Sea Eagle 8 Inflatable Raft - Review

The Sea Eagle 8 Inflatable Raft

The Sea Eagle 8 Inflatable Raft (SE 8) is an ideal inflatable fishing boat that also pulls double duty as an excellent recreational river floating raft. I know this because I own a SE 8 raft. This boat serves as one of my primary means of transport on the rivers in Montana (I also own a Sea Eagle 380x inflatable kayak, too.).

For a quick summary of the SE 8, basically the inflatable boat is rated to handle Class III whitewater, has a huge capacity and is incredibly upgradeable - it can even have a motor attached to it. All priced in a package of between $300 - $700, depending on which package you choose.

Check Prices and Available Packages for the Sea Eagle 8 Inflatable Raft

Be sure to read the Inflatable Raft Benefits and Limitations article too, to make sure this raft meets your exact needs!

Sea Eagle 8 Inflatable Raft Illustrated

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Benefits of the Sea Eagle 8 Inflatable Raft

Whitewater - The Sea Eagle 8 is rated to handle Class III whitewater, just like the larger SE9 is. Because the Sea Eagle 8 is a bit smaller and lighter than the SE9, this boat will handle better in the rapids for solo paddlers. The boat, though, is not self bailing, so be sure to bring something along to occasionally bail out the water if you happen to hit a wave wrong. I use a milk jug cut in half and find it works perfectly.

Expandability - The Sea Eagle 8 has numerous accessories that can be added onto it. Floorboards create a firm floor for fly fishing and casting, allowing the angler to stand up in the boat (do not use floorboards for river running!). A motormount can be attached to allow a small motor to be used.

Portability - The Sea Eagle 8 inflatable boat weighs on 32 lbs. and rolls up into its own carrying bag.

Durability - The hull material of the Sea Eagle 8 inflatable raft is made of 38mm polykrylar material which will not break down under the UV rays of the sun. Note, the raft is NOT designed to be used in weather below freezing. Using the raft in below freezing weather may damage the fabric of the boat.

Capacity - The Sea Eagle 8 has a huge carrying capacity of 950 lbs. or 4 adults. Two people plus some gear fit comfortably inside the raft.

Ease of Set-up - Using an electric pump, the SE 8 inflatable raft can be fully ready to go in about 10 minutes - allow a few extra minutes if using the manual bellows pump.

Warranty - All Sea Eagle products, including the Sea Eagle 8 inflatable fishing boat, have a 3 year warranty against manufacturing defects and also come with a 30 day "on-the-water" tryout period. If you don't like the inflatable raft during this try-out period, just send it back - no questions asked.

Summary

The Sea Eagle 8 inflatable raft is an excellent boat for fishing, river floating and paddling around on smaller lakes and ponds. This inflatable raft is incredibly versatile, has a huge capacity and is very affordable. If you plan on carrying in the raft two people PLUS lots of gear, consider getting the Sea Eagle 9 Raft instead. It is quite a bit larger, allowing for more "leg room" on longer trips.

Highly recommended.

Check Prices and Available Packages for the Sea Eagle 8 Inflatable Raft

Web Resources

Sea Eagle Home Page

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