Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat Review For 2023
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Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Inflatable Pontoon Boats are rugged, lightweight, amazingly stable, and ultra-portable, solo fishing boats that fold down to approximately 24″ x 14″ x 12″ to be packed into a bag that can be carried to remote fishing locations, stowed in a car trunk, or a small closet.
No trailer is needed.
No need to rent boat storage space.
The Sea Eagle 285fpb is perfect for lakes, ponds, bays, creeks, and slower rivers. The frameless design of this solo fishing boat permits you to take it to areas other boat owners can only dream of and draft in as little as 4 inches of water giving you access to waters other heavier traditional boats can’t go.
The Hunter Green 285fpb is made of nearly indestructible 1000 denier polyester polymer-coated fabric with reinforced flooring, and quadruple overlap glued seams. This in combination with three separate air chambers ensures maximum safety. It’s rugged, safe, and blends into its surroundings!
The unique, 30-pound, inflatable U-hull easily inflates in 5 minutes and if you don’t want to row with the included set of oars, it can be outfitted with an optional motor mount that accepts an electric motor or up to 3 hp gas engine for easy motoring at speeds up to 3-4 mph.
The optional wooden floorboard, 360-degree swivel seat, Scotty accessories, stripping apron, storage bags, and much more allow you to custom-tailor this great inflatable boat to meet your specific desires.
With an impressive list of 5 Star Reviews, many users love these inflatable boats.
Want to check out other frameless inflatable fishing boats? Sea Eagle has two others, the PackFish7 and the Stealth Stalker 10.
Top, Front, and Side Views
Overview
| Category / Design | Pontoon |
| Structure Type | Inflatable |
| Intended Waterway | Lakes, Ponds, Bays, Creeks, Rivers |
| Best Use | Fishing |
| Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Person Capacity | 1 |
| Propulsion | Paddle, Electric Motor, Outboard Motor |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 120-Day Risk-Free Trial |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty + Available 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty |
Specifications
(compare all inflatable fishing boats)
| Person Capacity | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hull Weight | 30 lbs (42 lbs with wooden floorboard and motor mount) |
| Length | 9′ |
| Width | 4′ |
| Interior | 6′ 2″ x 1′ 4″ |
| Load Capacity | 1 Person or 450 lbs |
| Deflated | Approximately 24″ x 14″ x 12″ |
| Chambers | 3 |
| Tube Diameter | 16″ |
| Air Valves | 3 Recessed one-way |
| Inflation time | 5 Minutes |
| Seam | Quadruple overlap glued seams |
| Material | 1000 Denier 36 mil |
| Engine Capacity | 3 HP gas motor (20″ shaft minimum, 45 lbs maximum weight) or up to 70 lb thrust electric motor (minimum 30″ shaft, 45 lbs maximum weight) |
| Floor | 1000 Denier reinforced |
| Speed Estimates | 3-4 mph |
| Inflation Pressure | 3.2 psi |
Standard Features
- NMMA and CE Certified
- Hunter Green Color
- Full Fabric Floor
- Sun and saltwater-resistant hull material
- Optional rigid, platform floor
- Inflatable seat or 360-degree, padded, swivel seat with 7″ pedestal
- Step Bench/Footrest
- 2 Universal Scotty Mounts
- 4 Carry Handles
- Raised Oarlocks for Improved Rowing
- Bow and side/stern stow bags
- Motor mount receiving brackets and mount for gas and electric motors
- Repair kit
- Nylon carry bag
- Printed owner’s manual with instructions
For a wealth of additional information, check out the Owner’s Manual.
Key Features
Ease of Use
The 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat is designed for convenience.
- It takes only 5 minutes to inflate.
- The hull weighs 30 pounds and with the floor and motor mount the combined weight is 42 pounds making the Sea Eagle 285fpb quite easy to carry.
- When deflated, it folds into approximately 24″ x 14″ x 12″ and fits into the included carry bag.
Unbelievable Stability
These inflatable boats have a wide hull, large 16″ tubes, and an optional removable floorboard that make it stable enough to stand on while fishing.
Its stability improves safety, balance, handling, and performance making it perfect for a wide variety of fishing styles.
U-frame Design
The unique u-frame design of the 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat provides maximum use of the provided fishing space while minimizing the boat’s weight.
The hull weight is only 30 pounds. It is super light and portable and easily packs in a car trunk and stows conveniently in an apartment closet.
This inflatable boat is Sea Eagle’s fastest and easiest-to-assemble fishing boat! It only takes 5 minutes to inflate!
Durable Hull Materials
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boats have hulls made of a nearly indestructible 1000 denier polyester polymer-coated fabric with reinforced flooring, and quadruple overlap glued seams.
