFORNIA!

[@pacman5511]

Nice I’m trynna go this month

[@Jose-ce4vq]

Wow with a motor that’s cool

[@TriNguyen-zf3pp]

Very nice

[@mgmg77867]

Pretty cool!

[@DAAAFARM]

Awesome

[@georgewarner7292]

Do you know you’ll never get it back in that bag right

[@dustinj7650]

actually the bag works pretty good. The straps are sturdy and hold well so makes it easy to pull tight and collapse the boat.

[@mrdanger4851]

Is that why the folks that live in the country that made it are always squinting ?

[@YMH420s]

Why not?

[@stevestretch6052]

Who cares

[@keep-your-hope]

I honestly wouldn't get in that boat unless there were a spare boat inside.

[@rosco8720]

Just imagine the fun instore for you trying to get the boat back into it's nice tight carrying bag

[@HufflerGarage]

Easy peasy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYe6c2eEfsiCoqM

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Honestly, it looks like they made the bag large enough to actually put the boat back inside. Genius!

[@chrisrichardson4899]

I got one of those about 5 years ago, was stored inside always. Was great for a year, by end of year 2 all the glued on parts started coming off, by year 2.5 I was tired of trying to glue them back on. The tubes held up well however, but that was it. Threw it out.

[@chrisrichardson4899]

by pads, I mean the oar, hand grip, and the transom , the harder stuff where glued

[@BIHaole]

Wow! We live in Hawaii and my wife wears her hair just like you!

[@bigdaddy3662]

Just got done modifying mine, reinforced the transom with particle board and that allowed me to put twin Merc 150's on it for ocean going redundancy. Added a small cabin with bed and TV for ocean crossings and two 5 gallon gas cans. See you in Hawaii.

[@bigdaddy3662]

Quick update: having some stability issues between 35 and 50 knots, the good news is I'm hitting 50 at 2700rpm with one engine off which is great for conserving fuel.

[@bertram46]

What no tuna Tower?

[@bertram46]

​@@bigdaddy3662why didn't you install a seakeeper you must be an amateur

[@Bill23799]

Gilligan!!!!!!!!

[@OOICU812]

@@Bill23799lil buddy!

[@issaclink7435]

Fantastic 😀😀😀😀😀

[@F-N-C]

That is a dope little raft

[@ronnaveau4801]

Speaking of dope,,it's a great cartel smuggling dingy 😂😂😂

[@retropalooza]

Had same one in Maine. Recalled it due to a glue issue, took 4 months for a replacement. Returned to manufacturer at my expense careful stay shallow

[@mikewiser9872]

Very good job of demonstrating how to get this boat in the water. I am sure I would have made more mistakes than you.did! Well done for the average person without a lifetime of experience on the water.

[@rgm1869]

What is the manufacturer of the electric pump you used and is the fitting universal to other rafts?

[@aaronli1488]

Does this boat use a different valve than stand up paddleboards and inflatable kayaks? My electric pump isn't working with it and I'm trying to figure out which adapter I'm supposed to be using.

[@ProtestingJoe]

Good review! Where was this filmed?

[@jeff022889]

Good sailboat dingy

[@edwinsokoloff8771]

Great presentation showing prep for the new dinghy!!! you forgot to put on a life jacket which is a requirement

[@prai20]

Nice! I would love to have one

[@robertdewald8781]

I have a Colorado XT, 9' pontoon boat but this one sets up faster. I like it better. Thanks for the video! very cool.. Oh yea, I have an electric motor on mine. A Minn Kota Endura C2 30lbs Thrust 12Volt with a 30" Shaft. Powered by my Deep Cycle Battery.

[@alanpeirce4548]

Great video I tried to find where you got that inflator at but I could not see it on any of your videos

[@dccooper1211]

I was so worried about that bow line lol... Be safe out there on the water!

[@danielweeks3723]

treat any inflatable like it's fragile. $500 or $5000. Welded seams on these plastic boats tend to fare better than glued ones. Doc (over 30 years pro experience)

[@robertfrederick9061]

I know this is silly to ask but do you have a method of securing the OB motor screw in handles to the transom so they don't inadvertently loosen while the boat is running? To many this is common sense but I have seen OB's slip off transoms of small craft operated by seasoned boaters who meant to do that later.

[@HufflerGarage]

We usually put a small padlock to link them together and run a safety cable to catch the motor in the event it were to come off.

[@jinxycat1964]

I'm sure someone already asked but what was the brand of the electric pump you used in your video? You may have mentioned it but I missed it. Thanks in advance

[@Namean765]

Nice video! Where did you order the Motor and how much was it?

[@JustMe-js8vc]

If I remember correctly, I got mine for around $200 on sale at Costco

[@jscottchrist5178]

Waiting for my boats arrival. Have you tried inflating the boats floor before installing the inflatable floor?

[@user-cq1uo8nm4d]

Wow, thanks, 👍 San Juan Puerto Rico Bay to martin peña inlet here i come!! ⛱️🐠🌴

[@AURoger1946]

What kind of air pump are you using? Thank you

[@scottsyoutubeworld1824]

Wow that boat looks great! And at a great price! Now that you've had it for a little while, can you tell us if it is too good to be true, or if it is still working out great? Thanks for the video!

