Sea Eagle 380X Explorer In-Depth Review

Sea Eagle 380X inflatable kayak

The Sea Eagle 380X was the very first inflatable kayak I ever bought.  That was well over a decade ago.

I had that kayak for many years and went on countless awesome adventures with it.

Fast forward to present day and I now have the latest model and love it just as much.

This is a kayak that is so extremely versatile.  It comfortably seats two adults but the seats can be moved and adjusted for solo paddling as well.

2019 Sea Eagle 380X Explorer

For me the thing that stands out the most with the 380X is how comfortable it is.  From the high back seats, to the rigid floor, to the stable pontoon-like sides this kayak feels great to paddle.

It is ideal for paddling with dogs or kids plus it can be used on just about any type of water making it very versatile.

I kayaked a fair amount over the years before I purchased the 380X but always in regular hard-shell kayaks.  This was the first inflatable that I tried.

I did a lot of research before buying it to make sure I was getting a good product.  Over the years the 380X has exceeded my expectations in durability, performance, comfort and portability.

To be honest this kayak is special to me.  My mother who passed away almost 9 years ago loved kayaking with me in the 380X.  We spent a year before she passed paddling all over the place.

The 380X was the first kayak she had paddled and she fell in love with the sport.  We loved throwing the 380X in the back of the car and taking road trips to different paddling destinations.

Over the years I moved on to faster models such as the Sea Eagle FastTrack and eventually their ultra sleek Razorlite kayak.

However I have now circled back around to often using my new 380X, especially when out paddling with my dogs.  You just can’t beat the overall comfort level.

Check out the video below of me paddling the 380X with my pups!

With that let’s move on to more in-depth details.  Below are the specifications for the 380X Explorer model.

SPECS

380X specifications

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WHAT’S IN THE BOX

There are several different package options to choose from with this kayak so you can customize it based on your needs.  I have the Pro Kayak Package so I have based this review on that.

INCLUDED IN THE PRO KAYAK PACKAGE:

  • 380X Explorer Hull With Separate High-Pressure Floor
  • 2 Adjustable 4-Piece Paddles
  • 2 Adjustable High-Back Seats
  • 2 Kayak Stow Bags
  • Foot Pump
  • Slide-In Skeg
  • Carry Bag
  • Repair Kit

OTHER OPTIONAL PACKAGE ITEMS INCLUDE:

  • Shorter Paddles
  • Carbon Paddles
  • Inflatable Seats
  • Quiksail
  • Motor With Motor Mount
  • QuikRow Kit

SPECIAL FEATURES

Over the years the 380X has changed only slightly with a few little improvements here and there. Below are all of the important features to be aware of.

HIGH PRESSURE RIGID FLOOR

Sea Eagle high pressure rigid floor

The older models (going back at least 5 years) had the standard inflatable floor that resembled an air mattress.  These floors were comfortable to sit on but did nothing to help performance.

The more recent Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks use a separate high-pressure drop stitch floor that sits on top of the outside floor.  This floor is much more rigid than it was in the past.

There are 3 main advantages to this high-pressure floor:

  1. It makes the kayak more durable and able to withstand more bumps, scrapes and overall abuse.
  2. It greatly helps with performance.  I notice a big difference in how this kayak performs with the high-pressure rigid floor.  It tracks better and the overall glide is smoother with less drag.
  3. Also the floor can be removed for easy cleaning and for making sure all areas of the kayak get dried properly after use.

16 DRAIN VALVES

There are 16 self bailing drain valves along the floor of the 380X with 8 along each side.

Most of my kayaking is done on fairly calm water so I have rarely had to use these drain valves.

However they can be opened and closed quite easily and are great if you are in whitewater or in heavy ocean chop where water enters the kayak.

With the drain valves open the water will easily drain out however be aware that with them open the floor of the kayak does get wet.

FRONT & REAR SPRAY SKIRTS

Sea Eagle 380X front and rear spray skirts

The attached front and rear spray skirts are invaluable as they deflect spray from entering the kayak when plowing through waves.

They also provide a small sheltered area underneath the spray skirts where you can store gear if needed.

Or if you have a little dog who likes to be navigator like my little Jax does then the front spray skirt also acts as a great seat!

Jax is ALWAYS sitting up there.  He weighs 12 lbs. and it supports him well. 🙂

Jax sitting on top of the Sea Eagle 380X inflatable kayak spray skirt

BUNGEE CORDS

380x front spray skirt with bungees

Also on top of the spray skirts is some bungee cord that is secured by stainless steel D-rings.

The bungees can be used to secure the kayak stow bags that come with the package or for any dry bag or gear you need to bring along for the ride.

MULTIPLE D-RINGS

sea eagle high back kayak seat and d-rings

There are 10 stainless steel D-rings along the sides of the kayak, 5 on each side.  There are also 4 D-rings being used by the front bungees and 4 being used by the back bungees.

The 5 bungees along each side of the kayak are there so you can place your seats where you want them.  They are also perfect for safely securing gear inside the kayak when whitewater kayaking.

