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Sea Eagle 370 (SE370) Kayak Review
If you’re in the market for a high-quality inflatable kayak that offers both durability and convenience, the Sea Eagle 370, also known as the SE370, is an excellent choice. Designed to accommodate two people comfortably, this kayak stands out for its lightweight and portable nature, making it ideal for various water adventures.
Crafted from extra-thick 38-millimeter PolyKrylar—a specialized PVC material known for its exceptional strength and durability—the Sea Eagle 370 promises impressive resilience against wear and tear.
This rugged construction ensures that the kayak can withstand rough use, including potential punctures from enthusiastic pets or accidental impacts with underwater obstacles. Whether you’re heading out for a leisurely paddle or a day of fishing, the Sea Eagle 370’s robust design provides peace of mind.
In addition to its sturdy build, the Sea Eagle 370 is NMMA certified, a designation that underscores its safety and reliability. The certification process involves thorough inspection by experts in inflatable kayaks, confirming that the Sea Eagle 370 meets high standards for quality and performance.
Step by step setup of Kayak
Video Credit – Road Gear Reviews
This certification not only assures users of the kayak’s structural integrity but also reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a product that is both safe and secure for various water activities. With the Sea Eagle 370, you can enjoy the versatility of an inflatable kayak without compromising on performance or durability.
The Sea Eagle 370 is remarkably versatile, capable of supporting up to 650 pounds, which makes it an excellent choice for a variety of outings. This impressive weight capacity allows it to comfortably accommodate two full-grown adults and a child or even a large bag of gear. What truly sets the Sea Eagle 370 apart, however, is its exceptional portability.
Weighing only 32 pounds, this inflatable kayak is incredibly lightweight and easy to manage. It can be packed into a compact, travel-friendly bag that fits conveniently into virtually any vehicle, including smaller cars like Smart cars. This portability ensures that you can easily transport the kayak to various locations without the hassle of cumbersome equipment.
Setting up the Sea Eagle 370 is a straightforward process, though it does require some effort. Each of the three main chambers needs to be inflated with approximately 100 pumps of air, which may initially seem like a bit of a workout. With a bit of practice, you’ll become more efficient at this task, but if you’re looking for a quicker solution, a motorized pump is available to speed up the process significantly.
Using a motorized pump can reduce the setup time to just a few minutes, which is especially convenient for those who prefer a more effortless preparation. Overall, the Sea Eagle 370’s balance of portability, ease of setup, and substantial weight capacity makes it a standout choice for recreational paddlers and adventurers alike.
Features
- Lightweight and portable
- Tough and extra-thick PolyKrylar hull
- NMMA certified
- Inflatable spray skirts to avoid getting wet
- Drain valve for easy removal of water
Specifications
- Interior: 10 feet, 8 inches by 1 foot, 1 inch
- Exterior: 12 feet, 6 inches by 2 feet, 10inches
- Capacity: 3 Persons or 650 pounds (In reality only two full-grown adults will fit)
- Weight: 32 pounds
- Material: 38 mil PolyKrylar (K80 PVC)
Sea Eagle 370 Overview
The Sea Eagle 370 is a popular inflatable kayak that stands out for its combination of portability, versatility, and affordability. It is especially favored by beginners due to its reasonable price point and functional design. The Sea Eagle 370 comes in two packages: the Deluxe and the Pro. Although they share many features, there are notable differences that can impact your paddling experience.
Deluxe vs. Pro Package
1. Seating:
- Deluxe Package: The seats in the Deluxe package are functional but lack adequate back support. This becomes particularly noticeable when two people are paddling together. The seats can be adjusted, but when both seats are used, back discomfort can occur due to limited support.
- Pro Package: The Pro package addresses this issue with significantly improved seats. These seats offer better back support, making the Pro model a more comfortable choice, especially for longer trips or when paddling with a partner. This difference in seating quality can be a major factor, as discomfort from poor seats can detract from the overall kayaking experience.
2. Price:
- Deluxe Package: Generally cheaper by around $30 compared to the Pro version. This might seem like a good deal, but the inferior seating could outweigh the cost savings if comfort is a priority.
- Pro Package: Slightly more expensive but offers better seats, which can make a significant difference in comfort, especially on longer outings or for users who are more sensitive to back support.
Performance and Features
1. Portability (9/10):
- The Sea Eagle 370 is highly portable, making it easy to transport and store. Its lightweight design and compact nature when deflated contribute to its high portability rating.
2. Storage (6.5/10):
- While the kayak offers adequate storage space, it is not as extensive as some other models. The storage areas are functional but might be limiting for those needing to carry a large amount of gear.
3. Toughness (8/10):
- Built with heavy-duty PVC, the Sea Eagle 370 is designed to be puncture-resistant and durable. This robustness is a key advantage, especially for those who may encounter rough conditions or have pets aboard.
4. Comfort (8/10):
- Overall comfort is good, but it varies significantly between the Deluxe and Pro packages. The Pro’s superior seats contribute to a higher comfort rating. The flexibility and softness of the inflatable design can also be a factor, particularly for users accustomed to hard-shell kayaks.
5. Tracking (7/10):
- The kayak features dual skegs that aid in tracking and maintaining speed. However, despite these skegs, the kayak can still drift in strong winds and currents. While this is a common issue with many inflatable kayaks, it is something to consider if precise tracking is crucial for your paddling activities.
6. Versatility (7/10):
- The Sea Eagle 370 is versatile enough for various water conditions, from calm lakes to mild whitewater. Its size and design make it suitable for different types of paddling, but its performance may not match more specialized kayaks.
Additional Features
- Pressure Gauge: The Pro package includes a pressure gauge for the main air chamber, which helps prevent under or over-inflation. This is a valuable feature for beginners but is missing for the floor chamber, which can be a minor inconvenience.
- Handling: The kayak handles more like a canoe due to its high center of gravity. This may feel unusual for those used to hard-shell kayaks but should not detract from the overall experience once acclimated.
- Paddles: The included paddles in the Sea Eagle 370 feel cheap and may rattle during use. While they are functional, upgrading to higher-quality paddles is advisable for a better experience.
- Seat Webbing: The blue seat webbing can bleed onto the white hull when wet, potentially staining the kayak. This cosmetic issue does not affect performance but is worth noting for those concerned about maintaining the kayak’s appearance.
Conclusion
If you are interested kayaking sports then you will be first focus on stability and features with comfort of Sea Eagle 370 (SE370) Kayak. This kayak has a 2+2 proper seating capacity which comes in handy for lone expeditions or a fun day out with friends and family. This type of kayak is also great for beginners. This kayak is lightweight and easy to set up. If you are beginners paddlers then its best option for you.
Whether a calm day on a lake site or more activity on a river, SE370 models are designed in order to meet its usability demands with an enjoyable outcome.
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro offers a great balance of affordability and functionality, particularly with its enhanced seating and overall build quality. While it may not match the performance of hard-shell kayaks or more expensive models, it provides excellent value for money and is a solid choice for beginners and those seeking a versatile inflatable kayak.
If comfort and a slight improvement in features are important to you, the Pro version is the better choice despite its higher cost. If budget constraints are a concern, the Deluxe version still offers good value but with some trade-offs in seating comfort.