Loaded for an overnighter or a week-long adventure, the Sea Eagle 420x Explorer Kayak handles a heavy load, more than any other 14-foot touring kayak.
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A Look at the Craft
The Sea Eagle 420x Explorer Kayak Deluxe package at $899 includes everything listed below. The Pro Kayak package, which is an additional $200, is the better package. That one comes equipped with upgraded 8′ AB40 paddles, two high-back seats with rear storage, and two bow and stern storage bags.
Specifications
- Chambers: Three (port, starboard, floor)
- Material:
- Seam: Quadruple Overlap Seam
- Floor: Separate Inflatable I-beam
- Air Valves: 2 recessed one-way
- Spray skirts w/water deflector guards
- 4 High capacity self-bailing drain values
- Two inflatable seats
- 6 D-Rings to secure seats
- Foot pump
- Two 7′ 10″ AB30 paddles
- Carry bag and repair kit
- Warranty: 3 years (180 day money back guarantee)
- NMMA Certified for safety/construction standards
- Inflation time: 9 minutes
Note: This inflatable kayak has an optional directional stabilizer ($39) which is a separate purchase. It is highly recommended that you get the stabilizer for better speed and performance.
What to Expect
The Sea Eagle 420x Explorer is a quality inflatable kayak with a big-load capacity that proves its worth in a variety of water conditions. Its 36″ beam is wider than many other models of touring kayaks, and that could be a good or bad thing depending on your expectations. If you aren’t in a hurry, or are a larger adult, the wide beam won’t be a problem; otherwise, you may not be pleased with the slow hull on this one. Zippy, it is not.
| Dimensions | 14′ x 3′ 1″ |
| Deflated | 31″ x 21″ x 10″ |
| Tube Diameter | 11 1/2″ |
| Capacity | 855 lbs |
| Material | 1000 Denier Reinforced |
This inflatable kayak is covered with tough 1000 denier fabric that is electronically welded at the seams for additional strength. The Sea Eagle 420x Explorer Kayak is rugged enough to be dragged over a pebble beach, or bonking into rocks on the rapids, without fear of puncturing the hull. As for its durability and size, its amazing 855 pound max weight capacity can carry up to three adults and all their gear.
The Sea Eagle 420x is advertised as being able to handle Class IV rapids but it’s too long for such business and you probably wouldn’t want to try it weighed down with gear anyway. At this length, the inflatable kayak is more suitable to those who need to pack heavy loads on quieter water, such as scuba divers who need a stable platform with an easy re-entry aspect, and paddle campers expecting to be exploring the wilds for a week or more.
Which Size to Buy?
The Sea Eagle Explorer series is offered in three hull sizes, the 340x (at 11′ long), the 380x (12’6″), and the 420x (14′). All Sea Eagle inflatables come with a 180-day money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose with a risk-free 6-month trial period. The amazingly comfortable Sea Eagle 420x Explorer Kayak isn’t the fastest kayak on the market, but since every bend and twist of a wilderness river is part of the adventure, do you really care if it takes a little longer?
Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.