FRONT & BACK CARRY HANDLES

front carry handle on explorer kayak

There is a durable carry handle on both the front and back of the kayak.

With these two handles it is easy to carry the 380X with two people.

3 ONE-WAY VALVES

one way air valve on 380 explorer kayak

Most inflatable kayaks have three air valves.  With three separate air chambers the kayak is very safe because if there is ever a leak in one there will still be two more inflated to get you safely back to shore.

The 3 one-way H3 style air valves work great and no air escapes during inflation.  These are a much nicer and upgraded version of the valves you typically see on the cheaper inflatable kayak models.

EASY SLIDE-IN SKEG

Sea Eagle Explorer kayak slide in skeg

The large removable skeg easily slides into the fin box and clips into place.  If you are paddling in calm water you will want the fin attached for better tracking and performance.

easy slide in kayak fin

If paddling in whitewater or shallow areas then you may want to leave the fin off.

HIGH BACK SEAT

Sea Eagle tall back seat

There are two seat options with the 380X package.  You can get the Deluxe Inflatable seats or the Tall Back seats.

I have tried both and personally prefer the tall back seats.

The inflatable seats are comfortable and only take seconds to inflate.  However I don’t find them to have the same amount of support that the tall-back seats offer.

The tall-back seats have a padded cushion and a rigid high back.  The amount of rigidity and support you get can be adjusted with the straps that are attached to the D-rings.

I like mine to be very straight and rigid so I adjust the straps to keep them that way.

I have used far too many low back seats in the past in regular hard kayaks where my back would be killing me from lack of support during my paddling sessions.

These tall-back seats are awesome and better than most others that I have tried.

There are two straps on each side of the seat that can be attached to the D-rings on the side of the kayak.

Sea Eagle kayak seats

There is also a fairly large removable zippered pouch on the back of the seats.  This pouch is a really nice added touch that allows you to store things like snacks or a water bottle.

CARRY BAG

The carry bag that comes with the kayak is basic but works and mine has always held up fine.

The bag folds up on all four sides so you can place the rolled up kayak in the center of the bag then fold over the sides and secure the clips.

The hull of this kayak weighs 40 lbs., which is heavier than I would want to hike with for any long distance but light enough to easily carry to and from the water or to your vehicle.

With the two carry handles on the bag you can easily carry it on your shoulder. It’s actually amazing how small of a package this kayak folds into.

To make things even easier if you had two people you could each grab a handle and carry half the weight.

The bag adds protection for travel and for storage. I normally store the kayak, fin and seats inside the bag and keep the pump and paddles out.

carrying the sea eagle 380x carry bag

SETUP

inflating the 380X with electric pump

I have set this kayak up hundreds of times over the past ten years.  Once you have done it once or twice it won’t take you any longer than ten minutes.

Once the kayak is out of the bag and unrolled you can begin by first inflating the floor.

Once the floor is done then inflate each side. You may have to push the floor down so that it sits properly in between each side.

The foot pump that comes with the package works fine.  There is no pressure gauge on it so you just have to guess when it is done.  In my experience once it becomes too hard to keep pumping it’s done.

It is nearly impossible to over inflate this kayak with the foot pump, it simply isn’t powerful enough. It takes me almost 8 minutes to fully inflate all three air chambers with the foot pump.

However if you would like to conserve your energy for the water then I highly recommend an electric pump. These are the best electric pump options.

bravo electric pump for kayak

Once you have tried an electric pump there is simply no going back to manually inflating.  Also with the electric pump you can set the exact air pressure level and make sure the kayak is as rigid as it should be.

Once the kayak is fully inflated  to 3.2 PSI you can then slide in and clip the bottom skeg and secure the seats to the D-rings.  The whole process is easy and fast.

Sea Eagle explorer inflatable kayak

After use be sure to dry the kayak out as best as possible.  I normally bring a couple old towels along to do the job. The drier the kayak the better the material and seams will hold up.

Storing your kayak away wet for longer periods of time could cause mold growth.  No one wants that.

PERFORMANCE

kayaking in the sea eagle 380x explorer inflatable kayak with my two dogs

The great thing about this kayak is that it is totally stable and great for beginners to advanced paddlers alike.

The versatile design makes it ideal for those who want to explore all different types of waterways.

Although I am not much of a whitewater kayaker myself, the 380X has what it takes to tackle up to class IV rapids.

For my own personal use I just love paddling around on lakes, rivers and along ocean bays.  Usually you can see me out there with my two dogs, soaking up the beauty of nature and enjoying the complete calming effect that paddling has on me.

I find the 380X easy enough to paddle solo.  In fact I use it often for solo adventures.  However with two people you can really get moving and get into the rhythm and flow as the paddle strokes synchronize together.

With the fin attached and the rigid floor inflated properly, this kayak tracks quite well. It is a wider model so it isn’t going to move as sleekly through the water as a leaner kayak would.

However what it lacks in speed it makes up for in comfort, stability and versatility.

It feels safe and secure on choppy water and battles through waves and chop with great strength.

In windy conditions I find it harder to turn and maneuver when paddling solo.  However with two people navigating the 380X there is a lot more power and you won’t have that issue.

PADDLING WITH DOGS

my dogs sitting in the 380x inflatable kayak

I have two little dogs who kayak with me all the time.  They LOVE being in the kayak and are great company out on the water.

The Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks are very durable.  The PVC material is strong.  There are no issues with punctures or scrapes from dogs claws.

dog in inflatable kayak

Even larger dogs are no problem.  We used to have a German Shepard who kayaked with us and I have also had a lab in my kayak several times.  No problem at all.

I would recommend placing a towel or mat on the floor of the kayak for them to sit on or lay comfortably.

LOAD CAPACITY

This kayak can hold a lot of gear! The weight limit of 750 lbs. of cargo capacity is far more than most would ever need but it is nice to have that option and know that it will still perform well even when loaded right up.

The high weight limit will be especially appreciated if you are planning to do any multi-day expeditions.

CONSTRUCTION

sea eagle explorer inflatable

The Sea Eagle Explorer kayaks have always been made tough and use 1100 Decitex Reinforced PVC material.

I have been very fortunate over the years and never had a leak in this kayak, which I chalk up to a well made product and the fact that I do my best to care for it properly.

Over the years they have been able to improve the construction yet decrease the weight.  My original model weighed 10 lbs. more than the 380X weighs now!

The lighter weight makes it far easier to paddle and transport.  Yet it is still heavy enough to sit solid in the water and not get blown by wind.

WARRANTY

Sea Eagle kayak 3 year warranty

Unless you go for the much higher priced models, most inflatable kayaks will only come with a one year warranty.

Sea Eagle offers a great 3-year warranty on all of their kayaks as well as a 180 day guarantee.

Basically if you are not happy with your purchase at any time within 180 days then you can return it as long as it is in good condition for a full refund.

SIZE

Length and width of 380X explorer kayak

The 380X is the perfect size for my needs. There is plenty of room to paddle it solo or tandem.

However there are other sizes to choose from.

  • There is a smaller solo Explorer kayak called the 300X
  • As well as a longer version called the 420X
  • There is also the 350FX, which is a fully decked out version for anglers.

You can compare the specs below:

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PACKAGE OPTIONS

There are several package options to choose from for this inflatable kayak.

1. The Deluxe Package – The Deluxe package is the cheapest option and comes with 2 inflatable seats (they are quite comfortable), 2 AB30 7′ 10″ aluminum paddles that break down to 4 pieces for easy traveling, foot pump, carry bag and repair kit.

2. The Pro Package – The Pro package is the one I went for. It includes 2 high back adjustable seats, 2 AB40 8′ fiberglass paddles that break down to 4 pieces, 2 small kayak storage bags for the bow and stern, foot pump, carry bag and repair kit.

3. The Pro Carbon Package – This package cost an extra $100 over the Pro Package and gives you a set of upgraded great quality carbon-fiber paddles.

This package was not available when I purchased my 380X but I think it is well worth the money. The carbon-fiber paddles are really nice to use.

4. The QuickSail Package – The QuickSail package is a newer option that includes Sea Eagle’s fantastic universal kayak sail. It is ideal for anyone who likes to sail and wants the advantage of sailing their kayak in strong winds.

Besides the QuickSail this package also includes 2 adjustable tall back seats, 2 AB40 8′ fiberglass paddles that break down to 4 pieces, 2 small kayak storage bags for the bow and stern, foot pump, carry bag and repair kit.

5. The Pro Motor Package – This package is very well priced if you would like the option of using a little motor on your kayak.

It comes with 2 comfortable high back seats, 2 8′ AB40 paddles, a Watersnake ASP T24 electric motor, a motormount, the slide-in skeg, the kayak carry bag, a repair kit and the A41 foot pump.

SUMMARY

using the Sea Eagle 380x explorer kayak with two dogs

Honestly I would recommend this inflatable kayak to anyone of any age.  It is easy to paddle, easy to transport and easy to setup.

It is not the fastest kayak on the market but it will get you anywhere you want to go safely and easily.

I have always considered this kayak like a jack of all trades but a master at none. It can handle many types of water including calm as well as windy conditions, wake and light surf, whitewater and ocean paddling.

The whole package is great quality for an affordable price and with the multiple package options you can customize it based on your needs.

I can guarantee I will be using my 380X for years to come.

WHERE TO BUY

When you purchase directly from the manufacturer you get to take advantage of their 3-year warranty and 180-day guarantee.

Click Here For The Best Deal On The 380X Explorer From The SeaEagle.com Website.

OR Another option is to check the prices at Outdoorplay.com who also sell the Sea Eagle 380X.

FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? READ ON!

Hopefully you found this review helpful. At the end of the day, I am a kayaker just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the perspective of how I used the kayak and accessories.

The reviews are definitely a labor of love and generally take a fair bit of work and a lot of hours to put together.

By clicking through my above links and making a purchase a small portion of the sale is contributed to InflatableKayakWorld.com. It won’t cost you anything extra and it’s a simple way to help us fund our kayak and gear reviews.

If you have any questions feel free to drop them below. I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible.

Thanks for reading!


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