Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack Review For 2023

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The Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack kayak is fast, lightweight, incredibly stable, and super durable. It’s the best inflatable kayak in its class and a perfect choice for anyone who paddles on flatwater lakes, bays, marshes, calm rivers, and whitewater up to Class II rapids.

The FastTrack 385 can easily be converted from a solo kayak to a 2-person kayak. I have a lot of big and tall men in my family. The solo setup provides an amazing amount of room for larger adults with plenty of extra room for gear. As a tandem kayak, two average adults with gear and a dog or small child are a comfortable fit.

Have kids like me? The stability of the 385 FastTrack provides safety for your youngins. This kayak doesn’t flip or tip easily… Kayak stability provides great peace of mind!

Speaking of safety, with its almost indestructible construction and multiple inflation chambers, the Sea Eagle FastTrack 385 is virtually unsinkable. If one of the four separate air chambers is somehow compromised, the remaining chambers will keep the kayak afloat.

If you plan on kayaking whitewater greater than Class II rapids, the Sea Eagle Explorer is a better choice.

Not sure if the 385ft is right for you? Check out the Best Sea Eagle Kayaks For 2023 with Buyer’s Guide.

For a better understanding of the whitewater rating system, visit American Whitewater.

Pros and Cons of the Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack

Pros

• Innovative design
• Excellent quality that is built to last through years of abuse
• One of the safest kayaks on the market
• External, state-of-the-art, high-pressure, inflatable, drop-stitch, NeedleKnife keel at the bow for improved tracking and faster, smoother paddling
• Removable skeg that firmly attaches with a retaining clip
• Handles a 12″ draft without having to take off the skeg
• Glides straight when you stop paddling
• The removable rigid, high-pressure, drop-stitch floor increases structural integrity, removes flex, and forms a stable, flat surface on which you can stand comfortably.
• The removable drop-stitch floor makes cleaning easier
• Top-quality air valves located in the bow of the kayak are easy to access and simple to service or replace
• Impossible to overinflate with the included pump that limits inflation to the proper PSI
• Sun and saltwater-resistant hull material
• Lightweight
• High load capacity of 3 persons or 635 lbs. (Learn more about the weight limits of kayaks.)
• Ample storage with two people, plenty of legroom, and can carry gear for a multiday trip.
• Extremely durable 1000 Denier reinforced hull material with quadruple overlapped seams is thicker and more durable than other inflatable kayaks
• The kayak is NOT made of PVC air bladders covered in a denier shell. This improves weight and makes maintenance easier.
• The FastTrack’s smaller side chambers provide a low profile that reduces its chance of being blown around in high winds
• Front and rear spray skirts
• Quick inflation and easy setup
• Plenty of discount packages to choose from
• Ample number of accessories for customization
• Available tall back kayak seat with a low center of gravity and 4 adjustable straps improves stability and provides great back support
• 120-day risk-free trial
• 3-year limited warranty against any manufacturing defects
• Available 3-Year extended hull warranty
• Superb customer support
• Setup video in addition to printed instructions

Cons

• Not great in whitewater. It has a whitewater rating suitable up to Class II and lacks the maneuverability, floor drains, and more found in the Class IV-rated 380x Explorer.
• This top-of-the-line kayak commands a higher price
• There is a performance decrease in underinflated kayaks.
• No dry storage. A dry bag is needed or you might opt for the Sea Eagle Multi-Purpose Kayak Storage Box
• The skeg needs to be removed to improve maneuverability on rougher water
• Though the light grey boat color doesn’t get excessively hot in the summer sun, it shows stains more easily than the hunter green 385fta FastTrack Angler
• The standard AB30 and AB40 paddles can get heavy over time. Luckily, at 2.4 lbs each, the AB50 carbon fiber paddles in the 385ft FastTrack Pro Carbon Package are half the weight of the AB40.

About the Sea Eagle FastTrack Series of Inflatable Kayaks

The Sea Eagle FastTrack series is extremely well-designed. The combination of FastTrack’s sleek, curved, touring shape and state-of-the-art “NeedleKnife Keel” provide a faster, smoother paddling experience than ever before!

How?

The FastTrack’s large side tubes, rigid “NeedleKnife” molds at both bow and stern, and high-pressure Drop-Stitch keel provide a cleaner entry and exit through the water. These features allow FastTrack kayaks to paddle faster and easier with greater glide in a wide variety of open water conditions including waves, currents, and wind.

In addition to its performance, the FastTrack series provides true rigid kayak performance with the benefits of an inflatable kayak. With the 385ft and 465ft FastTrack weighing 35 and 44 pounds respectively, they are a dream to lift in comparison to their hardshell counterpart which can weigh twice as much.

Best of all, FastTracks are inflatable making them easy to pack, store, and transport! No more struggling with roof racks! These kayaks fit in the trunk of your car. Want to take your kayak on vacation? No problem! With the use of its carry bag, you can check any Sea Eagle kayak as luggage on a plane. How cool is that?!

Certifications: Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack inflatable kayaks are certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) confirming that the FastTrack lineup of kayaks has been manufactured to meet the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards for design, construction, and safety.

