Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak Reviews

Lightweight and with load capacities rivaling much bigger boats, Sea Eagle’s inflatable kayaks are a diverse collection of designs that can fit a wide range of needs. With models for specific aquatic adventures like fishing, whitewater, and performance, these easy-to-handle kayaks are great options for various water conditions.

To help you choose the best Sea Eagle kayak for your paddling style, we’ve reviewed their 2023 lineup, weighing each model’s pros and cons and highlighting who they’re best suited for.

For more information, check out our comparison table, buying advice, and FAQ sections below the reviews.

Entry-Level Kayaks | Whitewater-Ready Kayaks | High-Performance Kayaks | Fishing Kayaks

Sea Eagle Entry-Level Kayaks

Sea Eagle Sport Kayaks are an excellent option for both beginners and experienced paddlers. They are easy to transport and set up and are great value compared to other inflatable kayaks on the market.

Sea Eagle 330

Length: 11′2″ | Width: 34″ | Weight: 26 lbs | Capacity: 500 lbs

The lightest kayak in the lineup, the Sea Eagle 330 is a hyper-portable model that can be set up quickly and stored in a hallway closet. For those that will be paddling on their own and won’t have help carrying their kayak to and from the water, the 330 gives you the freedom to operate independently.

Despite the lightweight nature of this kayak, it can still hold two people if you prefer to paddle in tandem, and it can carry up to 500 pounds. That doesn’t necessarily make the 330 a good option for multi-day paddles, though.

There’s little dedicated storage space onboard, and the big load capacity is better served with an extra paddler. However, two bigger paddlers may feel cramped. 

On-water performance can be aided by two skegs that can be easily attached to the keel. At the same time, the I-beam construction provides rigidity and minimizes the bending that cheaper inflatable kayaks experience in wavy conditions.

This allows the 330 to handle up to Class III rapids if it’s under the control of an experienced paddler. However, I’d recommend keeping it close to shore on the ocean and avoid open water crossings, as tracking can be hampered in crosswinds and consistent waves. 

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight and easy to transport by yourself
• Skegs improve tracking and performance
• Inflatable spray skirts included

Reasons to avoid:

• Tandem paddles are more comfortable with two small adults or an adult and a child
• Little storage space

Sea Eagle 370

Length: 12′6″ | Width: 34″ | Weight: 32 lbs | Capacity: 650 lbs

The big brother of the 330, the Sea Eagle 370 is sixteen inches longer, providing a little more leg room and giving bigger paddlers a more comfortable platform to paddle from. However, despite this longer keel, the width is the same as the 330, and the overall weight is just six pounds heavier, making it easy to move by yourself.

The load capacity has been boosted to 650 pounds, a 150-pound improvement that better accommodates larger paddlers and additional gear. For overnight trips, you can strap gear to the bow and stern. Just be cautious about making your kayak too top-heavy.

Many of the same amenities in the 330 have also been included. The two-skeg setup allows the 370 to maintain course and improves overall performance in windy or wavy conditions. It’s also suitable for up to Class III whitewater, giving it plenty of versatility in various situations. However, I still wouldn’t attempt a large crossing over open ocean water.

Setting up and taking down is easy, with an inflation time of just eight minutes, so you have the freedom to come and go as you please, all with a kayak that can be stored in a tiny closet. 

Reasons to buy:

• Bigger than the 330 with more legroom
• Rigid I-beam construction improves rigidity
• Huge load capacity for its weight

Reasons to avoid:

• Lack of storage space makes it best for day trips

Sea Eagle Whitewater-Ready Kayaks 

Sea Eagle Explorer Kayaks are versatile boats that are strong and stable enough to handle whitewater and flat water. They’re also equipped with removable slide skegs and self-draining valves to improve their performance in different paddling conditions.

300x Explorer

Length: 9′10″ | Width: 39″ | Weight: 30 lbs | Capacity: 395 lbs

A rugged, sporty, and compact kayak, the 300x Explorer is the smallest of Sea Eagle’s inflatable whitewater kayaks. It’s roomier than you may expect from just looking at the specifications. That said, taller paddlers will likely want to go with a longer model with more legroom.

That wide and stubby design makes the 300x exclusively a whitewater and surf boat. In other conditions, it struggles to track and maintain course, leading to a lot of zigzagging. 

But it handles whitewater just fine and can go up to Class IV rapids in the hand of a competent paddler. With three different air chambers, it has excellent redundancy in case you do puncture one of them. However, the stitched and reinforced material can take quite the pounding without any issues.

The 300x has the same storage issues most small kayaks have. However, it has bungee cords stretched across the bow and stern and 18 D-rings built into the hull so you can secure your gear to the boat. 

Reasons to buy:

• Tough and compact design that can handle Class IV rapids
• D-rings to keep your gear secure
• Front and rear spray skirts

Reasons to avoid:

• Can feel cramped for larger paddlers
• Tracking suffers due to the small length

380x Explorer

Length: 12′6″ | Width: 39″ | Weight: 40 lbs | Capacity: 750 lbs

If the 300x sounds too small for you, or you’d like the option of tackling long flat water paddles as well as whitewater, the 380x Explorer may be the kayak for you. 

Almost three feet longer than the 300x but the same width, the 380x has the tracking capability and speed to handle more open water. The inclusion of a skeg also improves the 380x’s performance in more dynamic conditions. In addition, a drop stitch floor adds rigidity and keeps the longer keel from flexing and bending in the waves and currents.

Storage is similar to the 300x. There’s a little space beneath the spray skirts and bungee cords on the bow and stern. It’s not much, but frugal packers can squeeze a weekend trip out of the 380x. In addition, the 785-pound load capacity means you won’t have to worry about overloading your boat.

Floor drains can be plugged up for calm water paddling or left open if you’re heading down one of the Class IV rapids that the 380x is approved for. If you’d like an alternative to paddling, you have the option to buy the 380x outfitted with either a sail or an electric engine.  

Reasons to buy:

• Can have a sail or engine installed
• Capable of handling a variety of water conditions
• 24 D-rings to secure gear and seats

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulkier and more challenging to handle solo

420x Explorer

Length: 14′ | Width: 39″ | Weight: 44 lbs | Capacity: 855 lbs

If you thought the 380x felt beefy, wait until you sit at the helm of the massive 420x Explorer. The biggest in the Explorer class, the 420x has the dimensions of an expedition kayak, measuring over 14 feet but keeping the same width as its smaller cousins. 

The removable skeg found in the 380x is included here, too, which improves the boat’s tracking and speed over difficult water conditions. Despite the bigger size, the 420x is still rated for Class IV rapids. However, the drawback to the longer design is that it feels less maneuverable than the smaller models on whitewater.

It’s hard to argue with the overall versatility, though. A sail can be easily outfitted for those that prefer to be powered by wind. And a 15-pound electric engine can be added if you’d like a motor. The 855-pound capacity also makes the 420x better for tandem overnight outings.

The 420x can fit three paddlers, but it can be a tight squeeze unless you take no gear on your paddles. However, it’s a minor nitpick for a boat that can handle as many conditions as the 420x can.

Reasons to buy:

• The long keel provides the best speed in the Explorer series
• Huge load capacity
• Drain valves can be opened or closed depending on water conditions

Reasons to avoid:

• Can feel a little cramped with three paddlers
• The longer keel can be tricky to maneuver in whitewater conditions

Sea Eagle High-Performance Kayaks

Sea Eagle FastTrack kayaks are a high-performance option with adjustable footrests and a sleek, curved touring shape. The RazorLite kayaks are the world’s first full drop-stitch inflatable kayaks and are even faster to paddle. They are recommended for intermediate and above paddlers.

385ft FastTrack

Length: 12′6″ | Width: 36″ | Weight: 35 lbs | Capacity: 635 lbs

The 385ft FastTrack is the smallest of Sea Eagle’s high-performance kayaks. However, it still provides plenty of versatility and solid performance in various water conditions. Sporting Sea Eagle’s needle knife keel and a removable skeg, the 385ft cuts a smooth path through the water. At the same time, the narrower hull improves paddling efficiency.

The 385ft can be paddled either solo or tandem. Storage space is minimal with two paddlers, just a little room beneath the bow and stern spray skirts, along with the bungee cords tied to the top. But solo paddlers can enjoy plenty of storage space, and the 635-pound load capacity means you shouldn’t have to worry about overloading the 385ft. 

While not the best whitewater boat available, it can still handle Class II rapids and comes with 18 D-rings to secure gear for those choppy paddles. The high-pressure, drop stitch floor has also made its way to the FastTrack series, giving the 385ft surprising rigidity and control for an inflatable kayak.

Like the bigger Explorer models, the 385ft can be outfitted with Sea Eagle’s Quick Sail package or a 15-pound electric engine if you prefer not to paddle all the time. 

Reasons to buy:

• A narrower keel makes it swift and efficient to paddle
• Versatile design that can handle mellower rapids
• Huge load capacity and decent storage capacity for solo paddlers

Reasons to avoid:

• Lacks the speed to keep up with the longer FastTrack models

465ft FastTrack

Length: 15′3″ | Width: 36″ | Weight: 44 lbs | Capacity: 795 lbs

The 465ft FastTrack has many of the same features as the 385ft but in a bigger package. Checking in at over 15 feet, the 465ft can easily outpace smaller inflatable kayaks of similar width. In addition, the removable skeg improves the kayak’s speed while also helping it maintain its course in challenging water. 

The drop stitch floor and high-pressure keel significantly improve the rigidity. This is vital for an inflatable of this size and minimizes the bending effect that can happen in windy or wavy conditions.

The considerable load capacity means you don’t have to leave anything behind. 20 D-rings have also been built into the hull so that you can secure your gear for trips through rough water. Like the 380ft, the 465ft can handle Class II rapids.

Sea Eagle’s Quick Sail package can be easily installed for those that want to travel by wind, and the same 15-pound electric engine can also be added. 

Reasons to buy:

• A pair of drain valves that can be opened or closed depending on water conditions
• Long keel with a skeg for better top speed
• Third seat for a smaller passenger

Reasons to avoid:

• More challenging to maneuver in rough water or narrow passages

393rl RazorLite

Length: 12′10″ | Width: 28″ | Weight: 35 lbs | Capacity: 500 lbs

Even narrower than the FastTrack series, the 393rl RazorLite is one of the most efficiently designed inflatable kayaks available. The drop stitched floor and included skeg keep the 393rl on a straight line as you cruise across the water thanks to the svelte hull that’s only 28 inches across.

Unlike most of Sea Eagle’s kayaks, the 393rl is meant for just one paddler and doesn’t have the flexibility for an additional paddler. However, it does have a large load capacity like the other models, capable of carrying up to 500 pounds. 

Storage space can be found beneath the sprayskirts in the bow and stern. But I wish the bungee cord decking had been ported over from the FastTrack designs.

The 393rl is a comfortable paddle, thanks partly to the included foot braces, which can improve your paddling efficiency and keep you from getting stiff on longer paddles. 

The RazorLite class is a more appealing choice for paddling longer distances. However, you do lose the option of implementing a sail or engine as there’s nowhere to install them. 

Reasons to buy:

• Narrower than the FastTrack series for a faster paddle
• Included foot braces for added comfort
• Drain valves that can be opened for rough water paddling

Reasons to avoid:

• No bungee cords on the deck
• Not suitable for whitewater

473rl RazorLite

Length: 15′6″ | Width: 30″ | Weight: 45 lbs | Capacity: 750 lbs

The 473rl RazorLite shares many similarities with the 393rl but can be paddled by one or two people. It’s as long as many hard-sided touring kayaks, and the drop stitch floor Sea Eagle is known for has been included in the design to provide rigidity. 

This makes the 473rl one of the fastest kayaks in the Sea Eagle fleet, and two paddlers can cruise across calm water. For windier conditions, a removable skeg helps improve tracking and keeps you on course. Unfortunately, this still isn’t a kayak for significant open-water crossings. However, it’s as close as they come for sit-on-top inflatable kayaks. 

You get the huge load capacity you expect from a Sea Eagle kayak. However, I wish they’d included bungee cords on the bow and stern to provide additional storage space. 

For comfort, foot braces are available for both seats and do a great job of keeping your legs from getting stiff on those long paddles. While not recommended for whitewater, the 473rl is a versatile kayak capable of handling most conditions for a weekend warrior looking for a quick getaway or an afternoon on the water. 

Reasons to buy:

• Foot braces for each paddler
• Can be paddled solo or in tandem
• The long keel and narrow hull make it one of the faster Sea Eagle kayaks

Reasons to avoid:

• Lack of storage space on the deck
• Not suitable for whitewater

Sea Eagle Fishing Kayaks

Sea Eagle inflatable fishing kayaks offer portability and convenience compared to traditional fishing boats and come with features like a patented inflatable keel, non-slip padding, and built-in holders for rods, tools, hooks, and lures.

350fx Fishing Explorer

Length: 11′6″ | Width: 39″ | Weight: 51 lbs | Capacity: 575 lbs

Durability is essential no matter what sort of inflatable kayak you’re considering, but it’s especially important for a fishing kayak. Between sharp hooks, thrashing fish, and underwater hazards, you need a kayak that can handle bumps and collisions and keep on going. 

Sea Eagle has doubled down on durability with the 350fx Fishing Explorer. It has not one but two layers of reinforced polyester material, while the seams have been glued and overlapped four times, giving you maximum durability while on the water. 

The 350fx comes with six-rod holders, so your favorite pole can always be close at hand. In addition, accessory belts strategically placed along the hull allow you to store hooks and other fishing gear within reach of the seat.

From a performance perspective, the 350fx isn’t quite as impressive as some of the other kayaks on this list. But it has excellent stability, which will be important when you’ve got a big fish on the line. An inflatable skeg on the underside does aid with tracking, but the overall speed and maneuverability make the 350fx best for fishing.

Reasons to buy:

• Outstanding durability for an inflatable kayak
• Excellent stability allows you to stand cast with confidence
• Built-in ruler along the hull to measure your catch

Reasons to avoid:

• Not as efficient to paddle as other Sea Eagle kayaks
• Room for only one person

385fta FastTrack Angler Series

Length: 12′6″ | Width: 36″ | Weight: 45 lbs | Capacity: 635 lbs

A foot longer than the 350fx but three inches narrower, the 385fta FastTrack Angler Series provides a more efficient and faster kayaking experience. This makes it a better option if your fishing hole is farther away, and there’s also the option to put a small, 15-pound engine on the stern transom if you want to go even faster.

The 385fta has a similar accessory setup to keep your fishing lures and other items nearby, along with built-in fishing rod holders. There’s even a ruler along the hull, so you can measure your catch without going to shore.

The exterior of the kayak is made of rugged, reinforced Denier and the rigid floor keeps the hull from twisting and bending in the waves or current. As a result, stability is excellent, and the 385fta can feel more like a big raft when casting lines. It’s even stable enough to stand up in, so you can cast with accuracy and spot schools of fish easier.

The load capacity is what you’d expect from a Sea Eagle kayak, eclipsing 600 pounds. If you’re kayaking alone, there’s ample storage space for all your gear. However, adding a second person can make it feel cramped, with much less room to cast.

Reasons to buy:

• Faster than the 350fx
• Plenty of included fishing accessories
• Rigid, inflatable keel to improve tracking

Reasons to avoid:

• A little cramped with two people

Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak Comparison Table

Kayak	Category	Length	Width	Weight	Capacity	Seating	Chambers	Tube Diameter	Inflation Time	Inflation Pressure	Whitewater Rating
Sea Eagle 330	Entry-level	11’2″	34″	26 lbs	500 lbs	1 or 2	3	10″	6 min	1.1 psi	Suitable up to Class II
Sea Eagle 370	Entry-level	12’6″	34″	32 lbs	650 lbs	1, 2, or 3	3	10″	8 min	1.1 psi	Suitable up to Class II
300x Explorer	Whitewater-ready	9’10”	39″	30 lbs	395 lbs	1	3	11.5″	5 min	3.2 psi	Suitable up to Class IV
380x Explorer	Whitewater-ready	12’6″	39″	40 lbs	750 lbs	1, 2, or 3	3	11.5″	8 min	3.2 psi	Suitable up to Class IV
420x Explorer	Whitewater-ready	14′	39″	44 lbs	855 lbs	1, 2, or 3	3	11.5″	9 min	3.2 psi	Suitable up to Class IV
385ft FastTrack	High-performance	12’6″	36″	35 lbs	635 lbs	1, 2, or 3	4	9.5″	7 min	3.2 psi	Suitable up to Class II
465ft FastTrack	High-performance	15’3″	36″	44 lbs	795 lbs	1, 2, or 3	4	9.5″	8 min	3.2 psi	Suitable up to Class II
393rl RazorLite	High-performance	12’10”	28″	35 lbs	500 lbs	1	3	8.5″ high x 4″ thick	7 min	10 psi	–
473rl RazorLite	High-performance	15’6″	30″	45 lbs	750 lbs	1 or 2	3	10″ high x 4″ thick	8 min	10 psi	–
350fx Fishing Explorer	Fishing	11’6″	39″	51 lbs	575 lbs	1	3	11.5″	7 min	3.2 psi	Suitable up to Class IV
385fta FastTrack Angler Series	Fishing	12’6″	36″	45 lbs	635 lbs	1, 2, or 3	4	9.5″	7 min	3.2 psi	Suitable up to Class II

Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak Buying Advice

Understanding the specifications of a kayak, the materials, and the accessories allows you to examine most kayaks in any category and get a general idea of how they’ll perform.

In this section, we’ll discuss some essential characteristics to look for when purchasing a kayak and apply them to the eleven Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks we reviewed.

• Speed
• Maneuverability
• Comfort
• Stability & Tracking
• Material
• Durability
• Portability & Storage

Speed

A kayak’s speed is closely related to how long and narrow the keel is. Long and narrow kayaks tend to move faster than their shorter counterparts due to the physics and interaction between a kayak’s keel in the water.

High-performing kayaks like the 473rl RazorLite and 465ft FastTrack fit these descriptions perfectly. They’re two of the longer kayaks from Sea Eagle. Couple that with their narrow hulls measuring less than three feet wide, and you have two designs that can zoom across the water.

While they will outpace most inflatable kayaks that are shorter, they’ll struggle to keep up with hard-shell kayaks that have comparable measurements. Since they’re inflatable kayaks, they tend to bend or twist when moving across the water. This decreases their efficiency and requires more effort to keep them at speed. 

Shorter kayaks like the 300x Explorer are less than ten feet long while measuring over three feet wide. This may make it great for whitewater where the river is doing all the work, but in calm water, you should be prepared to paddle hard to keep up with those in longer kayaks. 

Maneuverability

How tight a kayak can turn, and its responsiveness also depends on the length of the kayak. In this case, though, a shorter kayak works to your advantage. Shorter kayaks can make tighter turns and will respond quickly to your paddle strokes. 

This is why most whitewater kayaks are short and stubby. So when you’re zipping down a river, and there’s a boulder straight ahead, you can make lightning-quick turns to weave past them. Sea Eagle also makes larger whitewater kayaks with the 420x Explorer, which is over 14 feet. 

In the hands of a skilled paddler, a kayak of this dimension can still negotiate whitewater conditions, but be aware that it will take an extra paddle stroke or two to respond. If you’re brand new to the sport, it may be worth going with one of the shorter models as you acquaint yourself with maneuvering a kayak.

Entry-level kayaks are more user-friendly and more responsive. So if you’re choosing between a high-performing kayak and one of the entry-level designs, a model like Sea Eagle 330 will be more forgiving.

Comfort

All Sea Eagle’s kayaks have similar seat setups that perfectly combine portability with comfort. The seats have padding on the back and bottom and are attached to the kayak hull with D-rings that can be clipped in place. 

Getting your seat back in the right spot is easy on land but can feel cumbersome and challenging when you’re on the water. So it’s best to get your seat where you want it before you hit the water when a lot of fidgeting can lead to a rocky boat and the potential of capsizing. 

The seatback could be taller and provide better support, but this is common with inflatable kayaks that only have so much room for a seat made of hard material.

Smaller kayaks like the 300x Explorer may feel cramped for taller paddlers. Sea Eagle also likes to market their large kayaks for two or more paddlers. But, if you see a kayak advertised for three paddlers, know that the third person needs to be on the smaller side. 

