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Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable boat Review 2023 Pros, Cons & Features

For anyone looking for an inflatable boat that is light, portable, and full of features, the Sea Eagle 285 inflatable boat is a perfect choice. With a rugged and durable design, the Sea Eagle 285 offers features that make it great for fishing, cruising, or just having fun on the water. It comes with two inflatable seats, four fishing rod holders, four carrying handles, two oar locks, and a motor mount that is perfect for mounting a motor up to 5 hp. In addition, the Sea Eagle 285 can handle up to three people and a weight capacity of 650 lbs. With an inflatable floor, the Sea Eagle 285 is an incredibly stable boat that provides a smooth and comfortable ride. Whether you are looking for a boat to take out on the lake or to use as a tender, the Sea Eagle 285 is a great option. Read on below to find out more about the Sea Eagle 285 and why it is the perfect boat for your adventures.

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What is the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Pontoon Boat?

The Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat is an ultra-portable, lightweight, frameless pontoon boat designed for convenience and versatility, allowing it to be set up in just 5 minutes and packed into a small carrying bag for easy storage and transportation. It features a U-framed design for maximum fishing with the least amount of hull weight and comes with a host of features such as rod holders, 360 oarlocks, a swivel seat, a hardwood floor, plenty of storage space, and a motor mount. Its 1,000 deniers woven-based hull gives it tremendous strength and the PVC coating creates a durable, waterproof, and air-tight seal, allowing it to glide on top of the water instead of in it, allowing fishing in shallow areas. With the wide range of optional accessories, it can be transformed into the perfect tailor-made solo fishing boat to suit every need.

Standard Features Review

  • U-Frame Design
  • NMMA and CE Certified
  • Hunter Green Color
  • Full fabric floor
  • Step bench/footrest
  • 4 Carry Handles
  • Raised oarlocks for better rowing
  • Universal Scotty™ Mounts Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat
  • 10’6″ long and 6’3″ wide
  • Maximum capacity: 500 lbs.
  • It has two fishing rod holders.
  • It comes with an inflatable seat with a backrest.
  • It can be outfitted with any Scotty accessory.

Certifications

This boat is certified to meet the following standards: US Coast Guard Requirements for Recreational Boats, NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) Certified, CE (Conformité Européenne) Certified, and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9094 Certified.

Pricing

The Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Pontoon Boat is $899.

Advantages

  1. The Sea Eagle is a great inflatable fishing boat that will amaze you with its performance and benefits. Low-profile gunwales with stainless steel swivel fishing rod holders provide a stable platform for serious anglers, while the wide beam and deep hull offer plenty of room for gear, fish, and coolers.
  2. The unique inflatable U-hull configuration of this one man fishing boat provides incredible stability and maximum fishing space with the least amount of hull in the water, making it perfect for lakes, ponds, bays, creeks, and slower rivers.
  3. The frameless design and large air chambers allow you to take this boat to places where other boats cannot go, while the included oars and foot pump make set up and inflation a breeze.
  4. Easy to transport
  5. Affordable price

For more comprehensive Sea Eagle 285 benefits click here.

Disadvantages

  • The pontoon shape of the Sea Eagle 285 makes it difficult to keep on track in the wind.
  • There is no skeg on the bottom of the boat, making it difficult to control in rough water.
  • The boat is not suitable for use in all weather conditions.

Product Specifications

Dimensions: The Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable boat is 9 ft long x 4 ft wide
Weight: The boat weighs 32 pounds
Carrying capacity: The boat can carry 450 pounds
Material: The boat is made of 1000 Denier 36 mil Material
Hull weight: The hull weighs 14 kg
Length: The boat is 274 cm long
Width: The boat is 122 cm wide
Interior: The interior of the boat is 1.88m x .41m
Person capacity: The boat can hold 1 person
Video instructions: Video instructions are available at SeaEagle.com/Instructions

FAQs

How strong is the hull of the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat?

The hull of the Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat is extremely strong and durable. It is made from 1000 denier polyester polymer-coated fabric with reinforced flooring and quadruple overlap glued seams. This heavy-duty material is nearly indestructible, and can easily withstand impacts with sharp objects, as well as bouncing off rocks and debris. Sea Eagle has tested the strength of the material by hitting it with the sharp end of a claw hammer over and over to no effect, giving testament to its toughness. This makes it one of the strongest, most reliable inflatable pontoon boats on the market. Compared to other inflatable boats, the Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat has superior strength and durability, making it a great choice for those who want a dependable, long-lasting boat.

