Sea Eagle 393rl Inflatable Kayaks and Canoe Reviews
3 Discount Packages available. starting at $999
First of all, I think Sea Eagle boats are the best inflatable boats you can buy. That being said, my first couple of rides in my 393rl were a little sketchy. My previous boat was a paddleski . I bought that about 5 years ago. It was very stable and easy to row. Unfortunatley the wind pushed it around quite a bit. The 393rl has a much lower profile so that reduces that problem a lot. Stability is the problem. I consider myself a pretty good kayaker but I had a hard time feeling secure in this kayak. I guess I just need more time to get used to it. Also , the backpack for the kayak is not the easiest to pack up the kayak. I really struggle to get the kayak back in it. Other than those issues, the boat itself is great. Easy to inflate and deflate. It definitely moves through the water smoothly. I will keep trying to get used to my 393rl but it is definitely suited more for experienced kayakers.
Aloha Daniel, the RazorLite™ is indeed a high-performance kayak but it's easy to master. Just like riding a bike. There's a slight learning curve. Once you have it though - you have it and have taken your skills to the next level. Remember the skeg will help. Getting your paddle in the water as soon as possible for bracing and getting underway will help too. Just like riding a bike. When stationary you can either lay your paddle across your RazorLite™ (perpendicular) to act like a balance pole or keep a blade in the water for bracing. Before long you will have developed the core muscles needed and using your RazorLite™ will become natural. Give this video a try for packing ► youtu.be/Dfbp_lm3jGY a try! Should make it pretty easy.
Had an issue with the first one but Sea Eagle replaced it with new improved design at no cost. Great service! Can completely recommend RazerLite without reservations! Sets up super fast, amazing tracking, sturdy kayak. Tracking is a big problem with most inflatables but Sea Eagle has really outdone themselves with this boat.
I'm using the kayak as a tender to my cruising sailboat when single-handling (which is most of the time). My sailboat is small but capable. I used to drag an inflatable dinghy but that reduced sailing performance. The kayak folds in a locker and is set up quickly to explore my favorite anchorages, which are rocky shores and islands like Maine. The kayak has outstanding performance, close to a rigid. The only drawbacks of the design is windage due to its high freeboard, which makes it harder to get going in strong winds, but still doable. On the other hand I like the open design that enables carrying stuff (e.g. backpacks or groceries). I find it tracks very well even without the skeg, which I never use in order to ease beaching, and rides the swells safely. I still think it reasonable to paddle in relatively protected waters and in calm to medium conditions.
show full review ▼After vacillating between the Fast Track and the RazorLite, I finally ordered the 393 rl. I have owned rigid kayaks before and I didn't expect this kind of performance in an inflatable. I was amazed how well the 393 tracked, the speed which I could attain, and the distance I could cover. Needless to say, after my wife tried my 393rl, she wanted one for herself. We love the portability and the ease of storage of the kayak. We have loaned our kayaks out to friends, and they have purchased their own 393rl's. That pretty much says it all. With the 180 day trial period and the 3 year warranty, you can't go wrong.
I LOVE my Sea Eagle! I do mainly river and lake kayaking but have had it out on Lake Michigan (staying in sight of shore). It is easy to paddle, tracks well, and best of all fits in my backseat! I had traditional hard shell kayaks and tried roof racks and a then a trailer but they were awkward to handle alone. The Sea Eagle folds up in the back seat of my compact car, inflates in less than 10 minutes and I am on the water. I did several group paddles and got lots of compliments and questions on it. I totally recommend it and plan to get a second one in the spring!
Bought my 393RL in spring 2017 after owning a 385 Fast Track for two years. I was very happy with the Fast Track I just found it a lot of effort to paddle long distances and hard to keep up with friends in hard shell canoes on long trips. The Razorlite takes significantly less effort to paddle. It easily keeps up with and even outpaces standard canoes. The RazorLite tracks dead straight with the skeg attached but I also find that makes it harder to steer. Without the skeg it still tracks reasonably well and steers with much less effort. Because of this I find it easier to use than the Fast Track in very shallow water as the Fast Track does not track at all without the skeg. Setup and take down time are much less than the Fast Track. The included back pack style bag is an upgrade from the duffel style my Fast Track came with and is much easier to carry though harder to get the boat in the bag. Only downside is the manual pumps break often/easily and current model RL can't be cleaned between floor & hull.
I like the kayak overall. Positives include ability to carry in back of SUV, fairly quick inflation time, and apparent sturdiness. Less than positive but not wholly negative include inferior maneuverability compared to fiberglass kayak w rudder, difficulty in cleaning debris from deep crevices and fully drying the crevices to prevent mold while storing. Most disappointing is the impossibility of using the “backpack” as a carrying device once it was removed the first time. There is no way this kayak, once used, can resume its size and shape that it was packaged in, and then try to cram in all the accessories! So, storage is a problem in a small house. The kayak sits folded up, outside the “backpack” full of accessories.
Aloha Liz, give this video ► youtu.be/Dfbp_lm3jGY a try. Should make packing pretty easy!
The 393rl is a smooth, reactive, fun boat on the water. Although it isn't heavy, it is awkward to carry easily and repacking it is frustrating. Multiple tries and many videos later, I am still unable to put the boat back into the bag along with the paddle and pump, as shown on the sites. As a result, I revert to my old hard-shell kayak for trips near home, and save the SeaEagle for when we travel.
Aloha Ellen, give this video ► youtu.be/Dfbp_lm3jGY a try! Should make packing pretty easy.
The 393 RL is indeed a very unique kayak.
It assembly is fast and easy and it moves
Very nicely through the water.
As advertised it requires some experieance
To handle this kayak.
show full review ▼William, this video should help. Try packing it this way ► youtu.be/Dfbp_lm3jGY.
I love my Sea Eagle 393l. We paddled hard kayaks for years and tired of loading and tying them down, Great thing about the inflatable is they just load right in your vehicle. People are astonished when I tell them what I'm paddling is an inflatable. It handles beautifully. The only difficulty I've had is getting it back in the bag. The bags could be a little larger. Especially for us older ladies it can be a little tough to fold the boat up super tidy and a roomier bag would allow a little more leeway. Of course after the first few times it has gotten easier but still a little annoying. I would definitely purchase my boat again.
Nancy, this video should help. Try packing it this way ► youtu.be/Dfbp_lm3jGY.