The inflatable Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile portable fishing boats on the market, especially for anglers looking for a lightweight, stable craft that performs well in both rivers and inshore saltwater. After extended use (including filming a full episode of Road Trip Angler and fishing the flats around Wrightsville Beach) the FishSkiff 16 has continued to hold up to demanding conditions, heavy gear, and multi-day trips.
This updated review covers long-term durability, new rigging upgrades, and how the boat performs when powered by both a 5hp Honda Outboard and a Torqeedo Travel 903 electric motor.
Build & Durability: A Rigid Drop-Stitch Platform That Holds Up Over Time
The FishSkiff 16 uses drop-stitch construction in both the hull and the floor, giving the inflatable skiff an impressively rigid feel during acceleration, poling, and sight-fishing. Even after extended use in saltwater, the boat’s inflatable components have shown no structural issues, leaks, or softening.
The only long-term wear noted comes from seat hardware sourced off-the-shelf, which is prone to rust in saltwater environments, a common issue for steel swivel mounts, regardless of brand. This is not a Sea Eagle manufacturing defect, but anglers who fish primarily in saltwater may want to upgrade to a corrosion-resistant swivel system.
Power Options: Gas and Electric
One of the biggest advantages of the FishSkiff 16 is its flexibility in propulsion. The boat performs well with both:
- Honda 5hp Outboard: Delivers strong upriver performance and excellent speed for longer runs.
- Torqeedo Travel 903 electric motor: Provides quiet operation, ideal for flats and inshore scenarios where stealth is important. While slower than gas, it offers impressive range and serves as both a primary and trolling motor.
The transom handles both configurations easily, and the skiff remains stable even when fully loaded with gear.
Fishing Performance: Built for Two Anglers
While the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 is rated for three passengers, two anglers is the ideal configuration for comfort, deck space, and visibility. With two adults onboard, the craft remains stable while standing, casting, and moving around the deck.
- Sight fishing: Elevated standing positions (added through custom rigging) significantly improve visibility on the flats.
- Stability: Excellent, even in chop.
- Maneuverability: Responsive whether powered by gas, electric, or a push pole.
For anglers targeting species like redfish, sheepshead, or river bass, the FishSkiff 16 functions much like a lightweight poling skiff.
Rigging Upgrades: Navigation, Storage, and Casting Platforms
A major appeal of the FishSkiff 16 is how customizable the platform is. Recent upgrades include a wide range of RAILBLAZA accessories, all mounted using StarPort HD bases.
Bow & Deck Additions
- RAILBLAZA NaviPack: Red and green bow lights and a 360° stern light (both battery-powered) mount via removable StarPorts, essential for early-morning or after-dark sessions.
- Elevated casting platform: An aluminum plate paired with a teak cutting board creates a raised sight-fishing deck. Even an extra 6 to 7 inches of height makes a noticeable difference on the flats.
- Rod holders, cup holders & accessory mounts: Upgraded to StarPort HD systems for durability and modularity.
Electronics
The skiff is rigged for an Lowrance Elite FS, which mounts easily to added track and StarPort mounts.
While this setup does not currently use a transducer, adding one is simple due to multiple mounting points on the transom and deck.
Mid-Boat & Seating Modifications
The standard rear seat has been replaced with an Orion 35 cooler, providing:
- A second elevated standing platform
- Integrated side tracks for cup holders or tool storage
- Additional room for food, drinks, and cold storage on longer trips
Paddle and push-pole clips keep accessories secure and accessible without obstructing fly lines or footwork.
Transom & Stern Rigging
- Power-Pole Micro Anchor: Repositioned to the right side for better control when poling from the cooler.
- Camera mount: A carbon-fiber RAILBLAZA Camera Boom tracks the action while remaining removable for transport.
The Torqeedo motor mounts cleanly on the transom and provides excellent low-noise operation for stalking redfish, drum, and other shallow-water targets.
On-Water Experience
Across rivers, flats, and inshore channels, the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 continues to deliver solid performance:
- Stable under load
- Quiet in shallow water
- Highly maneuverable when poling
- Capable of handling two anglers plus gear comfortably
- Easy to launch without a ramp
The drop-stitch hull gives the boat a rigid, fiberglass skiff feel, while still being lightweight enough to transport and store like an inflatable.
Who Is the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 For?
This boat is an excellent match for anglers who need:
- A portable fishing skiff that can be stored in a garage or transported in a truck or SUV
- A stable, customizable platform for inshore saltwater and river fishing
- Dual power options for both long runs and stealth-focused shallow-water approaches
- A craft that handles sight fishing, poling, and multi-rig setups
With its mix of portability, durability, and fishability, the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 offers impressive value as a compact inshore boat.
Read my other Sea Eagle reviews:
