Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable Fishing Boat Reviews

My 285 has many outstanding features. The stability of the boat is incredible and affords me the opportunity to stand up and fly cast as well as sit down. Being able to stand for a fly caster gives you two huge advantages, firstly visibility into the water as well as cast further than when sitting down. I really enjoy the comfort of the boat. The swivel seat is fantastic and the boat is very maneuverable. The products from Sea Eagle never disappoint!

I purchased 2 of these boats (Watersnake package) and have used them 5 times. Love them. In our 60's, we were initially concerned about stability but not an issue, even on windy Colorado lakes between 8-11K elevation. Anchors are needed to secure a stationary fishing spot. A Scotty anchor mount helps with the anchor line. In our sixties, we can easy manage setup and moving the boats, with installing the motor and battery at water's edge. As shown in the photos, we easily lift and secure the boats (w/out motor and battery) car-top for transport from lake to campground, driving at slow speed. This helps with needing inflation only once during the trip. The 2-stage pump is a must and makes inflation a very quick process. Highway transport is in the car, with both boats easily fitting in my SUV. I transport in 2'x3' plastic utility tubs to catch any water from the deflated boats. No complaints or disappointments with the boats and purchase. I feel I got excellent value for durability and quality. Thanks!!!

Shipped fast , high quality hull, I got the complete kit with seat. The foot pump works but the hose is a stiff cheap plastic, it works but takes fiddling around. Ever time I use it I tell myself I need to upgrade the hose. It takes me about a hour to set everything up. But if a person was in a hurry probably could be done quicker. Putting it away is about the same, I like to make sure it’s nice a dry and clean. Overall rating is a 4. One point off for the cheap pump hose.

Love the 285. Only things I suggest are a bigger rear area for a standard battery box that won’t interfere with the seat swiveling. Also needs skegs to track better. Vessel doesn’t track well at all. I go slow but when I need to move a lil quicker the boat is all over the place.

Love the 285. Only things I suggest are a bigger rear area for a standard battery box that won’t interfere with the seat swiveling. Also needs skegs to track better. Vessel doesn’t track well at all. I go slow but when I need to move a lil quicker the boat is all over the place.

I LOVE MY SEA EAGLE BOAT!!! FUN BOAT!!!! LIGHT WEIGHT & MADE WELL!!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SEA EAGLE COMPANY!!!! STAFF IS. WONDERFUL!!!! I WILL ONLY BUY FROM THIS COMPANY!!!

It’s so fun. I bought this boat to float rivers and fly fish alone, which its great for. I have fished it with 2 people in the boat but pushing the seat up and filling the gap with plywood (one fly fishing up front, one steering sitting on the rear pontoon portion) and it works VERY WELL. I take it river camping by fitting my cooking grate in the front like a cargo rack and strapping my cooler to that to hold food and act as a dry storage. I’ve done everything you aren’t supposed to do with this raft and it has survived. The only complaint I have at all is that on a trip to Georgia in the heat ALL of the glued on attachments and clips peeled off, which really has sucked, but I’ve been able to work around it. This raft rules.

The Sea Eagle 285 FPB seems to be a well constructed boat. The materials used in its construction looks top notch and with a little care, should last for a long time. However, there are a couple of issues that I (personally) have with it. The boat is a bit narrow to me. With the optional pedestal mount and swivel seat, if the operator has to reach into the water, he can easily fall overboard. I think the vertical height of the mount is two or three inches to high. I recently ordered (on back order) the deluxe inflatable seat which I think will put my body in a safer position. Overall, it's a quality boat but everybody's body is different.

I finally had a chance to use my inflatable boat last week. It was easy to set up, especially since I purchased the electric pump. The foot pump worked, but it made my legs tired. I had set the boat up several times in the garage, and I found the leg fatigue to be a problem, thus the electric pump. I found the boat to be easy to operate once I got the hang of using the trolling motor. I found the swivel seat to be very comfortable and the bottom platform to be very stable. I had no problem standing to cast and retrieve. I purchased the recommended 30lbs thrust trolling motor to be lacking in some aspects. First, the 30in shaft is a bit short for my liking. When yo place it in reverse it throws water into the back of the boat unless you push up hard on the throttle. This would not happen with a 36in shaft. With 30lbs of thrust you move along slowly even when you are at top speed. With a strong head wind it is worst. I plan to get another trolling motor with more power and a 36in shaft, I like this boat,

I really like my 285fpb . It’s much more comfortable then my fishing yak, I added a trolling motor, if you don’t need to move around quick it’s a nice little set up. And at 65 I don’t.