Sea Eagle 9 Inflatable Motormount Boat

[Shewillbemine]

I am seriously considering the Sea Eagle 9 Inflatable Motormount Boat and wanted to hear some opinions. I've researched it quite a bit both on this site and elsewhere, and hopefully I can get more input from you who've experienced this or have personal opinions.

http://www.seaeagle.com/MotormountBoats.aspx

1. Is this a suitable alternative while I save up more money for a bass boat in the future? I don't even have a towing vehicle at the moment so it will be a few years before I can even seriously consider an aluminum or fiberglass boat.

2. Is the MinnKota Endura 30 a suitable TM or should I skip it and buy one with more thrust? My concerns include not having enough power to navigate choppy water, a tiny bit more speed than a rental boat and boat control while fishing during windy days.

3. For those who own inflatables, kayaks, pontoons and float tubes:Are these water vehicles really worth it as substitutes for bass boats or do you have lingering thoughts of regret with your purchase?

4. I've seen plenty of discussion regarding fish/depth finders on kayaks and float tubes, but I'm wondering if it'll be possible to install my HumminBird Fishin' Buddy on this thing without being too much of a MacGuyver/MacGruber.

5. If you had to choose, would you go with a small, gas powered motor or an electric TM?

Again, thanks for any input!

[Shewillbemine]

Any input would be appreciated if you have it. Thanks!

[Long Mike]

I owned a Sea Eagle 9 for a couple of years and had a lot of fun with it. It's fine for small water. Your 30# motor is adequate unless you get caught in a strong wind. The little boat is like a sail, but 30# will get you where you need to go - eventually - and provided the battery holds out. That's why I said it's fine for small water. Be sure to use two anchors when you are fishing to keep from being blown around. The slightest breeze will pivot you around only one anchor.

The Eagle takes about thirty minutes to inflate with the provided foot pump if you are reasonably healthy. I bought a battery powered blower and did it in fifteen. Punctures are a concern if you are trying to launch and retrieve with a TM and battery on board; especially on a rough surface. That said, I never had a puncture of any type. The SE9 is amazingly durable.

Sea Eagle offers an option of a trolling motor mounting assembly and floor boards. Be sure to get the mounting assembly.

In retrospect, I would have opted out of buying the inflatable and would have bought a small Jon Boat instead. If you don't have a pick-up or a car with a roof-rack, that is not an option for you.

If you are still intent on buying the SE9, and if you are reasonably adept with wood working, then PM me and I can send you plans that will save you a lot of money on the floor boards and stern seat board. Plus, I've figured out a neat little way to mount your depth-finder. BTW, no charge for this info.

[Shewillbemine]

I owned a Sea Eagle 9 for a couple of years and had a lot of fun with it. It's fine for small water. Your 30# motor is adequate unless you get caught in a strong wind. The little boat is like a sail, but 30# will get you where you need to go - eventually - and provided the battery holds out. That's why I said it's fine for small water. Be sure to use two anchors when you are fishing to keep from being blown around. The slightest breeze will pivot you around only one anchor.

The Eagle takes about thirty minutes to inflate with the provided foot pump if you are reasonably healthy. I bought a battery powered blower and did it in fifteen. Punctures are a concern if you are trying to launch and retrieve with a TM and battery on board; especially on a rough surface. That said, I never had a puncture of any type. The SE9 is amazingly durable.

Sea Eagle offers an option of a trolling motor mounting assembly and floor boards. Be sure to get the mounting assembly.

In retrospect, I would have opted out of buying the inflatable and would have bought a small Jon Boat instead. If you don't have a pick-up or a car with a roof-rack, that is not an option for you.

If you are still intent on buying the SE9, and if you are reasonably adept with wood working, then PM me and I can send you plans that will save you a lot of money on the floor boards and stern seat board. Plus, I've figured out a neat little way to mount your depth-finder. BTW, no charge for this info.

Thanks for the pics and plans Mike! Much appreciated. Just waiting for the Sea Eagle now because of delays due to Hurricane Sandy. I hope everyone's ok.