Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 Review For 2023
Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details.
The Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 inflatable boat is the world’s only rollup 16ft fishing skiff and the lightest 16ft fishing boat on the market! It’s made with drop-stitch technology from a nearly indestructible, double-layer reinforced, 1000 Denier material to provide amazing strength, durability, and rock-solid rigidity.
The redesigned FishSkiff 16 is now stronger and lighter. Sea Eagle is using a new laminating process that fuses two outer layers of 1000 Denier polyester fabric to the top and bottom of the drop-stitch material. This eliminates the need for gluing these layers making the hull stronger and lighter.
This boat inflates in 17 Minutes with the BTP Two-Stage Electric Turbo Pump, yet deflates and folds down to approximately 60″ x 24″ x12″ to easily stow in a car trunk, SUV, truck bed, or RV for easy transport to and from the water.
The design of the Sea Eagle FSK 16 gives you all the benefits of a rigid hull minus the excessive burdens and added costs. There is no need for a trailer, no boat ramp, no expensive maintenance, low fuel cost, and no storage fees. You can store your FishSkiff in a corner of the garage, or a closet in your one-bedroom apartment.
With the lightweight and reliable Honda 9.9 hp outboard motor, the FishSkiff 16 will efficiently get you from one spot to another at up to 21.5 mph and over 30 mpg. That’s a huge saving in gas over hard shell boats. The FSK16 can power over to your fishing spot and then quietly slip into position by use of a trolling motor, paddle, or push pole.
With an impressive list of 5 Star Reviews, many users consider the Sea Eagle FSK16 the Best Inflatable Fishing Skiff.
If a 16-foot fishing skiff is too big for your needs, there are other inflatable fishing boats to choose from like the PackFish7, 350fx Fishing Explorer, or 385fta FastTrack.
Top, Front, and Side Views
Overview
| Structure Type | Inflatable |
| Intended Waterway | Rivers, Lakes, Ponds, Inshore, Bays, Seas, Oceans |
| Best Use | Recreation, Fishing, Diving |
| Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Person Capacity | 3 |
| Propulsion | Paddle, Push Pole, 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)
| Hull Weight | 79 lbs. (90 lbs. with transom) |
|---|---|
| Length | 16′ |
| Beam | 4′ 6″ |
| Interior | 12′ x 3′ |
| Load Capacity | 3 Person or 1765 lbs |
| Deflated | Approximately 60″ x 24″ x12″ |
| Air Chambers | 3 (port, starboard, floor) |
| Tube Diameter | 6″ |
| Air Valves | 3 Recessed, one-way |
| Inflation Time | 17 Minutes with BTP Two-Stage Electric Turbo Pump |
| Hull Material | 1000 Denier, reinforced drop-stitch |
| Floor | Double Layer 1000 Denier Reinforced |
| Seams | Quadruple, Overlapping, Glued Seams |
| Engine Capacity | 10 hp gas motor (15″ shaft minimum, 100 lbs maximum weight) |
| Speed Estimates | Up to 21.5 mph w/ 1 person, 12-18 mph w/ 2-3 person |
| Inflation Pressure | 15 psi |
Standard Features
- NMMA & CE Certified
- Made from a nearly indestructible double-layered, 1000 Denier material for added strength and durability
- All drop-stitch construction allows high air pressurization for incredible rigidity, superb strength, and superior performance
- 3 Separate, independent, air chambers for safety
- 3 Recessed, one-way air valves for easy inflation and deflation
- Completely self-bailing design
- Rolls up to stow in almost any car trunk
- Can handle up to a 10 hp gas motor
- Speeds up to 21.5 mph with a 10 hp gas motor
- Minimal draft, near-zero drag, planing hull design for incredibly fuel-efficiency
- 5 Grab handles: 1 bow, 1 port, 1 starboard, 2 stern
- 2 Built-in 40″ fish rulers
- Capable of using a gas motor, electric motor, or both
- Non-slip EVA foam deck padding for standing security and comfort
- Rubbing strake for added protection from bumps and abrasions
- Universal Scotty Pads at bow and stern for the use of Scotty Accessories
- Canopy attachment system for installing the optional Sun & Rain Canopy
- Removable transom for compact packing and storage
- 1-3 Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders and 7″ Pedestal
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-pressure hand pump with pressure gauge
- Repair kit
- Boat carry bag
- Printed owner’s manual with instructions
For a wealth of additional information, check out the Owner’s Manual.
Key Features
3 Air Chambers & Durable Hull Materials For Added Safety
The FishSkiff has three completely independent air chambers for improved safety. Each chamber is made with drop-stitch technology from a nearly indestructible, double-layer reinforced, 1000 Denier material for added strength and durability.