Best For:

Related Content:

• Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Angler Review
• Sea Eagle 465ft FastTrack Review
• Sea Eagle FastTrack Kayaks Compared

Top, Front, and Side Views

Specifications

(compare all Sea Eagle kayaks and canoes)

Standard Features

Let’s look at some popular features of the Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack…

• NMMA Certified
• Sun and saltwater-resistant hull material
• External, state-of-the-art, high-pressure, inflatable, drop-stitch, NeedleKnife keel at the bow for improved tracking and faster, smoother paddling
• Front and rear spray skirts with carry handles, storage space below the skirts, and bungee cord lacing on top for storing additional gear above
• 18 D-rings to secure seats, accessories, and gear
• Separate inner, high-pressure, drop-stitch inflatable floor for greater rigidity
• Large, removable, sweptback, rear skeg for improved tracking and speed during flatwater touring
• 4 Recessed, one-way air valves
• 2 Screw type open and close drain valves
• Whitewater rating up to Class II
• Nylon carry bag
• Repair kit
• Printed owner’s manual with instructions

For a wealth of additional information, check out the FastTrack Owner’s Manual. (Download PDF: 4.4MB)

Key Features

The following key features set the 385ft FastTrack apart from the competition and deserve closer attention.

Rigid, Drop-Stitch, Inflatable NeedleKnife Keel

The FastTrack kayaks have a unique external, rigid, drop-stitch, inflatable NeedleKnife keel. This high-performance design makes a noticeable difference in this kayak’s performance by allowing the FastTrack to paddle far faster and straighter than other inflatable kayaks.

The keel design features sharp bow and stern molds that efficiently cut through wind, currents, and waves for an impressively fast and super clean entry and exit! This design also provides buoyancy and lift to improve speed whether paddling or using an electric motor.

Sleek, Asymmetrical Shape

The 385 FastTrack has a high-performance, asymmetrical shape. Its sleek design is tapered and narrow at the bow while being wider at the stern giving it the ability to cut through waves faster and easier while providing buoyancy at the set positions where it’s most needed.

Drop-Stitch Floor Provides Double Protection

The Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack has a unique modular design featuring an extremely rigid, high-pressure, drop-stitch floor that fits on top of an outer floor to increase structural integrity.

The rigid floor not only makes for a very stable boat. It provides great rigidity yielding unparalleled responsiveness while the reinforced, outside, fabric floor provides a double layer of protection to bounce off rocks, logs, and other objects leaving the extremely durable FastTrack unscathed.

The creation of the drop-stitch floor involves the joining of two layers of poly-based fabric with tens of thousands of fine polyester threads. This forms the base layer of the floor to which an air-tight coating is applied. The result after inflation is a flat, rigid surface that greatly improves stability and performance.

The modular design also allows quick and easy removal of the drop-stitch floor for cleaning. It’s so much easier to thoroughly clean in the crevices of an inflatable kayak when the floor can be removed.

Removable Skeg for Flat Water

Another important design feature of the Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack is the large, removable, center skeg at the rear of the kayak which can easily be removed whether inflated or deflated to accommodate different water conditions and ease of storage.

Remove the kayak skeg for whitewater up to Class II or shallow water kayaking. You don’t want to be dragging the skeg along water bottoms, especially on rocky river bottoms.

For maximum paddling efficiency on flatwater, replace the skeg for reduced yawing, that annoying rotation to the left and right as you paddle. The skeg is an extremely important feature for improved tracking during long flatwater touring.

Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Discount Kayak Packages

The discount kayak packages for Sea Eagle 385 FastTracks are designed to accommodate the needs of different types of paddlers. The basic accessories of each package are the dual-action auto two-stage pump with pressure gauge, repair kit, kayak carrying bag, and easy-to-store kayak paddle(s) with drip rings for staying dry.

The quality of the seat, paddle, and accessories change between packages.

There is no included foot pump in the 2023 packages instead they have upgraded to the dual-action auto two-stage pump in place of the foot pump. This is a much better and more efficient pump.

Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack – Deluxe Solo Package

The Deluxe Solo Package (Model Number 385FTK_DS) is the perfect, solo, inflatable kayak package for the all-around paddler who wants to experience everything from flatwater to Class II rapids.

Ride in style and comfort with the Deluxe Solo Package. Featuring an inflatable Deluxe Kayak Seat and a four-part, packable paddle.

Note: If you are switching from a hard shell kayak, your current paddle may not be the proper length. The AB30 7’10” Four-Part Paddle is longer so the paddle can easily reach beyond the kayak’s three-foot width.

Features:

Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack – Deluxe Package

The Deluxe Package (Model Number 385FTK_D) is the perfect, tandem, inflatable kayak package for all-around paddlers who want to experience everything from flatwater to Class II rapids.

This is the 2-person version of the 385ft FastTrack – Deluxe Solo Package.

Why not buy the tandem package? Then you’ll have the choice to set it up as a solo kayak or a tandem kayak. You never know when you’ll want to take a family member, friend, or date along with you in your kayak.