[@vickiwilcox133]

Decent review. And the boat looks very sturdy and like a great value. This is my first time watching your channel and I stumbled on it randomly. I guess a helpful critique for future ‘unboxing/set-up/review’ type videos would be to follow the manufacturer’s instructions so people know the intended set up from said manufacturer. I know most of us don’t like reading the instructions, myself included, but many re-dos and sometimes mistakes can be avoided. And, if manufacturer’s representatives see your reviews they would be more apt to reach out to you (for sponsorship, etc.) if their intended instructions were being followed. Additionally, I like that electric pump you have. What brand is it? And lastly, I agree with the last comment… that thing will never go back in the case. 😂

[@bradcoons6336]

Safety First.....Life jacket. IJS. Great looking boat though.

[@StansOutdoorAdventures]

Hi great vidoe 👍 do you have to use a short shaft motor for them boats?

[@HufflerGarage]

We're running a short shaft on it.

[@fishesfromtupperware]

Thanks! That looks like a brilliant buy! Seemingly dumb question but does it hold air? My MOST favorite kayak was an inflatable that did everything I wanted...except hold air. It was from a fairly reputable company (Sevylor) and had bladder issues from day one. Really nice boat! But inflatables gotta stay inflated!

[@jackshittle]

While it's no Boston Whaler it does seem pretty cool for what it is. I wouldn't take that through the Point Pleasant Canal though.

[@demarcomartin1956]

Great price for a small community pond or lake

[@chrischutikorn1807]

Good luck getting it back in the bag

[@HufflerGarage]

It fits back in the bag quite easily: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYe6c2eEfsiCoqM

[@fredrespess7475]

That s Kool

[@ChrisG9978]

The Tobin Sports rafts look a lot like the old Saturn inflatables...their older models did not have heat-welded seams, everything was glued. Some of the items included inside are identical to what comes packaged with Saturn inflatable boats, down to the orange canister with the patch kit materials. Benches/oars/floor are all identical. Likely the same Korean company manufacturing these. The Saturns do use a better-quality PVC, and all the seams on Saturn inflatables are heat-welded (instead of glued). Saturn inflatables also cost twice as much but you get what you pay for with the higher-durability German Heytex PVC. I always inflate the floor inside the raft, and fully inflate the raft after the floor is all set. The floor should center properly if it's inflated inside the raft. Benches definitely have to be in place before the side chambers are fully inflated to 3.5 PSI. For $500 not a bad deal at all, a fun and fast dinghy especially with a 6-12HP outboard on the back. I wouldn't advise taking the Tobin model on any body of water where rocks or sticks are an issue.

[@FMB123]

I like to use Flat-out in any blow up boat. It prevents leaks even in the water.

[@user-ot1kk5zu2z]

My front operation kit is very suitable for this product

[@RyanMPLS]

Wish I noticed that the HIN was on the box. I took it out and unfolded to get HIN off the plate. Think they like to see a pic of it here (MN) anyway so it might save me a second trip having the pic.

[@jovannyflores9422]

I kept fast forwarding it. It comes with the engine ??

[@brianr2941]

Looks like a good pick! Anything you’ve found that would make you not buy it again?

[@dustinj7650]

for me, its a bit tight on space. Great for bringing 1 adult out...had 3 kids in it with beach and fishing gear and we were fully loaded

[@HufflerGarage]

So far, for the price and how we plan to use it (sailboat tender), we think it will work out great. The quality is similar to the BRIS boats, maybe just a small step down.

[@davidrivero7943]

You will never get it back in the box , all neat & folded. Looks decent .

[@HufflerGarage]

Easy peasy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYe6c2eEfsiCoqM

[@rustyshackleford6791]

Hi. What brand motor are You using and how much are they?

[@25Patman]

How do you think that boat would do with a 30lb thrust trolling motor instead of the gas engine? Good enough for Lakes and Resevoir fishing?

[@tomcoryell]

I have a very similar one. I think it would do fine. I just use the oars and it moves very easily through the water.

[@MrDenis7p]

What is the air pump called? Where can we get one?

[@koalajs]

Rebranded HydroForce by Bestway plastics. Had one and lasted many years and still looked new when I sold the thing. No less or better than many pvc boats out there and Costco sells these every year here in the UK for similar price. Bargain

[@HufflerGarage]

Yep. If you can find this one at Costco, it's usually cheaper than the HydroForce.

[@terryreeder-ls4yw]

Is this boat made of PVC or hypalon? If it’s not Hypalon first rough dock or rocky beach and you will be using those patches. We have had an Achilles as a dingy in CA on Catalina Island for 25 years and it is still in good shape.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Whatever it's made of, people should have a 'real' patch kit and know how to use it. If a patch kit is included, throw it away and get a real one.

[@willywonka8730]

Hypalon is a superior material and dependable. However, my West Marine PVC held up for many years. I do prefer the inflatable floor insert over the boards I have.

[@HufflerGarage]

It's PVC. We have a few other PVC boats and have run them up on barnacles and broken glass with no issues.

[@JoeMicalizziMPC]

For those of you asking about the air pump and outboard motor, he posts links to both in the Description.

[@blaiseeltine9516]

nice boat, sweet bun

[@ubeuonly]

THE HAIR LOOKS R I D I CU L O U S

[@tomfuelery2905]

Are "man" buns still a thing?

[@NipponStiqqyPaint]

Projecting B A L D energy

[@midjo6143]

It’s not a man, but he’s a part-time Boatsman, and a part-time amateur sumo wrestler

[@Oracle-fz5pr]

nice video. Can you please tell me the motor attached to this boat? and where did you buy it from?

[@victorperrotta4007]

Nice video! Is that sailboat in the background your boat?

[@HufflerGarage]

Yes it is! We need to make a video of it sometime.