This durable material easily resists impacts with sharp objects and bounces off rocks and debris leaving the boat inflated, safe, and secure.
Related Content:
- What Hull Materials Are Used In Sea Eagle Boats?
- Understanding Heavy-Duty Inflatable Boat Air Chamber Materials And Specs
Raised Fabric Floor Design
Unlike traditional inflatable boats, the Sea Eagle 285fpb has a raised fabric floor made with a nearly indestructible 1000-denier polyester polymer-coated fabric that has minimal contact with the water.
This unique design improves the boat’s speed and responsiveness whether you row or motor the boat. It also reduces the boat’s exposure to any sharp or abrasive objects.
Removable Motor Mount
The removable motor mount can take up to a 3 hp gas motor (minimum 20″ shaft, 45 lbs. maximum weight) or up to 70 lb. thrust electric motor (minimum 30″ shaft, 45 lbs. maximum weight).
Don’t have a motor or prefer oars? The 285 Frameless Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat can easily be rowed with the included set of oars, oar clasps, and oarlocks.
Attach Up To A 3 HP Gas Motor
The Sea Eagle 285fpb will take up to a 3 hp gas motor with a 20-inch minimum shaft or a 70 lb. thrust electric motor with a 30-inch minimum shaft. Neither style motor should weigh no more than 45 lbs.
Universal Scotty Attachment Locations
The Sea Eagle 285fpb has two Universal Scotty Mount Pads that accept Scotty Universal Deck Mounts for mounting optional Scotty accessories.
The ever-popular Scotty accessories include fishing rod holders, cup holders, Go Pro mounts, mounts for fish finders, and more… Scotty has you covered. Just attach your desired accessory to one of the two Universal Scotty Mounting Pads.
Want more mounting points for Scott accessories? You can add additional Universal Scotty Mounting Pads to the air chambers or attach Scotty mounts to the floorboard.
If Sea Eagle Boats doesn’t carry the Scotty accessory you’re looking for, OutdoorPlay will.
Customizable Solutions
The 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat is tremendously flexible!
A seemingly endless list of optional accessories can transform the 285fpb into the perfect tailor-made solo fishing boat to meet your every need.
Transportable
The 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat has a light, incredibly portable hull that will pack down into a car truck, SUV, truck bed, or RV for easy transport to and from the water.
Or leave it inflated and strap it to the top of your SUV, RV, truck rack, or inflatable boat trailer.
Portable
One of the greatest features of the 285fpb is that it’s super portable. This lightweight inflatable boat can be aired up and launched at the water’s edge, carried by its handles from your vehicle to the water, or rolled around on an EZ-Cart.
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Stable
- Comfortable, padded, swivel seat with a back that can rotate 360 degrees
- Incredibly versatile
- Superior materials and construction
- Lightweight
- Easy to store and transport
- No trailer required
- Fast to inflate and deflate and easy to setup
- Motor mountable
- Rigid floor for durability, stability, and standing
- Large air chambers allow fishing in shallow areas
- Three separate air chambers provide safety in the rare instance of a leak
- Numerous optional accessories
- Plenty of room for gear
- 3-year warranty and optional 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty
- 120-day risk-free trial
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Not the best in windy conditions due to its high hull design
- Only seats one person
- Lacks in versatility since it’s specifically designed for fishing
- Not compatible with one of Sea Eagle’s sun and rain canopies
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat Discount Packages
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat – Deluxe Package
The Deluxe Package (Model Number 285FPBK_D) is the most portable of the inflatable boat packages.
The 9′ boat easily fits in the trunk of a car and sets up in 5 minutes at the put-in.
Everything with this boat including the inflatable seat and oars can be packed into the boat carry bag.
Features:
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat – Pro Package
The Pro Package (Model Number 285FPBK_P) truly takes this boat to the next level with the padded swivel seat, 7″ seat pedestal, floorboard, motor mount, stripping apron, bow stow bag, side/stern bag, and 2 Scotty Rod Holders.
The Pro Package is perfect for the fisherman who their own motor.
Features:
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat – Watersnake Motor Package
The Watersnake Motor Package (Model Number 285FPBK_WSM) is the same as the Pro Package with the addition of the dual-purpose (fresh and saltwater) Watersnake Venom SX 34lb thrust motor.
Features:
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat – Minn Kota Riptide Motor Package
The Minn Kota Riptide Motor Package (Model Number 285FPBK_MOR) is the same as the Pro Package with the addition of the dual-purpose (fresh and saltwater) Minn Kota Riptide 55.
Features:
Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat – Honda Motor Package
The Honda Motor Package (Model Number 285FPBK_HM) has everything the Pro Package has plus the ultra-low emissions, fuel-efficient Honda 2.3L four-stroke outboard motor.
Perfect for the fisherman who wants power for traveling faster and farther than a trolling motor package.
