I don't want a truck and bass boat, nor do I have the money for them. I also have used a canoe extensively and do not enjoy trying to take one of my young children fishing in it with how uncomfortable it is for me and how limited. So I've saved up for the Stealth Stalker for a while and finally purchased a few weeks ago.
I've now used it about 8 times, most times with one child along - I love it though I'd recommend buying the air pump I think you can buy rather than the foot-powered pump I have.
Pros:
-seats are very comfortable
-I have a small car and everything fits in the trunk and the back seat.
-even having to pump it up with my feet, total setup time is about 15-20 minutes.
-I have to drag it over a few rocks but the construction is so heavy duty (like a Zodiac) that so long as I don't go looking for sharp objects, it seems likely to last.
-I don't love use the rod holders a ton, but found them easy to use and convenient when I've tried.
Cons:
-carrying bag is rather cheap: the metal fasteners break VERY easily, though Sea Stalker replaced my bag for me. If you do not fully deflate (I mean FULLY) the boat and try to muscle the bag shut at all, you'll break the fasteners. I like their instructional video on set up but this would be a good point to add.
-carrying bag could be improved by making main straps long enough to hold in one hand or make it to fit on someone's back.
-I'm a powerlifter and enjoyed being able to carry a canoe on my head from our old house 100 yards to the pond. The StealthStalker is too awkward to get overhead and carry so I'm forced to take it apart each time. Some sort of carrying mechanism would be a nice addition.
-I'm average height (5'8" guy) but the oar locks put the oars just beyond reach of either seat - I have to scooch forward to row comfortably.
-boat is a little too small to comfortably swivel around in chair - I have to lift my legs over the side.
-also too small to stand easily except in middle; I CAN stand on other sides of chairs, but less stable feeling. With young children, I don't want to stand both of us in the middle.
All in all, an outstanding boat I expect to use for years.
All in all, for this cost, I love what it enables to do with each of my kids.
| Brand | Sea Eagle |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 78 Pounds |
| Color | Green |
| Style | STS10 Frameless Fishing Boat Pro Solo |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Weight Limit | 1200 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 123"L x 60"W x 16.5"H |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 44 x 25 x 9 inches |
| Package Weight | 65 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 123 x 60 x 16.5 inches |
| Brand Name | Sea Eagle |
| Warranty Description | 3 Year Manufacturers Warranty |
| Model Name | STS10K_PS |
| Manufacturer | Sea Eagle Boats |
| Part Number | STS10K_PS |
| Included Components | STS10 Inflatable Hull and package accessories |
