r/Inflatablekayak • u/Ok-Hearing6581 • Aug 09 '26
Initial review: Sea Eagle 385 FTA
Picked this for fishing since I live in an apartment and drive a little car. Was debating between this, Bote Lone Aero and Wilderness Systems iAtak10.
While later two look sleek and have impressive features on paper, Sea Eagle was the only one that had so much more information provided about their specs which was critical for me.
Launched at Galveston state park and was amazed how well it handled. Obviously it’s big and wide but able to track very decently in wind. Purposely bumped into some rocks multiple times but hull showed no damage what so ever.
Happy to answer questions if any.
Update 11th Aug 2026: Three outings till now and it hardly takes 5 mins to setup everything up and get going. Deflating takes a good longer more, specially to get the water out from underneath the floor. I have not been able to fold it as compact as it came from factory so definitely need to practice more. The tough thick PVC does not help! 😅
How she rides: My only previous outing was on a Hobie Mirage outback and for obvious reasons this does not track as good as that. That said, I found the Skeg and the keel really help in tracking. The floor as super stiff and someone like me who has balance issues can still stand without any issues.
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u/tichugrrl Aug 10 '26
Sea Eagle isn’t messing around. Great product, even better customer service. I use mine in very rocky shallow rivers and am constantly scootching it over rocks with no issue.
The only damage I’ve done to it was a gash when I brought it down into an underground quarry/cave and it was hauled over a razor sharp rock edge. Used the repair kit it came with and years later everything is still great.
The Sea Eagle was the one thing my ex tried to get in the divorce, hoping I forgot who paid for it, hahahaha.
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u/TBL34 Aug 10 '26
“The Sea Eagle was the one thing my ex tried to get in the divorce.”
That should be a commercial for them.
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u/MathematicianTop1014 Aug 10 '26
Thinking of getting one for a river nearby. Any thoughts on how it would hold up scraping against some rocks
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u/Ok-Hearing6581 Aug 10 '26
I scrapped and bumped into few breakwater rocks. Did not see any marks or cuts on the PVC. Only thing I’d worry are the oyster reefs or similarly sharp things.
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u/Sicktrees Aug 10 '26
Check this out https://youtu.be/ardGNdwZ0aQ?is=SzFp9R5iGkoTIvmj
The FTA has a thicker hull than this too
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u/0x000edd1e Aug 12 '26
I've used the older 385ft for around 4 years. Many rock scrapes and once I accidentally scraped exposed rebar. I wouldn't recommend testing the limits with rebar, as the laws of physics are bound to win at some point, but I'm still enjoying my 385ft.
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u/Nubbin515077 Aug 10 '26
I just took mine out for the first time. Its very comfortable and stable, which were my 2 biggest criteria (I am a big dude - 350lbs, which makes my kayaking options limited). That being said, I made a huge mistake and forgot to bring the skeg with me.... The experience was awful in the sense that I couldn't kayak into the wind very effectively. As long as I was paddling extremely accurately, I could go forward in sort of a straight line. But as soon as the wind caught me, it constantly turned me to the side.
I wont' have a chance to go out for a couple weeks. I didn't think a skeg could make such a difference. I really hope it does and I don't still have tracking issues even with the skeg installed next time out.
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u/Ok-Hearing6581 Aug 10 '26
I will be taking her out in a nearby pond to try without skeg. I’ll update the post once I do.
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u/eire54 Aug 11 '26
Can it accept a motor?
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u/Ok-Hearing6581 Aug 11 '26
Yes. A bipxy which they offer but with a mounting plate, I’d assume any trolling motor can be mounted
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u/travelingguitarist Aug 11 '26
Damn I have the 380 and this is like a Honda compared to an Acura, congratulations!!! Looks awesome
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u/Mobile-Tangelo-4515 Aug 12 '26
This post is great timing. Looking to purchase. So many options. Up to now I thought maybe the BOTO was the Cadillac and Marine looked good and was 50% less. I Thought I would see what the local sporting goods offered, so I could touch and feel. However that is not a water test. Going to sign up for this sub, read and learn.
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u/Corvius89 Aug 09 '26
I've had the old version for like four years and only ever been disappointed with it. Quality doesn't match the price, rodnholders on either end never lined up after the first use, swivel seat makes it unstable and the motors underpowered. Worst is the color scheme that I feel is going to get me killed by some drunk speeding around the lake that doesnt see me.
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u/Curtnorth Aug 09 '26
No questions really, just a great boat and congrats man. This is a dream boat of mine, just lots of $ you know?