The high-performing models have foot braces attached to the inside of the hull. This improves their overall comfort, particularly if you’re paddle itinerary requires you to be on the water for multiple hours at a time. These can be adjusted to accommodate a range of sizes and are a real difference maker.

The other models allow you to brace against the inflated bow, which is comfortable enough but doesn’t allow you to brace against the kayak while you paddle, which can hamper your overall efficiency. 

Stability & Tracking

The design of Sea Eagle’s kayaks gives them fantastic stability. Wider kayaks like the entry-level Sea Eagle 330 and fishing kayaks like the 473fta are exceptionally stable and make you feel confident as long as you’re not heading out into rough, dangerous water. 

The fishing models are even stable enough to stand up while on the water. This improves your fishing performance by helping you cast further and more accurately while being able to spot fish that may be swimming just below the surface. 

Tracking, like a kayak’s speed and maneuverability, is correlated to the length of the keel. So the longer a kayak’s keel, the better it will track straight through the water. 

All Sea Eagle kayaks come with either an inflatable skeg or a removable one made of hard plastic. Skegs are helpful in windy conditions, particularly if you’re paddling through a crosswind hitting your kayak from the side. They won’t help you when paddling in calm conditions, though.

None of Sea Eagle’s kayaks come with a rudder, and there’s no good way to install one. However, installing a small engine of fewer than 15 pounds on the compatible models will help you maintain course and steer regardless of the water and wind conditions.

Material

All Sea Eagle’s kayaks are inflatable with a rigid, stitched material that is flexible and able to handle a surprising amount of stress without puncturing. The appropriately named Denier material is a polyester fabric that is favored by a wide range of companies for their outdoor products.

In addition to kayaks, you can find the same material in many backpacks, duffels, and luggage that can be dropped, dragged, or scratched without puncturing or ripping. So while you can’t treat your Sea Eagle kayak with impunity, it can handle most situations without any issues.

Durability

Many inflatable kayaks have a poor reputation for being leaky and bursting their seams with little provocation. But the tough polyester and rigid floor design that Sea Eagle uses put a lot of these concerns to bed. 

You still need to be more careful with an inflatable kayak, though. Avoid dragging your kayak for any substantial distance, especially if you’re going over sharp rocks or other hazards. You should also be careful when landing on beaches in the surf and try to find sheltered areas when approaching the shoreline.

Portability & Storage

The most significant advantage of an inflatable kayak is how portable it is. It can be transported in virtually any car, and Sea Eagle even sells bags and backpacks to hold your kayak. This makes them great options for those with limited storage or adventurers who want to get their boat to places where driving or other transportation methods aren’t an option.

Sea Eagle’s kayaks have huge load capacities compared to other similar kayaks. This allows you to bring plenty of gear without worrying about overloading your kayak. 

The drawback, however, is that inflatables don’t have much storage space, and what little there is tends to be exposed to the elements. 

Many of Sea Eagle’s kayaks have bungee cords on the bow and stern, allowing you to secure gear. But be careful when loading gear on top of the hull like this. Even if you’re within the kayak’s load capacity, putting too much gear on the top will make the boat top-heavy and increase the chances of capsizing.

If you want to maximize your load capacity, I’d recommend selecting one of the kayaks that can be paddled solo or tandem, like the 385ft FastTrack. This way, you can use the extra space for additional gear without having to stuff all of it under the bungee cords.

The Verdict

All Sea Eagle’s kayaks carry different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, this makes choosing one as the best difficult.

Instead, think about what activities you’ll enjoy the most on the water to determine what kayak will fit you best. Other factors like how much legroom you require and whether you’ll want the option to paddle with another person should also play a role in your decision. 

For example, I love the 385fta FastTrack Angler Series for fishing because the narrower hull provides a slightly better top speed and is versatile enough for other activities. But I wouldn’t go with the 300x Explorer if I was shopping for a whitewater kayak. Not because it’s a poor performer, but because I know my long legs wouldn’t be comfortable squeezing into a boat less than ten feet long.

Having these sorts of conversations when deciding will go a long way to getting you in the right Sea Eagle kayak and out on the water in style.

Frequently Asked Questions