Features:
Popular Sea Eagle 285fpb Modifications and Accessories
There are a lot of great accessories that can be added to the 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat. Here are some popular ones you might consider.
Dry Bag
There’s always something we want to keep dry secure and off the bottom of the lake or river. Dry bags are the answer for keeping your wallet, lunch, clothes, medications, and more safe and dry while out on the water.
I have Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bags though there are many reputable brands to pick from at outfitters like OutdoorPlay, Backcountry, and even Amazon.
Scotty Accessories
Scotty accessories are incredibly popular. Fishing rod holders, cup holders, Go Pro mounts, mounts for fish finders, and more… Scotty has you covered. Just attach your desired accessory to one of the two Universal Scotty Mounting Pads.
If Sea Eagle Boats doesn’t carry the Scotty accessory you’re looking for, OutdoorPlay will.
Air Pump
The BTP Two-Stage Electric Turbo Pump with Battery can make inflation even easier. There are two versions of the pump with or without the battery. The one you need will depend on where you’ll be pumping up your 285 PFB.
EZ-Cart
If you are by yourself or have to go far to get to your put-in, an EZ-Cart will be of great help especially if you have your boat loaded with fishing gear.
Mushroom Anchor Kit
The Mushroom Anchor Kit includes an 8 lb. PVC-coated anchor and 25 ft. of rope that can be used with the Scotty Anchor Lock or tied to a carry handle.
Honda 2.3L
The best-in-class Honda 2.3L is everything you could want in a gas-powered portable outboard motor:
- Easy to start
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Reliable
- Fuel-efficient
- Ultra-low emissions
- 20″ Shaft
Torqeedo Travel 1103CL
The Torqeedo Travel 1103CL Long Shaft with integrated 915 Wh high-performance lithium battery is the perfect electric outboard for your 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat.
The Torqeedo Travel 1103CL features:
- Onboard computer with GPS-based range calculation and charger
- Ultra-quiet (33db) virtually silent direct drive
- Instantaneous throttle response
- 3 HP equivalent
- Emergency magnetic kill switch for safety
- Completely waterproof (IP67)
Trolling Motor
If you want a trolling motor for your 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat, Sea Eagle has a few options to choose from:
- Watersnake Advance Brushless 70 (Fresh & Saltwater)
- Watersnake Venom SX 34 (Fresh & Saltwater) – comes with the Watersnake Motor Package mentioned above.
- Minn Kota Endura 30 (Freshwater)
Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Center
If you plan to use an electric motor with your 285 FPB, I’d recommend the Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Center. The Power Center fits 24 and 27-size batteries and allows easy access to external battery terminals without the need to open the box to access the battery directly.
The Power Center includes:
- LED battery meter display
- Two 12-volt cigarette lighter-style plugs for accessories
- Two manual reset circuit breakers. A 15 amp for the accessory plugs and a 60 amp for the motor.
Fish Finder
Fish finders like these from Bass Pro Shops are great for upgrading your fishing game. Easily attach a fish finder to the Universal Scotty Pads with the appropriate Scotty Universal Sounder Mount and Transducer Arm Mount.
Certifications
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boats have met the manufacturing standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) for design, construction, and safety and have been certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
Sea Eagle 285 Fishing Pontoon Boat Instructions
Instructions and Owners Manual
Looking to buy an inflatable boat? Checking out the instructions and owner’s manuals will give you valuable information for making your decision.
Instructions and Owner’s Manual for the Sea Eagle 285 FPB (Download PDF: 1.6MB)
Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat Instructional Videos
These videos demonstrate the ease of operating a 285fpb. The boat’s inflation, setup, operation, breaking down, deflation, storing, and more are covered.
Who Are Sea Eagle Boats?
Sea Eagle Boats is a family-owned and run company located in New York. They have had a stellar reputation for making high-quality inflatable boats since 1968 and each of the boats in their lineup is a testimony to their excellence in the inflatable boat industry.
These boats are lightweight, extremely durable, compact, easy to carry and transport, and above all fun! These inflatable boats pack down into carry bags and can be stowed as luggage when traveling or stored in a car, SUV, van, truck, RV, or yacht. You can get Sea Eagles to almost any body of water for leisure, recreation, fishing, tending, rescue, and more.
Sea Eagle Boats Guarantee and Warranties
4-Month Trial Guarantee: Try a Sea Eagle Risk-Free for 120 days! “If you’re not totally happy with your boat, just return it in good condition for a full refund of your purchase price.”
3-Year Limited Warranty: 3-year limited warranty against any manufacturing defects.
3-Year Extended Hull Warranty: In addition to the limited 3-year warranty, They offer a 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty to give you 6 years of total warranty against any manufacturing defects.
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