If you're looking for a basic kayak that is easily portable (can be taken by air too), has a reasonable price and yet good durability, and can be used effectively either solo or tandem, the SE370 is something to consider. Some of the virtues:
•Sea Eagle's outstanding 6-month return option and 3-year warranty are hard to beat.
•This is a very comfortable boat, almost like a couch on water, and yet still has decent performance for an inflatable.
•Although it is never touted as being "fast", this boat actually can attain the same speeds as Sea Eagle's original FastTrack 385FT (called "classic" now) that they have claimed is "fast". This comparison was verified by GPS under the same paddling conditions with the same paddler(s): 2.8 to 3.5 mph w/ easy to steady paddling, 3.8 to 4 mph w/ firm paddling, 4.3 to 4.5 mph at a sprint.
•It tracks fairly well for an inflatable, and yet is also easy to maneuver.
•It has good load carrying capacity. Since it does not have a separate floor piece as some inflatables do, it is fairly easy to wipe down inside when you are done w/ a paddling session (you do not have to partially deflate a separate floor piece, take it out to dry it off and dry off that water that was underneath it, and then put it back in). Note however, that since it has a low-pressure floor (not high-pressure which can be made very firm), the floor is somewhat squishy and not as solid. Easy to set-up and inflate, and likewise to deflate and fold up.
One limitation of this boat is how it sits a bit deeper in the water. Since the bottom of the boat protrudes downward from the side parts of the boat, and boat's floatation and stability comes a lot from the two large side tubes, then that means it takes more clearance, i.e., sits lower in the water. An example of this was paddling down the Crystal River in Northern Michigan, which is a very shallow river. Those in our two 10-foot recreational hard shells coasted over everything in that 5-mile stretch of river. But with the SE370, there may have been eight or nine times that we had to get out and walk briefly.
The rating of 7 given is somewhat of an "overall" rating. If you consider the greater sphere of kayaking, you may only give it about a 6; but if you consider the world of inflatable kayaks, you may give it a 7; and finally, if you consider how much you get for such a reasonable price, you could give it an 8.
I would definitely get the deluxe seats which cost a little more than the basic ones.
When choosing between an SE330 and an SE370, I definitely prefer the 370:
a) I like it better for solo paddling than the 330
b) while the 330 is tight with two adults, the 370's extra 16" of length helps a lot
c) you'll get a little more speed from the 370's extra length
d) the 370 uses 38 mil Polykrylar instead of the 33 mil on the 330
e) the 370 seems more stable
f) these noticeable advantages come w/ little extra weight and for only another $50.
Happy paddling!
