Why I changed my mind and started loving Sea Eagle.

why I changed my mind and started loving Sea Eagle

If you read my Sea Eagle page a few months ago, you would have read that I was not in love with Sea Eagle inflatables. I said they were ok, but there were better choices.

To be truthful, those comments came from an experience I had over 20 years ago. I developed a prejudice against Sea Eagle. At that time, I was just starting to use inflatables.

After 20 years, I tried Sea Eagle again!

This summer I had the chance to try a couple of Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks. I must say I was impressed.

I tried the Sea Eagle 330 and the Sea Eagle 380x.

The Sea Eagle 330 Sport Kayak is a recreational inflatable kayak. This means it can be used for a variety of water, but it's not recommended for anything intense.

You can use the Sea Eagle 330 on lakes, sounds and other near shore coastal waters, mild rivers, even some whitewater.

I liked the Sea Eagle 330. It's a good solid recreational inflatable kayak. It's priced right for recreational use.

I loved the Sea Eagle 380X and it's smaller brother Sea Eagle 340x Explorer Inflatable Kayak . . It's a great inflatable kayak. It's tough and versatile. I've paddled dozens of inflatable kayaks over the years. The Sea Eagle 380x is as good as any I have used.

For private use, the toughness and versatility can't be beat. The ability to make the floor self-bailing or keep it dry is a unique and valuable feature.

Self-bailing is critical in bigger whitewater. In whitewater, water will get into the boat. If you don't get it out, it is "dead weight" moving freely about the boat. At it's best, this is an inconvenience. At it's worst, it is dangerous. You can lose the ability to control the boat because weight of the boat filled with water is more than you can handle. This does happen, and if it happens in the wrong situation, the consequences can be dire. The self-bailing feature is critical for whitewater.

On the other hand, the self-bailing feature is a problem on flatwater, particularly on long stretches of flatwater and particularly in cooler weather. The self-bailing feature leaves a little water in the bottom of the boat. This adds weight to the water and it adds drag. On whitewater, this is not a big deal because the current is doing the bulk of the work. In flat water, where you are doing most of the work, it makes it significantly more difficult to paddle. The combination of the added weight of the water and the added resistance from the water moving in and out of the drain holes creates problems and can be dangerous.

And, if you're on flat water on a cool day and can't stay dry, you can

This unique ability to switch from self-bailing to dry interior makes me rank the Sea Eagle 340x Explorer Inflatable Kayak and it's bigger brothers the Sea Eagle 380X and Sea Eagle 420X as the best inflatable kayaks for personal use. You get outstanding quality and the versatility of using it in most any water conditions.

Add to that the ease of transport, ease of storage, and stability you get with an inflatable and the Sea Eagle 380x becomes one of the best boats of any kind.

About This Review

In the end, this review, like all reviews, reflects personal opinion.