Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Inflatable 9’ Pontoon Fishing Boat - 1 Person- Lightweight, Portable-Perfect for Hunting & Fishing-Sets up in 5 Minutes

This boat was exactly I thought it would be based on the information provided by the manufacturer. This thing is tough. I have used it on large and small lakes. Bumping into submerged trees no problem. I'm not saying these things are indestructible. But with what I have come in contact with on the water, I thought I would have punctured this boat by now. I highly recommend to pair this with a 65lbs trolling motor to get you moving through the water at about 5mph on average depending on weight. Absolutely recommended for those who want to fish big bodies of water like a kayak, but wants absolute portability, this is the boat for you.

Spent 2 years trying to decide which pontoon boat to purchase. It all came down to the Colorado XT and the Sea Eagle 285 Pro. I am able to usually fit everything into the trunk of my Toyota Avalon, so that makes me happy. It takes about 10 - 15 minutes to pump using the air pump included and I'm ready to go. For larger people like myself you may need to move the seat back (drill holes into the floor board) if you intend to row, otherwise the oars constantly hit you. Rowing is pretty easy once you get use to it. Heavier winds will turn you 6 ways to Sunday when you stop, but the same thing happens with an aluminum row boat. Rod holders are by Scotty. Boat seems very sturdy but there is no way on any given day I will be caught standing up in the boat because of my weight and inability to balance at times. If I had any complaint I'd wish it was maybe a half a foot wider. It would feel a little safer and I'd have more "storage room". So far I'm using it for fishing smaller lakes and cardio work outs (if you want to call them that.)I'd recommend purchasing the Sea Eagle EZ Cart unless you like dragging the boat across the ground. Carrying the boat while only 45 ish pounds with floor board and seat in is awkward.

Review is more like 4.5 stars. The only downsides are that the Sea Eagle 285 becomes difficult to keep on track in wind because of the pontoon shape and lack of skegs on the bottom (You hear that Sea Eagle-common complaint) and it is a little difficult to row the oars due to my long legs, but I think I have found the right position (oars are only for emergencies for me or getting out of tight spots). Other than that, this thing is awesome. It became clear as soon as I took this out of the box that the boat is super durable and made of much thicker material than I expected-super high quality. Once I learned the process, set-up and take-down is no more than 20-minutes each, even with the foot pump. Quick tip: make sure you pump up the boat less than half way and then install the floor because any more air than that makes it almost impossible to wedge the floor into the grooves. The swivel chair is higher quality and comfortable. It is at the right height to make good seated casts and I don't see the need to stand up. I am a big guy, (6 foot, 280#) so standing up is a bit of a balancing act, but doable, and would be much easier for someone smaller. The Scotty mounts/holders are top notch and I have already purchased the triple rod mount and anchor lock as upgrades. I currently run this boat with myself, 30lb thrust trolling motor, big 110ah battery and box, fish finder with 10ah battery, and a crate full of tackle, and the boat still rides high in the water and is super stable-no stress or concerns.

I ordered this instead of a fishing kayak and I made the right choice. It's really easy to assemble, once I'm at the lake it takes about 15 minutes to inflate, attach the board and seat, rod holders and trolling motor. I now can cover a lot more of the lake than ever before. The seat is very comfortable and it rotates 360 degrees. I also can stand easily. It has plenty of room for my tackle box, lunch box, etc. It sits very high on the water and I can easily fish Lily Pads, and shallow water. I'm sure there's a good reason to spend $800 on a fishing Kayak over this, I just don't know what that would be.

I love the versatility of this little inflatable boat over the Colorado XT it replaced. The battery for the trolling motor fits in the back much better than the XT, and the trolling motor is situated back a little to make working the boat a little easier. Storage is better and having a floor really helps. I am also able to stand up and fish, which was not possible in the XT. Storing the boat is also quicker and easier since you don't have to deal with a frame. Rowing is also easier as the oars are raised a few inches higher. I always struggled with the XT but not this boat. The only downside is you have to buy the caddy for another 100 or so dollars, where the XT came with a wheel so you could move your boat around easier. I like the XT but this little boat just suits me better.