This durable material easily withstands impacts with sharp objects and bounces off rocks, logs, and debris that you might encounter.
Related Content: What Hull Materials Are Used In Sea Eagle Boats?
Removable Transom
The removable transom improves the storability and portability of the FishSkiff by making it lighter and allowing a smaller folded profile.
It’s simple to install and attach anything from an electric motor all the way up to a 10-hp outboard.
Attach Up To A 10 HP Gas Motor
With the removable motor mount installed, the FishSkiff 16 will take up to a 10 hp gas motor with a 15-inch minimum shaft weighing no more than 100 lbs. for speeds up to 21.5 mph with one person on board.
Low Profile Gunwales
The unsinkable design allows for low-profile gunwales for unprecedented access to the water. This makes landing fish easier as well as a quick catch and release for the health of the fish.
If you’ll be using your FishSkiff for snorkeling or scuba, re-entry is far easier with the low-profile gunwales.
Non-Slip EVA Foam Deck Padding & Two Built-In 40″ Fish Rulers
Two conveniently located built-in 40″ Fish Rulers to assure your catch is of legal size and for documenting those trophy fish you’ll be catching.
While the high-pressure structural strength of the FishSkiff provides a sturdy floor on which to stand, the non-slip EVA foam deck padding provides secure footing and improved durability.
Canopy Attachment System
The skiff is equipped with a canopy attachment system for attaching the optional Sun & Rain Canopy. Protecting yourself and your passengers from the sun and rain has never been easier.
360° Swivel Seat with Scotty Rod Holders
With the single-seat or tandem-seat Green Swivel Seat Fishing Rig, you get comfortable seats with backrests that rotate 360° to give you a great view of the water and easy access to your gear, motor, and the Two Scotty BaitCaster Rod Holders with universal deck mounts that attach to the base of the rig.
Scotty Pads: Bow & Stern
There is a Scotty Pad at the front and back of the boat giving you the ability to customize your FishSkiff with your pick of Scotty Fishing Accessories like the Scotty Baitcaster Rod Holder or Scotty Anchor Lock.
If Sea Eagle doesn’t carry the Scotty accessories you’re looking for, OutdoorPlay will.
Customizable Solutions
A seemingly endless list of optional accessories can transform the skiff into a tailor-made boat perfect for your style of fishing.
Check out some of these popular accessories.
Transportable
There is no need for a trailer with this boat. At around 90 lbs. with the transom, the 16-foot FishSkiff is reasonably light and incredibly portable.
This inflatable boat folds up into a boat carry bag that easily fits in a car trunk, SUV, truck bed, or RV for easy transport to and from the water.
Portable
The skiff is easily portable with the use of its grab handles, one at the front, two in the middle, and two at the back. Or simply and easily roll it to and from your put-in with a EZ-Cart.
Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 Discount Packages
FishSkiff 16 – Solo Start-Up Package
The Solo Start-Up Package (Model Number FSK16K_ST) is a great entry-level package for solo fishermen who already own their own motor with up to 10hp.
Features:
- Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rig w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders
- 7″ Pedestal
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – 2 Person Swivel Seat Package
The 2-Person Swivel Seat Package (Model Number FSK16K_SW) adds a second seat for your fishing buddy. It’s the perfect two-person package for those who already own their own motor up to 10hp.
Features:
- Two Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders per seat
- Two 7″ Pedestals
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – 3 Person Swivel Seat Package
The 3-Person Swivel Seat Package (Model Number FSK16K_SW3) is a 3-person fishing boat that offers seating for three and room to stand as well. If you already have your own motor up to 10hp, this is the boat package for you.
Features:
- Tandem Green Swivel Seat Kit w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders
- Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rig w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders
- 7″ Pedestal
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – 2 Person Swivel Seat Canopy Package
The Two-Person Swivel Seat Canopy Package (Model Number FSK16K_SWC) takes the 2 Person Swivel Seat Package to the next level with the Sun & Rain Canopy to protect you and your passengers from the elements.
If you don’t already have your own motor, you’ll want to check out the Watersnake Motor Canopy Package, Green Machine Package, or Honda Motor Canopy Package below.
Features:
- Wide Canopy
- Two Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders per seat
- Two 7″ Pedestals
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – Watersnake Motor Canopy Package
The Whitesnake Motor Canopy Package (Model Number FSK16K_WSMC) allows you and a fishing buddy to stealthfully motor into your fishing spot with a 34 lb. thrust Watersnake Venom.
Features:
- Wide Canopy
- Watersnake Venom 34
- Two Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders per seat
- Two 7″ Pedestals
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – 50w Solar Boat Package
The 50w Solar Boat Package (Model Number FSK16K_S50) is super cool! Check this out! This package has a 50W Solar Panel for charging your 12-volt battery. Now you can troll all day long! No running out of battery power and having to come in earlier than you want or having to paddle back to the take-out.
