Kayak Vs Inflatable Fishing Boat 2024
LunkerFisher reply :
Well, I am in a bit of a pickle (boater problems I know, woe is me).
I really want to buy a kayak. Problem is, I live in a small one-bedroom, bunker level apartment with a sweet lady whom I would hate to upset by suggesting I store a 12' yak behind the couch. I also don't want to lug it in and out of the don't doorway. I am searching around to find a place where I could store a kayak safely but also have it easily accessible, and am coming up dry. An alternative for me would be to instead get an inflatable fishing boat with a trolling motor (sea eagle or the like), but then deal with increased maintenance and setup time.
The storage ease of the inflatable is really speaking to me, but the maneuverability and durability of the kayak is what I really want. Budget-wise, a sea eagle inflatable and trolling motor is in the same price range as kayaks I am exploring (tarpon, slayer, etc.). I already have $1000 saved for my boat endeavor, and might have a bonus check coming soon from work. What would you do in this situation? I am going to check with a couple canoe liveries once they open May 1 to see if I can work out a storage deal with them. I just don't want to pay $70 or more a month to keep it at a storage unit.
Not_Here reply :
if space & transportation is an issue then go with the sea eagle frameless pontoon pro package or you could get their new 10ft stalker sea eagle put out recently...a buddy of mine has one and hes going on his 4th season with it i believe now...if you do get one, get a 55# TM (you'll appreciate the extra power when bucking wind, trust me...and/or going from point A to B ) and I also suggest the 42" shaft so you can set the TM up higher making it easier to reach/use while standing...they are a great stable little vessel to stand confidently and bass off of...then you can just deflate, roll it up & throw it in the trunk 
carlm01 reply :
Ditto on that , I have the seaeagle 285 pro frameless pontoon in hunter green and it's one great little boat , You can buy a electric pump and have it set up in about 10 mins
Scott F reply :
What extra maintenance is required with an inflatable? I've had personal pontoons for 12 years that have required almost zero maintenance. What makes you think they are not durable? I can out maneuver any kayak or canoe. You might need to do some more research before you come to conclusions about inflatables that may not be true.
LunkerFisher reply :
I know a motor of any kind is going to require maintenance. I wasn't implying that an inflatable is no good either. I'm just much more comfortable with the 1 piece ready-to-roll design of a kayak. I'd rather not be concerned about something that can revert to a resting state of deflation. I've done a lot of research to date and I'm much more confident in the idea of owning a kayak. If, however, I'm not meant to own one at this time, I may be looking at an inflatable. I know for a fact that I will not get a modular kayak, that whole idea just gives me the heebie jeebies.
Not_Here reply :
i think people get the idea that these are some cheap skinned, easily punctured inflatables...that 1000 pvc coated denier fabric is strong as hell...and even if you were to get a hole, its not going to just deflate like a balloon, it'd be like a very very slow leak...
i've never punctured mine, my buddy caught a jig in his on a hard cast and got a hole, slapped some duct tape on it and finished the day then he repaired it properly thereafter...
they are great portable units that i have nothing but 100% confidence in...to being able to stand & operate the TM with being able to pitch, punch and everything else even in chop is invaluable as far as bassin goes...no techniques are excluded or hampered like when one has to sit...
Dogmatic reply :
I thoroughly agree with what has been said about personal pontoons. I've hooked mine with no problems. Maintenance almost nonexistent. They're light, usually lighter than kayaks, so, very portable. Easily customizable with plenty of space for gear, and trolling motor/battery. Above all else, the ability to stand(easily), even when sitting you're higher than a yak, and you can maneuver your craft while standing. I own several small craft, yaks, canoes, inflatables, and a small tin boat. When I am heading out by myself to small water, I grab a toon.
LunkerFisher reply :
How easy is the rowing on the sea eagle 285?
