Sea Eagle RazorLite 473RL Kayak Reviewed

Choosing to buy an inflatable kayak means embracing a balancing act between its lightweight nature and the need to be durable. The biggest draw of any inflatable kayak is the fact that it’s lightweight and easy to transport. The biggest drawback is that its inflatable nature put it at risk of tearing, deflating, and leaving you high and dry – or sunk and soaked.

So how does the Sea Eagle RazorLite 473RL strike that balance? Let’s take a look.

Features of Sea Eagle RazorLite 473RL

Some of the most important features offered by the Sea Eagle RazorLite 473RL include:

• 17 lbs
• 5 ft long, 30 in. wide
• Two drain valves
• Removable rear skeg
• Two-seat design
• Load capacity of 750 lbs
• Durable hull made from 1100 Decitex material
• Adjustable FlexBrace footrest

Weight and Capacity

The first thing that probably leaps out at you from those features is the striking difference between the weight and weight capacity. A kayak being as lightweight as 17 lbs isn’t unheard of, particularly for an inflatable model, but it’s still impressive. That carrying capacity is also at the edge of what you’d typically expect, but not unheard of, especially for a two-seater.

But those two features together? Something that lightweight providing that much carrying capacity? That’s extremely rare in the world of kayaking, and one of the biggest calling cards for the Sea Eagle RazorLite 473RL. Normally, of the biggest decisions you have to make when choosing a kayak is how much weight capacity you want set against your desire to not have to haul a heavy model to and from the water. With this offering from Sea Eagle, you get the best of both worlds.

The rear removable skeg is another nice touch. If you choose to attach it, the kayak can cut across the water a bit more like a surfboard, improving its overall tracking ability.

Storage and Spaciousness

The two-seat nature of this kayak is definitely welcome as well, letting you hit the water with a friend.

There’s plenty of room for two lengthwise, with this model’s impressive 15.5 ft length. On the other hand, it’s slimmer than most larger kayaks at just 30 in. across. What’s more, the walls of the kayak are considerably thinner than most other kayaks of this size. Thankfully, the 100 Decitex helps provide some much-needed strength to its design.

Making this model feel even more spacious is the inclusion of an adjustable footrest. This can give you and your partner more legroom as you fish or engage in other activities.

What Do Users Say?

Most of the buzz around this kayak has been positive. Its size and weight capacity for an inflatable kayak are natural points of focus, and users have responded glowingly to both.

Some have found that the kayak can take a bit longer than other inflatable options because of its sheer size, but it can still be inflated in under 10 minutes.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leo Gómez Montoto (@velaeola)

For the same reason, some have pointed out that this kayak is better suited to tandem paddling with a partner, since it can feel too big to handle on your own. Still, that’s typical of most kayaks of this size, and the Sea Eagle RazorLite 473RL fits its size class nicely.

Others have noted that the kayak folds up quite easily, making it a great choice for those for whom portability is a primary concern.

Finally, reviews for the kayaks’ durability have been glowing as well. Contrary to the stereotype of inflatable kayaks being more vulnerable than hard-shelled ones, users have found this kayak quite sturdy.

Pros and Cons

Some of the biggest pros for this kayak include:

Some potential cons to consider are:

As mentioned above, the biggest upside of this model is how it combines its huge size, lightweight build, and impressive weight capacity. You can easily deflate this kayak and fit it into a backpack, which is a huge plus. Everything else about this kayak is built around this sturdy foundation, and it works wonders. With so much room, you can take on a variety of activities in all kinds of conditions. As long as you are fine taking on those challenges with a partner, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.

Is Sea Eagle RazorLite 473RL Worth Your Money?

Our rating: 4.7 / 5

There are lots of reasons why this model has established itself as one of the best two-person inflatable kayaks on the market. It is light and accessible enough to be used by beginners, while its size and durability make it a great choice for those looking for two-person kayaking action.

In short, this model does a fantastic job of striking a balance between extremes, making it a great choice for those wanting the best of all worlds from a kayak that’s up to all kinds of activities.