Features:
- Wide Solar 50 Canopy
- 50W Solar Panel
- Watersnake Venom 34
- Trolling Motor Power Center
- Two Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders per seat
- Two 7″ Pedestals
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – 110w Solar Boat Package
The 110w Solar Boat Package (Model Number FSK16K_S110) is super cool! Check this out! This package has a 110W Solar Panel for charging your 12-volt battery. Now you can troll all day long! No running out of battery power and having to come in earlier than you want or having to paddle back to the take-out.
Features:
- Wide Solar 110 Canopy
- 110W Solar Panel
- Watersnake Venom 34
- Trolling Motor Power Center
- Two Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders per seat
- Two 7″ Pedestals
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – Honda Motor Package
The Honda Motor Package (Model Number FSK16K_HM) fulls the need for speed with the inclusion of a 5hp Honda motor. This extremely fuel-efficient motor has a 1.5 L internal gas tank, and external fuel tank connection. You can zip around all day long with this setup!
Features:
- Honda 5S
- Two Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders per seat
- Two 7″ Pedestals
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – Honda Motor Canopy Package
The Honda Motor Canopy Package (Model Number FSK16K_HMC) is the same as the previous model with the addition of the sun and rain canopy for protection from the elements.
Features:
- Wide Canopy
- Honda 5S
- Two Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders per seat
- Two 7″ Pedestals
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
FishSkiff 16 – Ultimate Package
The key feature of the Ultimate Package (Model Number FSK16K_U) is the Torqeedo 1103CS electric motor. You get the power of a 3hp gas motor with the efficiency and savings of an electric motor.
Features:
- Torqeedo 1103CS
- Two Locking Swivel Seat Fish Rigs w/ 2 Scotty Baitcaster Rod-Holders per seat
- Two 7″ Pedestals
- Adjustable Stand-Up Paddle (66″-85″)
- High-Pressure Piston Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Boat Carry Bag
Popular Accessories for Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 Modifications
There are a lot of great Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 accessories that can be added to your boat. Here are some popular ones you might consider.
Trolling Motor Mount Attachment System
You might like a trolling motor for stealthy maneuvers.
Sea Eagle has a Motormount Kit for the FishSkiff (FSK16) that holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor with a maximum weight of 50 lbs.
The mounting kit doesn’t include the trolling motor.
The Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with 55 lbs of thrust and a 54-inch shaft length makes a great choice and is available at Sportsman’s Warehouse and Bass Pro Shops.
Trolling Motor
If you want a trolling motor, there are a couple to choose from:
- Watersnake Advance Brushless 70 lb Thrust Electric Motor (Fresh & Saltwater)
- Watersnake Venom SX 34lb Thrust Electric Motor (Fresh & Saltwater) – comes with the boat packages mentioned above.
Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Center
If you plan to use an electric motor, 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.
Honda 9.9S
If you want the full 21.5 mph that the FishSkiff can do, you’ll want the Honda 9.9S instead of the Honda 5S that comes in the FishSkiff 16 Honda motor packages.
The best-in-class Honda 9.9S is everything you could want in a gas-powered portable outboard motor:
- Easy to start
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Reliable
- Fuel-efficient
- Ultra-low emissions
- Quiet
- Low vibration performance
- 15″ Shaft
- 3-Gallon external gas tank and hose included
- Dry weight 92 lbs.
Torqeedo Travel 1103CS
The Torqeedo Travel 1103CS Short Shaft with integrated 915 Wh high-performance lithium battery is the perfect electric outboard for your FishSkiff.
The Torqeedo Travel 1103CS 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)
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.
Push Pole
A push pole like this SuperStick KVD Telescopic Push Pole is great for pushing your boat in shallow areas that your trolling motor cannot handle and with extra attachments, the pole can be transformed into a paddle, landing net, gig, boat hook, and much more.
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 doesn’t carry the Scotty accessory you’re looking for, OutdoorPlay will.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sun and Rain Canopy
When out on the water, it’s nice to have shade from the sun and protection from the rain. The inflatable skiff comes preinstalled with the Canopy Attachment System for the optional Sun & Rain Canopy. When not in use the canopy easily folds down and out of the way.
Certifications
FishSkiff 16 Inflatable Fishing 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 FishSkiff 16 Inflatable Fishing Boat Instructions
Instructions and Owners Manual
Looking to buy a FishSkiff 16? Checking out the Instructions and Owner’s Manual will give you valuable information for making your decision.
Video Instructions
This video demonstrates the ease of operating a FishSkiff 16. 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.
Follow me on: Linkedin