Not_Here reply :
that i can't answer with the sea eagle specifically since i have a different type of toon that i customized. mine has 2 separate 10ft toons with a rigid metal frame so i'd have some less drag and be a bit faster...mine oars easily, i can really crank it up and move once i get in a rhythm...but the only time i oar is when i lift the TM and oar into the meat & potatoes of slop...it is nice though to have an effective secondary means if in the event my battery or TM pukes on me on the water...
tomustang reply :
For kayaks, I'd look into Point 65 N modular kayaks. I'm still interested in picking one up some day to get into tiny water. You could get a front and back piece and keep them in a suv
zeth reply :
research there are some great inflatable kayaks.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
All i can say is them things are tough as nails
Preytorien reply :
On 3/23/2015 at 1:16 AM, LunkerFisher said:How easy is the rowing on the sea eagle 285?
While I don't have the 285, I have the SE-8 Fishermans Dream package....and it's a pain in the backside to row. It's so light and doesn't draft hardly any depth. I went out in it once with oars and immediately called my wife on the way home and said we'd move heaven and earth but I had to get a motor. I would heavily recommend factoring in the price of a decent trolling motor with your cost. I use a MinnKota Endura Max 40. Works excellent.
I also agree with the above posts. The quality and construction of the boats are very very good. I saw a video of a guy using the claw end of a hammer to try to puncture the boat hull and it just bounced off, they even drove a truck over it with no problems. They're very durable and surprisingly easy to carry around. My SE-8 hull weighs about 35lbs.
The maneuverability is, in my opinion, very well. Since the boats only draft a couple inches of water, you can literally turn in a circle on a dime. Besides, their low draft lets you fish in less than a foot of water easily.
The setup time is something a lot of people are concerned about but shouldn't be. I can have mine ready in 10 minutes. However, I would suggest getting a high speed electric air pump. The one that came with mine is very slow, but I bought a brand off Amazon that will flat out blow that baby up in no time flat. Once I get my deck, seats, battery, motor, and fishing gear loaded, it's about 10-15mins total. I'm sure just throwing a kayak in the water is faster, but it's not as stow-able or portable. Mine fits easily in the trunk of a 2008 Chevy Malibu. Now if I can just get a truck 
nycgrip reply :
heres my sea eagle foldcat 325, you can say i trust the material.
Dogmatic reply :
There are things I forgot to mention, tracking and wind. Inflatables draft nearly nothing, so whether rowing or motoring, tracking straight can be a problem, especially important if you want to troll at all. There are solutions, the simplest being the addition of a skeg to the bottom of the 'toons(sea eagle sells them, but you can get them anywhere). Fixed the problem, tracks like a champ. The other draw back, because of your higher profile, you're subjected to the effects of wind more.
EricDkk reply :
I have sea eagle 285. The setup is painful before you fishing and after.
I will go to kayak, like PA14
LunkerFisher reply :
I'm starting to research inflatable kayaks as an alternative option for my storage needs. Might be the fair compromise I'm looking for. Sea eagle's 385 is kinda tempting me.
Not_Here reply :
the pro's with the frameless toon faaaaaaaaar outweigh that of an inflatable yak with its functionality for bassin...i see that as a potentially regrettable mistake choosing an inflatable yak over the sea eagle pontoon...if your serious about getting the best tool for the job for bassin within your restrictions, the pontoon is hands down the best & correct choice...
LunkerFisher reply :
On 3/25/2015 at 12:30 AM, Frog Turds said:the pro's with the frameless toon faaaaaaaaar outweigh that of an inflatable yak with its functionality for bassin...i see that as a potentially regrettable mistake choosing an inflatable yak over the sea eagle pontoon...if your serious about getting the best tool for the job for bassin within your restrictions, the pontoon is hands down the best & correct choice...
The lack of needing a trolling motor is a HUGE pro for me. What pros does the toon have that an inflatable yak does not? Yak is longer, more space for gear, easier to paddle. What am I missing?
