An inflatable catamaran makes a good family boat: twin pontoons feel steady, the deck is flat and the tubes are soft. Size it by headcount first (the 8 ft is rated for 2 people, the 10 and 12 ft for 4), put every child in a properly fitted, Canadian-approved lifejacket, and start with short trips on calm mornings.
Most people buy a boat so they can spend a summer on the water with the people, and the dog, they like most. An inflatable catamaran is a good fit for that. The twin pontoons give a steady feel, the deck is flat and wide, and soft tubes are kinder to bare feet and paws than a hard gunwale. Rover Marine’s founder says on our product page that he runs his own boat with his wife, his 5-year-old and his dog Frank.
Here is how to make family days easy and safe. For the bigger picture on choosing a boat, see our inflatable catamaran buyer’s guide.
Size the boat by headcount first
Each Battle Cat has two ratings: people and total weight. The 8 ft is rated for 2 people and 600 lb, the 10 ft and 12 ft for 4 people, at 1000 lb and 1200 lb. The weight includes the dog, the motor and battery, the cooler and the PFDs.
| Your crew | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Two adults and a 70 lb dog | 10 ft | The 8 ft can take the weight, but the 10 ft gives the dog room to lie down |
| Two adults and two kids | 10 ft | Rated for 4 people and 1000 lb |
| Two adults, two kids, a dog and a cooler | 12 ft | Same 4-person rating, more weight capacity and deck space |
| Grandparents and three grandkids | Two trips | Five people is over every Battle Cat rating |
Our size guide goes deeper. When in doubt between two sizes for a family, size up unless carrying it is the main problem.
Lifejackets: get the fit right
By law you need an approved lifejacket or PFD that fits each person aboard. For kids, fit is everything. Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide says to buy a Canadian-approved device and look for:
- A large collar for head support
- Waist ties or elastic gathers in front and back
- A safety strap between the legs so it can’t slip over the head
- Buckles on the safety straps, and reflective tape
- A snug fit that does not ride up over the chin or ears. More than 7.6 cm between the shoulders and the device means it is too big
Three more rules from the guide. There are no approved lifejackets or PFDs for infants under 9 kg (20 lb). Inflatable PFDs are not allowed for anyone under 16. And children should always wear a lifejacket and be within arm’s reach. Transport Canada encourages everyone, adults included, to wear one every time. Kids copy what you do.
Early and late in the season, dress for the water temperature, not the air. Read more on choosing lifejackets and PFDs from Transport Canada.
Brief the crew before you leave the dock
- Where everyone sits, and that we sit down while the motor is running.
- How to board: one at a time, low, a hand on the boat.
- Where the safety gear is and how it works. The guide asks you to tell everyone where it is and show them.
- What to do if someone goes in: shout, point, keep eyes on them, motor in neutral.
Clip the kill switch lanyard to whoever is driving. For the legal side, read our guide to boating laws for inflatable boats in Canada.
Who gets to drive
Teenagers love driving the boat. Transport Canada’s limits for drivers under 16 without direct supervision: under 12, motors up to 10 hp (7.5 kW); 12 to 15, up to 40 hp (30 kW). Direct supervision means someone 16 or older in the boat who has proof of competency. Every driver, at any age, needs their own proof of competency, such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (Transport Canada).
Dogs aboard
- A dog lifejacket with a grab handle on top. The handle is how you lift a wet dog back aboard
- Trimmed nails, and a towel or mat where the dog likes to sit
- Fresh water and a bowl, and shade (a Bimini helps a lot)
- A few practice sessions boarding from the dock before the first real trip
- A plan for the bathroom: short trips, or a beach stop
Be honest about the ladder. A rope ladder is for people. Most dogs cannot climb one, so plan to lift them by the lifejacket handle, with a second person steadying the boat. Keep hooks, knives and anything sharp stowed where paws and tubes can’t find them. If something does get scuffed, the repair kit is in the box.
Swim stops, done right
- Pick calm, sheltered water and anchor where you can see the bottom contours or know the depth.
- Turn the motor off and pull the kill switch before anyone goes in.
- Clip on a rope ladder. Transport Canada says never to use the motor or its mounting brackets to climb back aboard.
- One adult stays aboard and keeps everyone in sight.
- Near shore, remember the 10 km/h limit within 30 m of shore in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the inland waters of BC and Nova Scotia (Safe Boating Guide). Swimmers are why it exists.
Shade and snacks
A Bimini sized to your boat and a couple of clamp-on cup holders turn the deck into a floating picnic. Pack more water than you think, sunscreen for everyone, and a dry bag for phones and car keys. Our accessories guide has the rest.
Plan for the wind, start small
On big BC lakes like Okanagan, the wind often comes up in the afternoon. Go out in the morning, stay closer to shore with little kids, and turn around before anyone is cold or tired. First trips should be short and boring in the best way: calm water, an easy beach, home for lunch. Build up from there.
“What a beast of a boat! Huge tubes, and quality components.”Michael S., verified buyer, Battle Cat 12 ft
“They were super helpful and expedient.”Deanna Kneeshaw, Google review
Not sure which size fits your crew? Call us at 1-800-399-5260 and tell us who is coming aboard, including the dog. Then have a look at the Battle Cat 10 ft, the size most families start with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an inflatable catamaran safe for kids?
With a properly fitted, Canadian-approved lifejacket on every child, an adult within arm’s reach, calm conditions and a crew briefing before you leave, it is a good family boat. Follow Transport Canada’s rules and start with short trips.
Can dogs ride on an inflatable boat?
Yes. Use a dog lifejacket with a grab handle, trim nails, put down a mat or towel, and bring water and shade. Practise boarding at the dock first.
Will dog claws damage an inflatable boat?
Trim your dog’s nails and give them a mat or towel to sit on to protect the tubes and deck. Every Battle Cat comes with a repair kit in case something does get scuffed.
How do I know if my child’s lifejacket fits?
It should fit snugly and not ride up over the chin or ears. Transport Canada says more than 7.6 cm between the child’s shoulders and the device means it is too big.
Can my child wear an inflatable PFD?
No. Transport Canada does not allow inflatable PFDs for anyone under 16. Choose a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD sized for your child.
How many people fit on a Battle Cat?
The 8 ft is rated for 2 people and 600 lb. The 10 ft and 12 ft are rated for 4 people, at 1000 lb and 1200 lb, including the dog, motor and gear.
Can my teenager drive the boat alone?
Youth aged 12 to 15 without direct supervision may operate a boat with a motor up to 40 hp (30 kW), and they need their own proof of competency, such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Related Canadian Board Co. guides and gear
Find the right boat for your crew
All three Battle Cat sizes, with capacity and specs on each page.
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