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Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat Review
The Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat is a perfect fit for the solo fisherman who needs a convenient and portable inflatable boat with the durability and dependability of a traditional fishing boat.
Any internet search for inflatable fishing boats will almost certainly bring up the Sea Eagle inflatable boat line, and for good reason. This American family-owned business has been providing expedition-quality craft and equipment since 1968.
Sea Eagle backs their commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction by offering both a staggering 180-day trial with money back guarantee and an industry-leading 3 year warranty. This is a company that doesn’t just claim to produce top-quality inflatable boats — they also stand behind their gear 100%.
As with all Sea Eagle inflatable fishing boats, the 285fpb is constructed of the best materials and designed to be ultra-portable and -stowable. If you’re looking for a boat that combines portability, durability, and top-quality construction, the 285fpb is a fantastic choice.
In this Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat review, we’ll cover its best features, design and construction details, specifications, included accessories, optional configurations, and more.
In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary…
| Pros |  Extremely durableExcellent stabilityGreat portabilityVersatileNice bundle of accessories3 year warranty180 day risk-free trial |
| Cons |  Limited to one passenger |
| Price & Where to Buy it |  |
Sea Eagle 285fpb Review: Boat Overview
The Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat offers a superb weight-to-capacity ratio, making it simultaneously Sea Eagle’s lightest and quickest fishing boat to set up. The brilliant frameless design makes the boat easier to carry, set up, and maneuver on the water.
The 285fpb can be used in shallow water (as little as 4″), but it’s equally at home in deeper waters. More experienced anglers have even tested the 285fpb in ocean conditions.
As a result of its small size, the Sea Eagle 285fpb is best suited for solo trips and more leisurely fishing expeditions; you definitely won’t be racing anyone to that prime fishing hole. But, if you’re looking for an inflatable boat that is tons of fun and super durable, look no further than the 285fpb.
Boat Design and Construction
Having pontoons and a floor constructed of 1000 Denier polyester polymer coated fabric means that the 285fpb is designed to last and stand up to years of hard use. Large, 16” tubes means that it rides high and steady in the water, giving the 285fpb the ability to successfully navigate shallower waters than heavier traditional boats.
A distinctive U-frame design on the 285 gives it the capacity and usable surface area of a larger boat, while significantly reducing the weight and size. This also contributes to ease of packing and stowing prior to and while not in use.
Unlike other inflatable boats and rafts, the Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat employs a raised fabric floor which raises the user nearly up off the water, contributing to greater visibility in still clear waters and a better vantage point for casting.
Best Features
Coming standard in Hunter Green, the 285fpb is stacked with features that make it easy, convenient, and effective to use. The full fabric floor provides usable space, but its elevated position means that it reduces drag, making the 285fpb more maneuverable and responsive. The burly 1000 denier fabric is ultra-tough and holds up to abuse extremely well.
Two carry handles located at the bow and stern of the boat allow for easy handling to and from the water.
Raised oarlocks and the option to securely attach a variety of boat motors mean that you can truly use the 285fpb as you want. Low-tech and easy-to-maintain oars are easy to use with raised oarlocks and the capacity to receive a locking oar pin. Motors can attach securely to a mount at the rear of the 285fpb for anglers who prefer the convenience of motorized travel.
A stow-bag that secures via buckles in the bow means that vital gear and tools are held securely and conveniently close at hand, all within easy reach.
Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat Rating
- Durability
- Features
- Versatility
- Stability
- Speed
- Portability
- Warranty
- Customer Service
- Price
4.7
User Rating ( votes)
Specs
| Length | 108" |
| Width | 48" |
| Weight | 31 pounds, 42 pounds with motormount and floorboard |
| Max Weight Capacity | 451 pounds |
| Passenger Capacity | 1 passenger |
What’s Included
The basic package for the 285fpb is referred to as the Deluxe Package and includes the following:
- Inflatable Deluxe fishing high seat
- Boat carry bag
- A41 foot pump
- Set of two oars with capacity to accept 3/8” oar pin
- Bow stow bag
- Repair kit
We really love the fact that Sea Eagle includes everything you need to get into the water. Unlike other inflatable boat packages that leave you without a pump and oars, the 285fpb includes everything needed right in the box.
As with all Sea Eagle inflatable boats, the 285fpb comes with an industry-leading 3 year warranty covering materials and manufacturer defects, as well as a 180-day risk-free trial. If you find that the 285fpb isn’t the right inflatable boat for you, simply return it and receive a full refund.
Optional Configurations
The 285fpb comes in four additional packages with a variety of useful features and accessories…
FAQ
How long does it take to inflate and set up the Sea Eagle 285fpb?
At it’s simplest, the Deluxe model of the 285 can take as little as 3-5 minutes to fully inflate and assemble. With other configurations such as the pro, setup time increases due to the inclusion of features like the floorboard, pouches and bags, and the motor. As your familiarity with boat and setup increases, it will take less time to get the 285fpb in the water.
Can I use my 285fpb Fishing Boat in both fresh- and salt-water?
Absolutely! The hull itself is well-designed and capable of handling both types of environment. The motor is the limiting factor. Sea Eagle offers a variety of motors that vary from fresh-water specific to dual-purpose use. Choose the package that reflects where you anticipate spending most of your time while fishing.
A solo fishing boat is too small for my needs, do you have any other recommendations?
We would recommend checking out the larger 2 person Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat or Sea Eagle’s Stealth Stalker 10 fishing boat.
Additional Sea Eagle 285fpb Pictures
Final Thoughts
The Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat packs a ton of fun into one small, convenient package. The weight, size, and overall convenience of this easy-to-use inflatable fishing boat make it the perfect choice for fisherman who need an affordable, durable boat that will hold up for many years to come.
While you won’t win any races with the 285fpb, that’s obviously not what it was designed for. The 285fpb is a highly-portable, stable fishing platform that doesn’t make any sacrifices in the comfort or convenience departments.
At the end of the day, if you are looking for a top-shelf, solo inflatable fishing boat that is affordable and built like a tank, the 285fpb is a boat that should certainly be on your radar.