Not_Here reply :
the only aspect the inflatable yak will be better than a toon is if its down to which is better without a TM with traveling, gear is debatable...
when i say the best tool to bass off of, it means with a trolling motor included...
Pro's with toon & TM;
1) obvious is having a TM for power & that your able to operate and move/adjust while standing. even with yaks can stand in, got to sit down to adjust/move and/or put the rod down to paddle standing. I can have my rod in one hand, bait in/on the water and still adjust my position with one hand using the TM without missing much of a beat.
2) standing ability/stability with a toon even in chop & wind. there isn't a yak on the market more stable than a toon for standing...my toon is 10' x 4.5' wide...sea eagle frameless 9ft x 4ft...
3) being able to effectively use techniques and/or presentations that are hampered and/or excluded with a yak...thats one of the biggest pro's which ties in directly with being able to stand easily...also when you can stand, being higher with line of sight and being able to be more precise with casting and hitting your target etc...no matter how you slice it one can not beat or be more effective sitting vs standing bassin...
4) you can use a stake out with the toon (i can explain how), much more efficient when shallow water fishing in many ways...the inflatable yak your going to have to constantly anchor cuz the lightest wind blow you all over the place or you'll be constantly have to adjust using the paddle.
5) length of the yak can be a negative...the toons maneuverability being shorter and where it can turn on a dime using the TM can get into tighter places say for instance like moving in & around docks with boats moored easily and able to fish them spots more efficiently and effectively doing it all while standing etc...
6) can put a graph on a toon.
theres probably things i'm forgetting but you get the idea...the sacrifices with bassin getting the inflatable yak over a sea eagle pontoon with a TM is for you to decide and have to live with...sure maybe a bit more of an expense with having to get a motor and battery, maybe a bit more set up time but in the end its worth it...you can not beat a toon for its function with bassin compared...
LunkerFisher reply :
The extra expense of a trolling motor is not what is deterring me, I still have most of my tax return and am getting a sizable bonus from work. I am looking for a compromise between comfort on the water and quick setup/teardown. This craft will not be used for all of my fishing. I fish a lot in my buddy's canoe for bass and panfish and on my other friend's 26 footer for perch and walleye. This will be for those days when nobody else is available to go fishing, or if there's a third angler who wants to tag along with my canoe buddy and me. I also drive a small Ford Fiesta sedan, so trunk real estate is another factor for me. I ideally want to be able to transport my watercraft, up to 6 rod/reel combos, net, and tackle. If an inflatable yak tracks well enough and is stable enough, I think I can get away with not needing a trolling motor. I like the idea of relying on myself in the water instead of machines, because machines inevitably break down. There has to be a way to put a sonar on one of these bad boys too, and that I am confident I will be able to figure out.
Dogmatic reply :
LOL Can you even get six set ups in a fiesta? I'd invest in a roof rack.
Felix77 reply :
Tequila ... << everybody sing >>
Saw these at Cabelas ... Was very impressed. Looks like it could fit under a bed. It also comes in a tandem 3-piece. The cool thing about that is that you can take the front and back piece to make a 1 person yak like you see above.
Felix77 reply :
https://youtu.be/vIUKMv_m7q4
https://youtu.be/KMVmemG7SrY
LunkerFisher reply :
On 3/25/2015 at 8:22 PM, Dogmatic said:LOL Can you even get six set ups in a fiesta? I'd invest in a roof rack.
Easy. The back seat folds down. I was able to fit an 8 1/2 foot shipping tube in there with the seat down.
LunkerFisher reply :
On 3/25/2015 at 8:22 PM, Dogmatic said:LOL Can you even get six set ups in a fiesta? I'd invest in a roof rack.
Easy. The back seat folds down. I was able to fit an 8 1/2 foot shipping tube in there with the seat down.