I met my wife when I was out kayaking on the Harpeth River outside Nashville, TN. We had many kayaking dates before marriage and even more after. Wish we had one of these back in the day. Now with a growing family, the Sea Eagle 465ft FastTrack is on the to-buy list.

Features:

Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack – Pro Package

The Pro Package (Model Number 385FTK_P) is a spacious, inflatable, tandem kayak with two contoured Tall Back Seats for extra back support on those longer trips and two four-part, high-performance, aluminum kayak paddles for improved efforts when padding.

Features:

Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack – Pro Carbon Package

The Pro Carbon Package (Model Number 385FTK_PC) is the Pro Package with a set of upgraded, high-end Carbon-Fiber Paddles.

At just 2.4 lbs., the AB50 carbon fiber paddles are each a half-pound lighter than an AB40 paddle. This savings in paddle weight helps reduce fatigue on longer paddling trips.

Features:

Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack – Pro Motor Package

VROOM VROOM!!! Sorry, couldn’t resist! A motor on a kayak!

If you want to cover a lot of water without overexerting yourself, the Pro Motor Package (Model Number 385FTK_PM) is the way to go.

This kayak package offers the best of both worlds… paddle when you want, or attach the electric motor, and zip along in style and comfort.

Features:

Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack – QuikSail Package

The QuikSail Package (Model Number 385FTK_QS) comes with the QuikSail Universal Sail Kit for harnessing the power of the wind.

What a fun way to transform your kayak into a personal sailboat! And there’s no need for any permanent modifications when using the kayak sail.

Features:

Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack – QuikSail Bixpy Motor Package

The Quiksail Bixpy Motor Package (Model Number 385FTK_BX) offers paddling, sailing, and motoring all in one package and it still fits in the trunk of your car!

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:

Electric Motors for the Sea Eagle FastTrack 385

An electric motor on a kayak can be a huge plus and a lot of fun especially if you are going to cover a lot of territory.

In order to mount an electric motor to a 385 FastTrack, you’ll need a Sea Eagle Motormount (Item Number: MMKAYAK).

Once you have the motor mount installed on your kayak, attaching one of three recommended electric motors is simple.

1. Watersnake Venom SX 34lb Thrust Electric Motor for Fresh and Saltwater
2. Watersnake Asp T24 Electric Motor for Fresh and Saltwater
3. Minn Kota Endura 30 for Freshwater

Necessary Accessories

Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always carry a United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved PFD and children under 12 should always wear a PFD. PFDs are a boating safety necessity and are required by law on government waters.

Dry Bags: The Sea Eagle 385 lacks a watertight storage area making dry bags necessary for keeping gear safe and dry.

Popular Accessories for the Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack

There are a lot of great accessories that can be added to the 385 FastTrack. 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.

Electric 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 FastTrack.

Sea Eagle 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 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.

Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Center

If you plan to use an electric motor with your kayak, 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 trolling 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.

Sea Eagle FastTrack Instructional Video

The following video demonstrates the ease of setup and inflation of a FastTrack kayak.

Related Content:

• Inflatable Kayaks: Set Up and Inflation
• Inflatable Kayaks: Disassembly, Deflation & Storage

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.

Sea Eagle Boats are lightweight, extremely durable, compact, easy to carry and transport, and above all fun! These inflatable boats pack down into carrying 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.

If you’d like to learn more, I’ve put together the Best Sea Eagle Kayaks For 2023 with Buyer’s Guide. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the best Sea Eagle kayaks, along with my top 5 choices, so you can pick the best one.

Sea Eagle 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, a 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty is offered to give you 6 years of total warranty against any manufacturing defects.

Sea Eagle 385ft Review Conclusion

The Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack is one of the best-made inflatable kayaks available and a wonderful choice for beginner and intermediate kayakers to the advanced paddler who is looking to tandem paddle or who wants extra leg room when solo paddling.

This two-person inflatable kayak is designed with rigidity, excellent tracking performance, and top-notch speed that rivals any hardshell kayak in its class, yet it’s light, easy to transport, and compactly stores away in a corner of the garage or closet in your home.

The FastTrack kayak’s best use is for flatwater or slow-moving rivers of Class II or less. They don’t handle rougher waters well. The Sea Eagle Explorer would be better if you are looking for an inflatable kayak that can handle up to Class IV rapids.

The FastTrack 385 vs 465

The 385 FastTrack and the 385 Fastrack Angler are 12′ 6″ in length. This length is great for one or two-person use. If you want a kayak that fits 3-people and the family dog or you are tall and need extra leg room when paddling in tandem or need more room for gear on a multiday paddling trip, look at the 15’3″ FastTrack 465. It has a load capacity of 3 persons or 795 lbs. That’s 160 extra pounds!

Related Content:

• Sea Eagle Explorer Kayaks Compared
• Sea Eagle RazorLite Kayaks Compared
• Sea Eagle Inflatable Sport Kayaks Compared

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Steve Hood

Steve Hood is a writer, photographer, and outdoor enthusiast. He has had a lifelong passion for exploring the woods, mountains, lakes, and rivers of the United States with a focus on kayaking, hiking, and fishing and enjoys sharing the love of outdoor adventures, conservation, and education with others.

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