Sea Eagle 393RL | Detailed Look and Review

When considering a kayak, as with any major purchase, you have to balance any number of factors, with two standing out as the most essential: how much it costs and how much fun it is. On the one hand, you don’t want to break the bank on an exorbitant purchase, but on the other hand, you want your purchases to count for something, and that something should be fun, especially in the case of kayaks. For what reason would we spend hundreds of dollars on a kayak, other than the thrill of tackling roaring rapids or going out on the water to fish?

This means that you’re going to want a kayak that offers good value and great times to be had, which is where the Sea Eagle 393RL comes in. It bills itself as a kayak that can offer a ton of fun at an affordable rate, which is all the more intriguing given the fact that the Sea Eagle Razorlite 393RL is an inflatable kayak, and this introduces a whole other set of dynamics into the equation.

So, what does all of this add up to for the Sea Eagle Razorlite 393RL, and does it offer the right balance of affordability and fun for you?

Features of Sea Eagle 393RL

Among the most important features offered by the Sea Eagle Razorlite 393RL are:

• Measures 12’10” x 2’ 4”
• Weighs 35 pounds
• Weight capacity of 500 pounds
• One-person cockpit
• Three-chamber design
• Comes with spray skirts
• Comes with drain valves
• Made of 1000-denier reinforced drop stitch material
• Requires ideal inflation pressure of 10 PSI
• Has large removable rear skeg
• Offers innovative hull design
• Comes with 4 D-rings
• Offers adjustable seat and footrest

Here you can check a quick video overview by S/V Salty Abandon:

Hull and Design

That hull design is key for the Sea Eagle 393RL. While most inflatable kayaks make use of hollow chambers that you’re supposed to inflate at low pressures, this model instead does best at 10 PSI. The hull construction itself uses drop stitch technology, which is rare for inflatable chambers and makes the walls stronger than usual, which in turn allows the chambers to be inflated to pressures far higher than you would typically expect for a kayak such as this.

What are the practical implications of all of this? For one thing, the fact that the chambers can be inflated to a higher-pressure point means that they can be narrower rather than larger with lower pressure, which in turn means a slimmer kayak. This, in turn, helps this kayak be a bit more kayak-ish than might be the case if it were a larger kayak. From an aesthetic standpoint, this also helps this kayak maintain a thinner, sleeker shape. That sleeker shape is important for more than just aesthetics, too — the thinner the shape, the easier it can slice through the water, and that makes for a faster kayak.

All of that is at odds with what you might expect from a traditional kayak.

Stability and Durability

One interesting potential downside of all of that is that this kayak is actually potentially less stable than traditional inflatable kayaks precisely because it is more rigid and thus more like a hard-shelled kayak, which tend to be more challenging for newcomers. On the flip side, this may make this kayak more attractive to and rewarding for experienced kayakers intrigued by the possibility of trying out an inflatable kayak that finally matches their kayaking style and skills.

Then there is material from which the hull is made. 1100 Decitex is a very strong and durable material, but is still light enough to inflate and deflate. The footrest is secured to the D-rings, with that and the adjustable seat allowing you to shift things around in the kayak so as to achieve the most comfortable fit possible. The spray skirts included can do a good job of keeping you dry, while the drainage valves can help ensure that your kayak does not become waterlogged.

 

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Weight Limit and Capacity

Weight-wise, it’s an interesting story. On the one hand, 35 pounds is light enough to carry to and from the water with ease. On the other hand, however, while this kayak can carry 500 pounds of materials, it is still designed with a one-person cockpit, meaning that even with a carrying capacity more than big enough for two or more people, you’ll still be paddling solo.

However, that doesn’t mean that all that extra carrying capacity will go to waste, however. On the contrary, 500 pounds means that you’ll be able to load a ton of fishing and other gear. If you love to fish and are looking for a heavy-duty inflatable kayak that’s up to the task, the Sea Eagle 393RL may be a good option to consider.

What Do Users Say?

On the whole, users have responded positively to the innovative design of this kayak and how it allows them to cruise along in a speedy and maneuverable manner. Some have also responded positively to just how comfortable the kayak is with the adjustable footrest, seat, and other elements.

Pros and Cons

Some of the most positive features about this kayak are:

Some features that you might be a bit wary of are:

Is Sea Eagle 393RL Worth Your Money?

Our rating: 4.6 / 5 

There is a lot to like about this kayak, starting with the fact that its innovative design allows it to be a lot speedier and more maneuverable than you would typically expect for an inflatable kayak. It is also quite comfortable. Perhaps the biggest foible for this kayak is the fact that it has a huge carrying capacity of 500 pounds, but can still only support one kayaker due to its one-person cockpit. Still, if you love fishing, that carrying capacity combined with the comfortable nature of this kayak and everything else make this a great catch.

Add to that the improved speed and maneuverability, and this kayak does a lot of things a lot of other inflatable kayaks simply don’t. At an affordable rate and with a ton of features, this kayak does indeed offer a lot of bang for your buck.