Preytorien reply :
Yea I get the space issue. I don't have a truck, so how you're going to stow a boat and all its accessories is definitely a considerable factor. My buddy fishes out of the 330 inflatable kayak and does well. Would I personally use it? Probably not, I'm somewhat addicted to standing up now and having a motor. But if the space is a major determining factor, his breaks down into a much smaller package than me and all my gear.
But hey, whatever gets you out on the water is worth it. He takes his wife with him occasionally and they have a blast.
justhere reply :
I have a Sea Eagle that I used for a few years, it served me well overall. Set up time was about 15 minutes with the foot pump, not too bad really. I couldn't stand up very comfortably in it, but I have issues with my feet that hinder my balance. But like others said, get yourself a good trooling motor, they sit high in the water and moving them against the wind can be difficult. But overall, I was very happy with it and would recommend them to anyone.
The only reason I don't use it too much anymore is the already mentioned issues with my feet, I can stand and fish better from my 15 foot jon boat.
LunkerFisher reply :
Looking at trolling motors today, and I'm not quite sure how I can fit a boat, seat(s), floorboards and a TM in my little ride with all my tackle. Now it's down to the 385 kayak and the 10ft frameless fishing boat, if the latter will all fit. I'd like to have the option of floating around with a buddy or the lady, so the 285 is out now.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 3/29/2015 at 2:25 AM, LunkerFisher said:Looking at trolling motors today, and I'm not quite sure how I can fit a boat, seat(s), floorboards and a TM in my little ride with all my tackle. Now it's down to the 385 kayak and the 10ft frameless fishing boat, if the latter will all fit. I'd like to have the option of floating around with a buddy or the lady, so the 285 is out now.
What kind of prices you seeing on the 385???
LunkerFisher reply :
On 3/29/2015 at 5:12 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:What kind of prices you seeing on the 385???
https://www.seaeagle.com/FastTrackKayaks/385ftg
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
I kknow when I was looking for my Sea Eagle boat shopping around saved some money here is a little bit less price.
They have them here for $669 free shipping
http://www.boatownersworld.com/sea-eagle-385ftg-fasttrack-deluxe-angler-package.html
Hmm seems to NOT have the Slide in Skeg listed that is $29 but $130 less, add the Skeg and still $100 less.
If you look under "additional information" the picture they have shows the skeg with the boat???
LunkerFisher reply :
I'd probably go for the Pro package with 2 seats and paddles, then just add a couple more mounts and add some Scotty 3 rod holders. I'll probably just order from sea eagle to get the 3 year warranty unless I can find one for a song. Now I just need to figure out how to rig up a transducer.
Scott F reply :
On 3/29/2015 at 6:58 AM, LunkerFisher said:I'd probably go for the Pro package with 2 seats and paddles, then just add a couple more mounts and add some Scotty 3 rod holders. I'll probably just order from sea eagle to get the 3 year warranty unless I can find one for a song. Now I just need to figure out how to rig up a transducer.
These are not cheap, but this place has solutions for mounting depth finders on inflatables, kayaks and other boats. http://www.fishfindermounts.com
carlm01 reply :
If you look at me pics I added 4 more scotty mounts and had a depth finder anchor system and camera on it ..
LunkerFisher reply :
Can the RAM transducer arms attach to those Scotty mounts?
carlm01 reply :
Not sure this is what i use ...
Preytorien reply :
My setup is a bit more pieced together than these guys have made.
I have the Vexilar T-Pod Sonarphone, so I just have a short piece of line I run next to the boat, then I have a dashboard mount cell phone holder of the phone (which acts as the Sonar unit's screen), then it just suctions to the back seat of the boat. I bought one of those battery/cases for my iPhone, so it lasts all day without needing charged. Works great so far. I have....maybe....$130 in the whole thing.
LunkerFisher reply :
Well, I pulled the trigger on the fast track 385ftg from sea eagle. Should show up April 9.
LunkerFisher reply :
Well it showed up today! I'm gonna take it on its maiden voyage this weekend.
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