Inflatable Water Hammock Comparison: Avalon Pad vs. Sunchill vs. BOTE:
Compare the Best Mesh Water Platforms
The best mesh water floats combine comfortable lounging with features that suit how you spend time on the water. In this water hammock comparison, we explore how the Further Customs 878 Avalon Pad, Sunchill and BOTE differ in shape, mesh construction, sidewall thickness, weight and features. Whether you want a lightweight float for easy carrying or a padded platform to extend your boat’s lounging space, this guide helps you choose.
Consider Thickness, Mesh Type & Shape
The Avalon Pad combines a rectangular shape for positioning flush alongside a boat with 8-inch sidewalls and a fully fused mesh perimeter. Sunchill and BOTE offer round layouts with springier, trampoline-style laced mesh. BOTE shares Avalon’s 8-inch thickness, while Sunchill has a lower 5-inch profile. These differences influence boarding, back support and lounging comfort, helping you choose the platform that suits your setup.
8 Versus 5 Inch Thickness
The Avalon Pad and BOTE water hammock both feature 8-inch sidewalls, compared with Sunchill’s 5-inch design, providing a taller, more comfortable backrest. All else being equal, the added volume increases buoyancy and weight support, helping keep drinks and snacks higher above the waterline. The taller edge can also reduce the step down from a boat or dock, supporting easier entry and exit when properly inflated and secured.
Mesh Construction
The Avalon Pad’s fully fused mesh creates a continuous, gap-free perimeter that helps limit stretching and sagging while reducing openings where jellyfish and debris could enter. Sunchill and BOTE use trampoline-style laced mesh, offering a springier feel but leaving perimeter gaps and allowing more stretch and sag with larger parties.
Rectangle Versus Circle
Choose the rectangular Avalon Pad if you want a water hammock that sits flush alongside your boat, dock or swim platform. Its straight edge minimizes gaps and, when securely attached, helps limit rotation for easier boarding. The round Sunchill and BOTE suit those who prefer gathering around a central lounging area in open water.
EVA Deck Padding
Avalon includes Kraken Traction EVA decking, while BOTE features a textured EVA-covered rim. Both add plush, yoga-mat-like cushioning for sitting, kneeling or resting your arms along the perimeter. EVA helps insulate against surface heat for a more comfortable feel. Its textured finish also improves traction when wet, providing more sure-footed entry and exit from a dock, boat or swim platform. Sunchill’s inflatable border has no separate EVA pad, making cushioned decking a key distinction for those who spend as much time on the edge as in the mesh center.
Weight & Portability
At 18 lbs, Sunchill is the lightest and most portable option, making it especially convenient for carrying to the beach, loading onto a boat or packing away between outings. The BOTE Hangout 7 weighs 30 lbs, while the Avalon Pad weighs 36 lbs. Their added weight comes with thicker sidewalls and cushioned EVA decking, providing a taller backrest, softer seating and improved traction. Choose Sunchill for easy transport, or Avalon and BOTE if padded comfort and perimeter support matter more to your setup.
Compare Water Hammocks
| Specification |
 Avalon Pad |
 Bote Hangout |
 Sunchill |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dimensions & Construction
|
|||
| Thickness | 8" | 8" | 5" |
| Standard Size | 8' x 7' | 7' Diameter | 8' Diameter |
| Shape | Rectangle | Circle | Circle |
| Usable Surface Area | 56 sq ft | 38.5 sq ft | 50.3 sq ft |
| Weight | 36 lbs | 30 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Mesh Design | Fused | Woven | Woven |
| EVA Pad Decking | |||
| Sidewall Durability | 2 Layers + Seam Tape | Single Layer | Single Layer + Seam Tape |
|
Support
|
|||
| Warranty | 3 Years | 2 Years | 5 years |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 60 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days |
|
Features
|
|||
| Re-Entry Handles | |||
| Accessory Mount Type | 1/4" x 20 Universal | Magnepod | Neoprene Drink Holders |
| Accessory Mount Compatibility | Cups, Speakers, Camera, Phone Holder, etc. | Cups & Speakers | Cups |
| Ladder Attachment | |||
Avalon Pad: The Best Water Hammock for Boaters & Families
The Avalon Pad is an ideal water hammock for boaters and families, combining a rectangular shape that fits neatly alongside your vessel with supportive 8-inch sidewalls, cushioned Kraken Traction EVA decking and a fully fused mesh center. D-rings sit on the top corners rather than the sidewalls, keeping metal hardware away from your boat’s fiberglass to help prevent scuffing. Secure it beside your swim platform to create a comfortable extension of your boat’s lounging space for boarding, relaxing and gathering with family and friends.
Ready to browse? Explore the full Further Customs Inflatable Water Hammock Collection or check out our most popular platform, the 878 Avalon Pad.
Best Seller
Experience ultimate comfort on the water with the Avalon Pad Inflatable Mesh Water Hammock—an 8' x 7' floating oasis offering 56 square feet of spacious lounging. The breathable mesh center keeps you cool while suspended in the water, while the 8-inch-thick inflatable sidewalls add volume for sitting dry along the edges or gathering with friends. Built-in handles allow for easy re-entry, and stainless steel D-rings offer secure tie-down points to your boat or dock. Four integrated accessory mounts let you add cup holders, Bluetooth speakers, or other upgrades. Ideal for sandbar parties, lake lounging, or relaxing at the marina.
Premium Materials
Top Pick for Boaters
Built-In Accessory Mounts
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Answers to help you choose the right floating lounge for your boat, family and favorite swimming spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still comparing the Avalon Pad, Sunchill and BOTE? Below, we answer common questions about comfort, portability, mesh construction and boarding to help you decide which inflatable water hammock best suits your days on the water.
Which inflatable water hammock is best for boaters and families?
The Avalon Pad is a strong choice for boaters and families who value cushioned comfort and a rectangular layout that fits neatly alongside a boat or swim platform. Its 8-inch sidewalls, EVA decking and fused mesh center create a comfortable gathering space, while top-mounted D-rings help keep metal hardware away from fiberglass.
Which water hammock is the lightest and easiest to carry?
At approximately 18 lbs, Sunchill is the lightest option in this comparison, followed by the BOTE Hangout 7 at 30 lbs and Avalon Pad at 38 lbs. Sunchill is especially appealing for frequent carrying, while Avalon and BOTE offer thicker borders and cushioned EVA decking.
Is a rectangular or round water hammock better?
A rectangular hammock is especially practical alongside a boat or dock. The Avalon Pad's straight edge minimizes gaps and helps limit rotation when secured at multiple points. Round options like Sunchill and BOTE suit those who prefer gathering around a central lounging area in open water.
What difference does an 8-inch sidewall make?
Avalon and BOTE’s 8-inch sidewalls provide a taller backrest than Sunchill’s 5-inch design. All else being equal, additional border volume increases buoyancy, helping support the perimeter and keep snacks and drinks higher above the waterline. Actual clearance depends on loading and water conditions.
How does fused mesh compare with trampoline-style laced mesh?
The Avalon Pad's mesh is fully fused to the inflatable border, creating a continuous connection that helps limit stretching and sagging for a consistent lounging depth. Trampoline-style laced mesh offers a springier feel but can stretch and sag between attachment points.
What style of mesh hammock is better for jellyfish?
A fine-mesh hammock with a fully sealed perimeter, like the Avalon Pad, provides a more complete barrier than laced designs with open perimeter gaps. Although it cannot guarantee protection from stings, this mesh style helps significantly reduce exposure to jellyfish and debris compared to the trampoline or woven mesh construction.
Is EVA decking worth the additional weight?
EVA decking adds soft, yoga-mat-like cushioning for sitting, kneeling and leaning along the border. Avalon and BOTE both include textured EVA surfaces that improve grip when wet, which is useful during boarding. Sunchill’s unpadded border favors lower weight, making the choice largely about cushioned comfort versus portability.
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