Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable Fishing Boat Reviews

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.

Overall I like the boat. The performance has worked. Easy to carry to the marsh, maneuvers in the saltwater marsh with trolling motor to get to the flounder, reds, and trout. Only problem that has developed is a slow leak that I have not found. Also I was disappointed that one of the oar post was too short to mount the oar. Eventually I was able to get a replacement oar post under warranty.