Inflatables - first impressions

Today I took my Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track (FT) to her maiden voyage at one of the nicest beaches in Tomales bay. The FT packs into a nice bag (or rather a blanket) that can be worn like a backpack. Super important when a toddler with beach toys tags along. It’s not too heavy, sub 20lb. Manual pumping is a breeze. You can lift the FT in one hand and move it over to the water. The seats are surprisingly very comfortable. My son loved it.
Since the FT has a rather flat bottom, and I forgot the skeg at home (did I mention my toddler asking million questions while I’m trying not to forget anything?) so it tracks really bad. You basically zig zag the whole time, unless you go slow. The wind was blowing at some 10mph+ which made the FT feel more like a tube rather than a kayak. Heck, we had a great time, and it packs small and easy to put in the van. Definitely recommended for families with kids on lakes or calm bays.

That is going to be a good inflatable. I find a lot of value in having a quality inflatable setup and the kids love it! I have the Sea Eagle FishSUP 126, it’s a barge and I love it in the bay and estuary. Drop-stitch technology has changed the game for inflatables. Gone are the days of flimsy pool toys and bring on the rigid pool toys! Lol.

I had a Sea Eagle inflatable that was similar looking to yours. When my kids were younger, we used it on some of the local lakes (Lexington and Stevens Creek, for example). That was pre-inspection days, so it was easy to get on the water, and it was lots of fun. But, I didn't manage to get either of my kids addicted to kayaking, so I hope you have better luck in that regard...

Looks like a nice kayak. I hope you get years of enjoyment out of it.

Al

Looks like a really solid inflatable. Thanks for the review.

But, I didn't manage to get either of my kids addicted to kayaking, so I hope you have better luck in that regard...

I’m more worried my son would turn into a surf bum that smokes funny things. See LM parking lot

Way to get the kids out!

That LM parking lot can be badneesbears. Not so prime for the young and impressionable

I have been messing with an inflatable for many years.  I've always enjoyed Van Dsmn for quite many years.  During low tide, bellow +1,0 tide, the place turned into  swiming pool in the morning hours.  A ton of fun at the first set of rocks on the left side goofing off.  But turns rougher as soon as the tide a certain level almost instantly. 

Is this the boat?

https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Eagle-SE370-Inflatable-Package/dp/B001ASRVDK/ref=pd_day0fbt_img_2/131-1831383-8280251?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001ASRVDK&pd_rd_r=10401f0e-1d0e-484a-95f4-0ef24b07809d&pd_rd_w=cTDGS&pd_rd_wg=IIN8j&pf_rd_p=6a05ef20-9a93-4152-93b4-38b758e10220&pf_rd_r=NS33EAGA8HVH3V4E7DY9&psc=1&refRID=NS33EAGA8HVH3V4E7DY9

I love it.  Thanks for the post.  I’ve had the same boat for a while.  Very durable and really tracks. Only downside: in even light wind it’s very hard to bass fish in. I also have a seat like yours. 

To give my old butt a little softer ride I used double stick Velcro to hold a boat cushion in place under the seat.  Without the Velcro I couldn’t keep the cushion under the seat. It works pretty good now.  Super comfortable!



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It’s this one. About $1000:

https://recreation-outfitters.com/products/385ft-trade-pro-package?variant=33530216284297&currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google+shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqrvP3KuO8AIVpG5vBB1Rsg1fEAQYASABEgLwJ_D_BwE

I don’t know what version my seat is, but I’d say it’s 2 inch thick at the bottom. We didn’t go for a long ride, but it was very comfortable.

There’s a good video comparing the different models: