Sea Eagle Travel Canoe 16 Review For 2023
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The World’s first patented, all-drop-stitch, high-pressure, inflatable canoe is making its mark on the paddling industry!
Sea Eagle has perfected an inflatable canoe that provides the shape and performance of traditional canoes with the safety and convenience of an inflatable. The Sea Eagle TC16 Travel Canoe is the first of its kind using drop-stitch technology with a sharp entry bow mold and smooth exit stern mold.
Why is it called a Travel Canoe 16? It’s 16 feet in length yet it folds up to a compact 40″ x 24″ x 16″ when deflated. With a weight of just 65 lbs, this lightweight canoe can be taken almost anywhere. You can even check it in as baggage at the airport and travel with it on a plane to your vacation destination.
It’s time to say goodbye to those heavy, unstable, traditional canoes that are hard to store and transport. No need for an expensive roof rack or trailer. The Sea Eagle Travel Canoe 16 fits in the trunk of a car and sets up in less than ten minutes. They are easy to store too! A small spot in a closet or garage is all you need.
Not sure if the TC16 is right for you? Check out the Best Sea Eagle Kayaks For 2023 with Buyer’s Guide.
Related Content:
- Sea Eagle Inflatable Sport Kayaks Compared
- Sea Eagle Explorer Inflatable Kayaks Compared
- Sea Eagle RazorLite Inflatable Kayaks Compared
- Sea Eagle FastTrack Inflatable Kayaks Compared
Popular Travel Canoe Packages
The Basic Canoe Package perfect tandem paddling choice for those who have their own paddles.
The electric pump package has the basics covered plus a two-stage electric turbo pump for faster, virtually effortless inflation.
The 3-Paddler Canoe Package is set up for family trips! Three seats, three paddles, and both a manual and electric pump.
Sea Eagle Travel Canoe Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to transport and store
- Lighter than traditional canoes
- Easy setup
- Durable all drop-stitch construction
- Excellent primary and secondary stability
- Spacious
- Rated for up to Class IV rapids
- High load capacity
- Easily packs down into its carry bag
Cons:
- Difficult for one person to carry
- Difficult for one person to paddle
- Slower than a traditional canoe
20 Advantages of the Sea Eagle Travel Canoe
The TC16 Sea Eagle offers unique advantages. Many of these exceed the capabilities of traditional canoes…
- This inflatable canoe isn’t formed of big, puffy tubes. The Travel Canoe’s 3-inch thick high-pressure, inflatable (inflation pressure up to 10 psi) side and floor chambers create the shape and performance of a traditional canoe without losing space.
- It can seat 3 people and has a load capacity of 915 pounds. That leaves a lot of room for gear. Yet, it packs down to a fraction of its inflated size (40″ x 24″ x 16″) and fits into its carry bag for easy transport.
- Incredibly rugged drop-stitch construction with extra reinforced layers of Denier fabric on the full length of the floor for strength and durability.
- Takes only 7-9 minutes to inflate.
- Rated for up to Class IV whitewater.
- Being inflatable and naturally buoyant, it won’t sink if flipped. This is a huge safety feature, especially when paddling on white water!
- Three air chambers provide safety by ensuring the canoe won’t sink. If by some freak accident an air chamber fails, the remaining chambers will keep it afloat.
- Being far more stable than traditional canoes, the Travel Canoe can be paddled while standing up like a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
- In the unlikely event of tipping, you can easily self-rescue because it remains afloat. See the “Travel Canoe Instructional Videos” section below for a how-to video on re-entering.
- Anti-skid, EVA foam, diamond-deck pads on the canoe floor improve footing.
- At just 65 pounds (33% lighter than comparable rigid canoes), this canoe is light to carry.
- Disassembly, deflation, and storage are fast and simple. Just open the 3 air valves, remove the seats, roll up the canoe, and stow it all in the carrying bag.
- Stows away in a closet or on a shelf in the garage.
- The Travel Canoe is the only 16-foot canoe that can be carried in a car, SUV, flatbed truck, RV, or small airplane.
- It can be checked as baggage at the airport.
- This canoe is fast! Its unique design allows paddling speeds of 5 mph with one or two paddlers. The bow and stern molds and the full-length, flat planing surface are designed to cut through the water while creating lift reducing drag and friction.
- It has a removable, sweptback skeg for improved tracking on open water.
- Four, easy open and close floor drain valves can be opened to remove water when needed.
- It has four carry handles for easy transport, one each at the bow and stern for a two-person carry and on each side of the cockpit in the middle for a one-person carry.
- Don’t want to carry the Travel Canoe? The EZCart can be used to roll the canoe from its set-up location to the put-in.
Top, Front, and Side Views
Specifications
(compare all Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks and canoes)
| Best Use | Flatwater Lakes, Bays, Marshes, Ocean, Rivers, Shallow Waters, Whitewater up to Class IV Rapids |
| Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Structure Type | Inflatable |
| Person Capacity | 3 |
| Seating Configuration | Solo, Tandem, 3-Person |
| Paddler Size | Up to 3 Large Adults |
| Hull Weight | 65 lbs |
| Length | 16′ |
| Width | 3′ 2″ |
| Interior | 15′ 2″ x 25″ |
| Load Capacity | 915 lbs |
| Deflated | 40″ x 24″ x 16″ |
| Chambers | 3 (Port, Starboard, Floor) |
| Air Valves | 3 Recessed, One-Way Air Valves |
| Inflation Time | 7-9 Minutes |
| Seam | Overlap |
| Material | 1000 Denier Reinforced |
| Tube Dimensions | Gunwales: 20″ High at Bow & Stern, 15″ High at Center. Gunwales & Floor: 3″ Thick |
| Whitewater Rating | Up to Class IV |
| Inflation Pressure | Up to 10 psi |
| Warranty | Limited 3-Year (standard), 3-Year Extended (extra) |
Standard Features
- NMMA Certified
- Patented high-pressure all drop-stitch construction with bow and stern molds to improve speed and enhance tracking
- Floor with double-wall construction for strength, rigidity, and resistance to punctures and abrasion
- 2 Diamond-patterned, anti-skid, EVA foam deck pads
- 3 Separate high-pressure drop-stitch chambers for added safety
- Inflates to 10 psi for hard hull performance
- Removable traditional canoe wood/web seats
- Removable, rear skeg for improved tracking and speed
- Front and rear spray skirts with carrying handles
- 4 Open and close drain valves
- 6 D-Rings for securing optional inflatable seats, accessories, or gear
- 2 Center carry handles
- 3 Recessed, Halkey Roberts style, one-way air valves
- Nylon carry bag
- Whitewater rating up to Class IV
- Printed owner’s manual with instructions
For a wealth of additional information, check out the Sea Eagle Tavel Canoe Owner’s Manual. (Download PDF: 0.8MB)
Key Features
The following top features help us better understand the design and function of the Sea Eagle TC16 Travel Canoe.
Patented, All Drop-Stitch Construction System
The Sea Eagle Travel Canoes are made entirely with drop-stitch construction technology which yields a high-performance, tough-as-nails, incredibly rigid, ultra-light canoe that’s a thrill to paddle. The floor is so rigid that you can stand up in the canoe and paddle similar to a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
Sea Eagle’s drop-stitch material is created by joining the top and bottom fabric layers with tens of thousands of high-tensile strength threads. This increases the canoe’s rigidity by enabling the canoe floor and sidewalls to be inflated to 10 psi, much higher than the 3-4 psi inflation pressure of other inflatable boats.
The flat, 3″ thick, high-pressure, inflatable, drop-stitch sidewalls are 20″ tall at the highest points and are set at a 15° angle to the 16′ long x 25″ wide x 3″ thick, rigid, high-pressure, inflatable, drop-stitch floor. This provides incredible primary and secondary stability that far exceeds the stability of traditional, rigid canoes.
This construction system has allowed Sea Eagle to literally reinvent the traditional hard-shell canoe in a unique inflatable form that provides previously impossible benefits.
Inherent Buoyancy Makes Travel Canoes Safer
Unlike traditional canoes, the Sea Eagle TC16 Travel Canoe has inherent buoyancy due to the three air chambers (the floor and two sides). The Travel Canoe will not sink while adhering to proper specifications and due to the added buoyancy of being inflatable, you can load hundreds of pounds of gear and supplies and still be able to paddle and maneuver with ease.
Triple Stability and Improved Tracking of the Travel Canoe
All canoes have some form of primary and secondary stability. The Sea Eagle TC16 Travel Canoe has three forms of stability making it far more stable than many traditional canoes.
The full-length double chine system along with the canoe’s flat bottom contribute to the boat’s stability, speed, and tracking. The first chine is formed where the floor meets the sidewalls. The second chine comes from the angle of the sidewalls.
Primary stability comes from the flat bottom while secondary stability comes from the double chines.
The Travel Canoe’s three forms of stability:
- Primary stability comes from the flat bottom.
- The first chine formed where the floor meets the sidewalls.
- The second chine from the angle of the sidewalls.
Speed and Tracking Improvements
The TC16 improves speed and tracking with the use of bow and stern molds and a removable rear skeg.
Bow And Stern Molds
Sea Eagle inflatable canoe features bow and stern molds made of rigid, durable plastic that cut through the water, waves, currents, and wind to create lift reducing drag and friction. This results in increased speed.
When deflated for easy storage, the bow and stern molds easily roll up with the canoe.
Rear, Removable Skeg
The large, removable rear skeg improves speed and tracking by reducing yaw making forward motion far more efficient.
The skeg is best suited for open water and in windy conditions but isn’t needed when paddling with J-stokes and should be removed when paddling on whitewater.
Diamond Deck Pads
The Sea Eagle Canoe TC16 has an extra layer of diamond pattern, non-slip, EVA foam decking. The diamond deck pads provide comfort along with safe and secure footing when getting in and out of the canoe or when standing up to paddle or fish. The layer also provides greater durability by protecting against abrasions, abuse from gear, and sharp fins and hooks when fishing.
Fits in the Trunk of a Small Car
At only 65 pounds, the Sea Eagle Travel Canoe is 33% lighter than comparable traditional canoes. Yet, it packs down to a fourth of its inflated size (40″ x 24″ x 16″) to fit in its carry bag for easy transport.
The compact, deflated size of the Travel Canoe eliminates the need for a roof rack or trailer. Just toss it in the trunk of a small car, SUV, flatbed truck, RV, or small airplane and head out on your canoe trip. When not in use, it conveniently stores away in a closet or on a shelf in the garage.
Sea Eagle Travel Canoe 16 Discount Packages
The Travel Canoe now comes with traditional wood/web seats, a high-pressure hand pump with a pressure gauge, a repair kit, and a carrying bag.
The number of seats and accessories change between the packages to best meet your needs.
All drop-stitch, inflatable canoe seats are available as an add-on option. I’d recommend adding these seats to any of the packages below. They are far better on whitewater and the back support is far better for you if you have a bad back like me.
Sea Eagle TC 16 Inflatable Travel Canoe – Wood/Web Seats Basic Canoe Package
The Wood/Web Seats Basic Canoe Package (Model Number TC16K_BW) has two seats made of traditional wood/web construction. It’s a perfect tandem paddling choice for those who have their own paddles.
Features:
- Travel Canoe 16 Hull
- Front Wood/Web Seat
- Back Wood/Web Seat
- High-Pressure Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Web Seat Carry Bag
- Boat Carry Bag
Sea Eagle TC 16 Inflatable Travel Canoe – Wood/Web Seats 2-Person Start-Up Canoe Package
The Wood/Web Seats 2-Person Start-Up Canoe Package (Model Number TC16K_STW) is the basic package with two canoe paddles. It has the basics covered if you’re new to canoeing or want an all-new setup.
Features:
- Travel Canoe 16 Hull
- Front Wood/Web Seat
- Back Wood/Web Seat
- Two Adjustable Aluminum Canoe Paddles
- High-Pressure Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- Repair Kit
- Web Seat Carry Bag
- Boat Carry Bag
Sea Eagle TC 16 Inflatable Travel Canoe – Wood/Web Seats Electric Pump Canoe Package
The Wood/Web Seats Electric Pump Canoe Package (Model Number TC16K_EPW) adds in a two-stage electric turbo pump for faster, virtually effortless inflation.
Features:
- Travel Canoe 16 Hull
- Front Wood/Web Seat
- Back Wood/Web Seat
- Two Adjustable Aluminum Canoe Paddles
- High-Pressure Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- BTP Electric Pump
- Repair Kit
- Web Seat Carry Bag
- Boat Carry Bag
Sea Eagle TC 16 Inflatable Travel Canoe – Wood/Web Seats Electric Pump for 3 Paddler Canoe Package
Now we’re talking! The Wood/Web Seats Electric Pump for 3 Paddler Canoe Package (Model Number TC16K_EP3W) is set up for family trips! Three seats, three paddles, and both a manual and electric pump. If you don’t want the third seat, leave it out for more legroom or room for gear. This package has it all!
Features:
- Travel Canoe 16 Hull
- Front Wood/Web Seat
- Middle Wood/Web Seat
- Back Wood/Web Seat
- Three Adjustable Aluminum Canoe Paddles
- High-Pressure Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- BTP Electric Pump
- Repair Kit
- Web Seat Carry Bag
- Boat Carry Bag
Sea Eagle TC 16 Inflatable Travel Canoe – Wood/Web Seats Bixpy Motor Package
The Wood/Web Seats Electric Pump Canoe Package (Model Number TC16K_BX) is the Electric Pump Canoe Package with the addition of an electric Bixpy motor.
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:
- Travel Canoe 16 Hull
- Bixpy J-2 Electric Motor Kit
- Front Wood/Web Seat
- Back Wood/Web Seat
- Two Adjustable Aluminum Canoe Paddles
- High-Pressure Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
- BTP Electric Pump
- Repair Kit
- Web Seat Carry Bag
- Boat Carry Bag
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: Sea Eagle inflatable Travel Canoes lack a watertight storage area making dry bags necessary for keeping gear safe and dry.
Certifications
Sea Eagle Travel Canoes are certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) confirming that these canoes have been manufactured to meet the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards for design, construction, and safety.
Sea Eagle Inflatable Sport Kayak Instructions
Instructions and Owners Manuals
Looking to buy a Travel Canoe? Checking out the Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Tavel Canoe instructions and owner’s manuals will give you valuable information for making a decision.
Instructions and Owners Manual for the Sea Eagle Inflatable Travel Canoe with Wood/Web Seats: TC16W. (Download PDF: 0.8MB)
Instruction Videos
These videos from Sea Eagle demonstrate the ease of operating Sea Eagle Travel Canoes. 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.
Sea Eagle inflatables are super light, 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.
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 inflatable kayaks and canoes, 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, they offer a 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty to give you 6 years of total warranty against any manufacturing defects.
Sea Eagle Travel Canoe Alternatives
Aqua Marina Tomahawk AIR-C 15’8″
The Aqua Marina Tomahawk AIR-C 15’8″ is an all-drop-stitch construction inflatable canoe with double-wall fabric for incredible rigidity and durability. It can be set up for one to three paddlers and additional drop-stitch cushions for raising the seat position can be added for improved comfort.
Sea Eagle RazorLite 473
The Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite is the world’s first inflatable tandem kayak with all drop-stitch construction. With its tapered bow and stern molds and narrow design, this two-person kayak cuts through the water to allow paddling speeds up to 6 mph.
Its unique design provides the rigidity and performance of a hardshell kayak with the portability of an inflatable kayak. It’s the perfect high-performance, tandem kayak for flatwater touring and adventures on wilderness lakes, remote bays, and island hideaways.
Beyond Marina Vintage Drop-Stitch Triple Kayak
The Beyond Marina Vintage 3-Person 15’3″ Drop-Stitch Triple Kayak is a 2 to 3-person inflatable boat that is more in the shape of a canoe than a kayak. This beginner-friendly kayak uses drop-stitch technology for its floor and side chambers, improved durability, structural strength, and stability. Despite its lightweight construction and length, it is easy to carry, store, and maneuver on the water.
AIRE Traveler Inflatable Canoe
The AIRE Traveler Inflatable Canoe has an inflatable tube design for extra stability and an impressive 800 lbs load capacity. This canoe is an excellent choice for families, anglers, and hunters. Want to ad a motor? It comes with a rear transom for small motors.
The Traveler Canoe has the AIREcell System 2-layer construction with heavy-duty PVC outer shell for superior durability and welded, airtight internal bladders for strength and safety.
Sea Eagle TC16 Review Conclusion
Sea Eagle has reinvented the traditional canoe providing previously impossible benefits! The Sea Eagle Travel Canoe 16 is a game-changer! This extremely spacious canoe offers greater safety, incredible stability, and incomparable portability without sacrificing paddling performance.
No more bulky, heavy difficult-to-store and transport canoes! The Travel Canoe with its superior technology is lighter, safer, and easier to handle! These benefits equal more fun! And being safer is the biggest advantage if you have a small child like me.
The lack of a canoe package with inflatable seats is my only complaint. Sea Eagle builds up the wood/web seats as superior and traditional but they are not an advantage when on whitewater or for anyone with a bad back. If you want back support, have a bad back, or if you’ll be on a lot of long canoe trips, consider buying the inflatable canoe seats too.
With this Sea Eagle Canoe, you’ll be ready for any adventure!
Looking for another boat like the Travel Canoe? Check out the RazorLite inflatable kayak. It’s also made entirely from drop-stitch materials.
Related Content:
- Best Inflatable Kayaks and Canoes for Families
- Canoe & Kayak Safety Equipment Checklist
- Boating Safety Basics For Paddle Boaters
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