Sea Eagle 300x Explorer Review For 2023
Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details.
The Sea Eagle 300x Explorer is the smallest 1-person, inflatable kayak in the Explorer series and the best in its class offering superior design, durability, stability, and performance. Explorer kayaks are the most versatile Sea Eagle offers. Designed to tackle whitewater, flatwater, and ocean kayaking.
If you like a variety of adventures, this is the perfect solo kayak. It’s a great wet or dry kayak capable of handling up to Class IV rapids.
On flat water, the 300x Explorer is extremely safe and stable offering improved tracking on open water when the removable skeg is in place.
If you are looking for versatility, maneuverability, and control in a solo kayak, look no further. Not sure if the 300x is right for you? Check out the Best Sea Eagle Kayaks For 2023 with Buyer’s Guide.
Popular 300x Explorer Kayak Packages
The Deluxe Package is the perfect, solo, inflatable kayak package for the all-around paddler who wants to experience everything from flatwater to Class IV rapids. With a hull weight of 30 lbs, it’s a breeze to store and transport! It features bow and stern spray skirts, a deluxe inflatable kayak seat, SUP pump, repair kit, carrying bag, and easy-to-store, four-part, paddle.
The Pro Kayak Package upgrades the Deluxe Package with a Tall Back Kayak Seat, four-part, high-performance, paddle, and an onboard kayak stow bag for storing your essentials.
The Bixpy Motor Package comes with an ultralight Bixpy outboard motor that attaches to the fin box. This motor has 12 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds, 33lb of thrust, and runs at top speed for about 80 minutes and up to 12 hours at slower speeds.
For a better understanding of the whitewater rating system, visit American Whitewater.
About the Sea Eagle Explorer Inflatable Kayaks
Sea Eagle Boats is a family-owned and run company located in New York. They have a stellar reputation for making high-quality inflatable boats since 1968 and the Explorer kayak series is proof of their excellence in the inflatable boat industry.
Sea Eagle Explorers are ingeniously designed wet or dry kayaks built to transition from whitewater to flatwater. Sixteen super-fast, self-bailing drain valves in the floor of the kayak can be opened to drain the waves and spray from rapids or closed to remain dry on open water.
Certifications: Sea Eagle kayaks have been certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). This certification confirms that they have been manufactured to meet the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards for design, construction, and safety.
Best For:
Related Content:
- Sea Eagle Explorer Kayaks Compared
- Sea Eagle 350fx Fishing Explorer Inflatable Kayak Review
- Sea Eagle 380x Explorer Inflatable Kayak Review
- Sea Eagle 420x Explorer Inflatable Kayak Review
Top, Front, and Side Views
Specifications
(Compare all Sea Eagle kayaks and canoes)
| Person Capacity | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hull Weight | 30 lbs |
| Length | 9′ 10″ |
| Width | 3′ 3″ |
| Interior | 8′ 9″ x 16″ |
| Load Capacity | 1 Person or 395 lbs |
| D-Rings | 18 D-Rings |
| Deflated | 24″ x 16″ x 6″ |
| Chambers | 3 (port, starboard, floor) |
| Tube Diameter | 11.5″ |
| Air Valves | 3 Recessed, One-Way Air Valves |
| Inflation Time | 5 min |
| Seam | Glued, Quadruple Overlap |
| Material | 1000 Denier Reinforced Fabric |
| Floor | Removable, High-Pressure, Drop-Stitch Floor |
| Drain Valves | 16 High-Capacity, Self-Bailing Drain Valves |
| Whitewater Rating | Suitable Up to Class IV Rapids |
| Inflation Pressure | 3.2 psi |
Standard Features
- NMMA Certified
- 16 high-capacity, self-bailing drain valves
- Large, removable slide skeg for improved tracking during flatwater touring
- Front and rear spray skirts with carry handles, storage space below the skirts, and bungee cords for securing gear
- 18 D-rings to secure seat and gear as well
- Three separate, independent air chambers with one-way air valves for added safety
- Removable, high-pressure, drop-stitch floor for rigidity and easy cleaning
- Printed owner’s manual with instructions
For a wealth of additional information, check out the Sea Eagle Explorer 300x Kayak Owner’s Manual.
Key Features
The following three key features of the Sea Eagle 300x deserve closer attention.
Separate Drop-Stitch Floor Provides Double Protection
The modular design of Sea Eagle Explorer kayaks consists of an extremely rigid, high-pressure, Drop-Stitch floor that tucks into a reinforced outside fabric floor for a double layer of protection against abrasion and puncture from rocks, logs, and other debris.
The drop-stitch floor is rigid enough to stand up in while also yielding unparalleled stability and super responsive paddling performance.
To achieve this, the floor is created by joining two layers of poly-based fabric with tens of thousands of polyester threads to form a base floor layer to which an air-tight coating is applied.
There is a bonus to this modular design. Removal of the DS floor allows quick and thorough cleaning of every crevice of the kayak. Proper cleaning improves the longevity of inflatable kayaks.
Easy-To-Open & Shut Drain Valves for Whitewater
Sea Eagle Explorer inflatable kayaks have 16 rapid, self-bailing, easy-to-open and shut drain valves. When the valves are open, the water drains out as fast as it comes in. Perfect for wet whitewater and ocean kayaking. With the drain hole covers on, you can have a dry flat water paddling experience in cold water.
Removable Skeg for Flat Water
Sea Eagle Explorer kayaks have another design feature worth mentioning. Its large, removable, rear, center skeg can be easily added or removed to accommodate different water conditions and ease of storage.
To install, simply slide the skeg into the track on the bottom of the kayak and lock it in place. This can be done with the Explorer inflated or deflated.
When installed, the skeg improves tracking on flat water by reducing yaw, the annoying left and right twisting as you paddle.
Remove the skeg when on whitewater and skinny water adventures in shallow conditions. You don’t want to drag or tear up the skeg on rocks or the water bottom.
Sea Eagle 300x Explorer Discount Kayak Packages for 2023
Explorer discount packages are designed with the paddler in mind. Basic accessories in each package are the SUP pump, repair kit, carrying bag, large slide-in skeg, and easy-to-store paddle with drip rings for staying dry.
Sea Eagle 300x Explorer – Deluxe Package
The Deluxe Package (Model Number 300XK_D) is the perfect option for ease of storage and transport! It has bow and stern spray skirts and features the deluxe inflatable kayak seat, SUP pump, repair kit, carrying bag, and easy-to-store, four-part, paddle.
Features:
- 300x Explorer Hull
- AB30 7’10” 4-Part Paddle
- Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Seat
- SUP Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Large Slide-in Skeg
- Repair Kit
- Carry Bag
Sea Eagle 300x Explorer – Pro Kayak Package
The Pro Kayak Package (Model Number 300XK_P) features the Tall Back Kayak Seat and four-part, high-performance, paddle. Both are perfect for reducing fatigue on longer paddling trips.
The Pro Kayak Package also comes with an onboard kayak stow bag for storing your essentials.
Features:
Sea Eagle 300x Explorer – Pro Carbon Package
The Pro Carbon Package (Model Number 300XK_PC) has the pro package with the addition of an upgraded, top-end, ultra-light, carbon fiber paddle.
Features:
Sea Eagle 300x Explorer – Bixpy Motor Package
The Bixpy Motor Package (Model Number 300XK_BX) is for the enthusiast who’s into it all: whitewater, flatwater, and motoring!
The ultralight Bixpy J-2 PowerShroud outboard motor attaches to the skeg track by use of a slide-n-lock skeg adaptor. This motor has 12 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds, 33lb of thrust, and runs at top speed for about 80 minutes and up to 12 hours at slower speeds.
The Bixpy motor is operated by the use of a wristband remote control while steering is accomplished by the use of the paddle.
Features:
Sea Eagle Explorer Inflatable Kayak Instructional Video
Want to see how simple the Sea Eagle Explorer 300x inflatable kayak is to inflate, set up, operate, disassemble, deflate, and store? Check out the how-to video from Sea Eagle.
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 watercraft industry.
Sea Eagle 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 transport them to almost any body of water for leisure, recreation, fishing, tending, rescue, and more.
Sea Eagle Guarantee and Warranties
4-Month Trial Guarantee: Try 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, Sea Eagle Boats offers a 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty for added protection giving you 6 years of total warranty against any manufacturing defects.
Sea Eagle 300x Explorer Alternatives
BOTE Zeppelin Aero 10′
The BOTE Zeppelin Areo 10′ is a great inflatable boat for flatwater kayaking. It is a rugged, feature-rich kayak with excellent performance capabilities.
The Zeppelin Areo has an incredibly comfortable high-mount inflatable seat and a drop-stitch floor that makes it stable enough to stand on while its self-draining system keeps you high and dry.
Bow and stern accessory mounting points, Rac receivers for upgraded features, and the built-in Magnepod feature for securing BOTE magnetic drinkware and other magnetic items make this kayak worth a look if you are interested in kayaking on moderate waters.
Check out my BOTE Zeppelin Aero Review for more information.
Aquaglide Chelan 120 Inflatable Kayak
The Aquaglide Chelan 120 is a one-person performance touring kayak that’s perfect for all types of paddling from flatwater to rough.
Constructed from rugged, heavy-duty 1000 Denier polyester fabric coated with PVC and a high-pressure drop-stitch floor, this kayak is lightweight (28 lbs), stiff, and extremely durable.
It has sleek narrow tubes designed to increase glide and speed, a bow rocker for riding over waves, a lower rocker in the stern for improved tracking, heavy-duty nose cones in the bow and stern to protect from impacts, and a bow drag plate to protect the hull when landing.
Additional features include a removable tracking fin, an adjustable seat with inflatable cushion, deck cargo bungees, D-rings, webbing tie-downs, self-bailing floor drains, Molle plates, Universal Mounts plates for accessories, molded carry handles, bow and stern cockpit splash guards, and a 2-year warranty.
Star Raven Pro I Inflatable Kayak
The Star Raven I Pro is a solo performance kayak designed for recreational activities from flatwater lakes to running whitewater rivers.
Constructed of durable, heavy-duty 1000 Denier fabric coated with PVC and a high-pressure drop-stitch floor, this rigid kayak weighs only 39 lbs.
It has 10.5″ tubes with reinforced seams, pronounced rockers in the bow and stern, foot braces, thigh straps, and drain holes for taking on more challenging whitewater.
Additional features include a high-back seat, D-rings, carry handles, and a 3-year warranty.
FAQs
The 300x Explorer provides excellent stability in choppy conditions, whitewater up to Class IV, and ocean waves. Its wide beam design helps to keep you upright while its pointed bow slices through waves with ease. With an adjustable seat and plenty of room, you can be sure your ride will remain comfortable even in rough waters.
Yes! When deflated it fits into a convenient carry bag so you can take it anywhere with ease! There’s no need for roof racks or a trailer. This lightweight kayak can easily be transported in the trunk of a car without taking up too much space or adding extra weight.
The hull of the boat is made from 1000 Denier Reinforced Polyester fabric with an additional layer on top for added durability against abrasion and UV rays from sunlight exposure. This fabric provides excellent rigidity when inflated but remains flexible enough to absorb impacts without breaking or tearing easily. Additionally, all seams are reinforced with high-frequency welded seams which create an incredibly strong bond between pieces ensuring no leaks occur.
When Inflated, the 300x Explorer measures 9′ 10″ long by 3′ 3″ wide with a load capacity of one person or 395 pounds. It weighs just 30 pounds and can be inflated in 5 minutes using its included pump. Its deflated measurements are 24″ x 16″ x 6″ making it very easy to transport in its kayak bag.
Inflating your Sea Eagle 300x couldn’t be easier! Locate the 3 recessed one-way air valves at the bow of the kayak. One on each side chamber and one on the floor. Press the stem of the valve and turn it a quarter turn to the left, attach the included SUP pump or SE electric pump, and air up each chamber.
Once inflated, simply attach all necessary accessories such as seats and paddles before hitting the water!
Deflating works similarly, simply remove any accessories attached to your boat then open all three valves until completely deflated before rolling up for storage or transport purposes.
Sea Eagle 300x Review Conclusion
The Sea Eagle 300x Explorer inflatable kayak is an impressive solo kayak suitable for a wide range of paddlers including beginners.
The Explorer series has been around since the 1960s! That alone is impressive! The 300x Explorer is a well-designed and well-tested boat crafted from the highest quality materials to provide you with many years of enjoyment in a variety of waters from long flat water touring up to class four whitewater.
With a length of 9′ 10″, the increased maneuverability and control help tackle whitewater, and at 30 lbs, it’s easy to carry.
This versatile kayak has only one caveat. If you are looking for speed on open water, it’s not the fastest Sea Eagle kayak. For speed, you’ll want to look at the FastTrack.
If you want to paddle solo, you can’t go wrong with the Explorer 300x.
Related Content:
- Sea Eagle Sport Kayaks Compared
- Sea Eagle RazorLite Kayaks Compared
- Sea Eagle FastTrack Kayaks Compared
Follow me on: Linkedin