What accessories can I get with the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat?

The Sea Eagle 285 Pontoon Boat is incredibly versatile and comes with a wide range of optional accessories to customize your solo fishing experience. From NMMA and CE certification, to a Hunter Green color, full fabric floor, and sun and saltwater-resistant hull material, this boat has it all. You can also get a rigid, platform floor, an inflatable seat or 360-degree, padded, swivel seat with 7″ pedestal, a step bench/footrest, two universal scotty mounts, four carry handles, raised oarlocks for improved rowing, bow and side/stern stow bags, motor mount receiving brackets, motor mount for gas and electric motors, repair kit, nylon carry bag and a printed owner’s manual. You can also add Scotty mounts to the floorboard to hold additional rod holders, a cutting board, and fishing electronics. The Sea Eagle 285 is light and easy to carry, with a combined weight of 42 pounds, and it can be deflated and folded into a carry bag for convenient storage and transport.

What is the weight of the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat?

The Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat has a hull weight of 30 pounds and a combined weight of 42 pounds with the floor and motor mount. When deflated, it folds into approximately 24” x 14” x 12” and fits into the included carry bag. It can hold a weight capacity of up to 450 pounds.

Is there a warranty for the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat?

Yes, the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat is covered by a three-year warranty for non-commercial users and a six-month warranty for commercial operators. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship, but does not cover damage due to negligence, neglect, lack of maintenance, accidents, alteration, or customization. The customer must provide reasonable documentation to establish a defect, and the warranty does not cover incidental costs such as hauling, launching, towing, or other consequential damages. Additionally, any international orders are not responsible for any import duties, taxes, or fees associated with shipping replacement products.

How easy is it to transport the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat?

The Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat is an incredibly lightweight and portable boat, making it ideal for those looking for a quick and easy way to get out on the water. It weighs just 30 pounds and, when deflated, it folds down to only 24” x 14” x 12”, fitting conveniently into the included carrying bag.

To easily transport the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat, you should follow these steps:

  1. Deflate the boat: Start by deflating the boat using the included pump. Once deflated, the boat should be folded and stored in the carry bag for easy transport.
  2. Pack the carry bag: Carefully place the hull, floor and motor mount into the provided carry bag.
  3. Carry the bag: Using the provided straps, you can then easily carry the bag to your destination.

For example, if you are taking the Sea Eagle 285 to the lake, you can either walk with the bag or place it in the trunk of your car.

Overall, the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat is incredibly lightweight and easy to transport. It takes only a few minutes to deflate and pack it up, making it a great choice for those looking for a convenient and portable boat.

What is the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat made of?

The Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat is made of 1000 deniers woven based cloth and coated with a durable PVC material, creating a waterproof and air-tight seal. This material is nearly indestructible and easily resists impacts with sharp objects, allowing the boat to remain inflated and secure. The hull material is designed to be lightweight, yet strong and tough, so the overall weight of the boat is 42 pounds with the floor, motor mount, and other components. Inflated and ready for fishing, the 285FBP can support plenty of weight and drag only 4 inches of water. This allows anglers to fish in shallow waters, increasing their opportunities to catch fish.

How does the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat compare to a kayak or raft?

The Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat is quite different from a kayak or raft in several ways. While a kayak and raft are designed mainly for recreational use, the Sea Eagle 285 was designed with fishing in mind and features features such as a large air chamber, motor mount, and floorboard. This allows the boat to enter shallow waters and support heavier gear, making it an ideal choice for anglers.

The 285’s frameless design also makes it much lighter and more portable than a kayak or raft, granting increased access to remote fishing locations. The boat can be set up within 5 minutes and when deflated fits into a convenient carrying bag, making it great for those who need something that’s easy to transport and store. Furthermore, when outfitted with the optional accessories, the Sea Eagle 285 can be customized to meet the individual’s specific needs.

In contrast, kayaks and rafts are generally larger and heavier, making them better suited for more relaxed recreational activities such as touring and leisurely fishing. They are also less versatile when it comes to shallow water and cannot support heavier gear in the same way that the 285 can.

Can I use the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat in saltwater areas?

What is the maximum motor size allowed on the Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat?

The Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat can take up to a 3 hp gas motor with a 20-inch minimum shaft or a 70 lb. thrust electric motor with a 30-inch minimum shaft, but no more than 45 lbs. in weight. The removable motor mount makes it easy to install a motorized propulsion system and the boat’s U-frame design ensures maximum fishing space and minimum hull weight. The boat is equipped with universal Scotty mounts and various accessories, like rod holders, sounder mounts, anchor locks, running lights, bait boards, or even cup holders, making it customizable and perfect for your fishing needs.

Where To Buy

Where can you buy a Sea Eagle 285 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat? Buy location: YBLGoods is an authorized dealer that provides customers with a full manufacturer’s warranty and free shipping on almost every item in their store. YBLGoods also has an unbeatable price match guarantee and award-winning customer service team to make shopping easy and stress-free and also you can buy the boat from Amazon.

How To Care For An Inflatable Pontoon Boat

Caring for an inflatable pontoon boat is important to ensure it maintains its longevity and performance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly care for your boat:

1) Clean the boat after every use. Use a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt and debris from the hull and exterior. You may also use a soft-bristle brush for any stubborn grime or algae.

2) Check for any air leaks or other damage. Inspect the boat for any punctures or tears, and use a repair kit to patch up any affected areas.

3) Store the boat correctly. When not in use, make sure to store the boat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Deflate the boat and store it in its included carry bag to reduce the chances of damage.

4) Inspect the boat regularly. Before each use, make sure to check the boat for any air leaks or other damage. If any are found, make sure to patch them up with a repair kit before using the boat.

Following these steps will ensure that your inflatable pontoon boat stays in optimum condition. With proper care, your boat will provide you with years of fun and adventure out on the water.

Sea Eagle Pontoon Boat Alternatives

Sea Eagle 375 FoldCat

The Sea Eagle 375FC FoldCat Pontoon Boat is a larger alternative to the 285fpb and is great for those who need more space or want to bring along a second person or a dog. This 12 foot 4 inch inflatable pontoon style boat features an aluminum platform for standing, two swivel seats, a motor (on some packages), and removable floorboard. The boat also has a wide hull, large 16″ tubes, and an optional removable floorboard, making it very stable and suitable for a wide variety of fishing styles.

It is also incredibly portable, as it can be easily inflated and launched at the water’s edge, carried by its handles from your vehicle to the water, or rolled around on an EZ-Cart. The hull weighs 30 pounds and with the floor and motor mount the combined weight is 42 pounds, making it easy to carry. When deflated, it folds into approximately 24″ x 14″ x 12″ and fits into the included carry bag.

Overall, the Sea Eagle 375FC FoldCat Pontoon Boat is great for those looking for a practical and convenient way to do some fishing.

Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 125 HB Inflatable Kayak

The Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 125 HB Inflatable Kayak is a great alternative to the Sea Eagle Pontoon Boat due to its lighter weight, portability, and versatility. At only 12 feet 8 inches, it is easy to fit in the trunk of a car and can be taken to remote locations where fish often hide. Its 600-pound capacity and adjustable seats make it perfect for one or two paddlers, and its seven Scotty mounts provide extra space for any necessary accessories. Furthermore, the removable skeg helps with performance, while the fishing cooler with built-in rod holders is ideal for a day of fishing. Overall, the Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 125 HB Inflatable Kayak is an ideal option for those who are looking for a lightweight, portable, and versatile kayak for fishing or hunting.

Sea Eagle PackFish 7

The Sea Eagle PackFish 7 pontoon boat offers a lot of features and options. It is lightweight, compact and affordable at just 22 pounds, and comes with rod holders and fish rulers. It also has a high carrying capacity of 300 pounds and is incredibly portable, as it can be carried on your back to more remote locations. It also has a low draft of just 4 inches of water, making it ideal for shallower waters. Furthermore, it features two built-in rod holders to keep your rods secure and can be customized with any Scotty™ accessories. Additionally, it is backorderable in case it is out of stock.

Is The Sea Eagle 285 Any Good?

Pros: The Sea Eagle 285 is a lightweight, inflatable boat that is easy to transport and store. It is also built with durability and features three air chambers, so it can withstand rough waters. Additionally, its two removable thwarts provide comfortable seating and the bow and stern tow ropes enable you to attach it to a larger boat or tow it with a car.

Cons: The Sea Eagle 285FPB is not as fast or responsive as a traditional boat, so it may not be the best choice for more serious water activities. Additionally, its limited weight capacity of 600 pounds means that it may not be suitable for larger groups. Finally, it does not come with an outboard motor, so you will need to purchase one separately.