If you are looking for a high-speed, high-performance tandem inflatable kayak the Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite Inflatable Kayak should definitely be on the radar. Built using manufacturing techniques that define the industry and incorporate the remarkable features and enhancements that characterize all Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks, the 473rl takes tandem kayaking to a whole new level.
It is important to remember from the beginning that 473rl is definitely not a kayak for beginners. As with the smaller RazorLite 393rl from Sea Eagle, the 473rl’s design results in a high-performance kayak with different handling characteristics than any other inflatable out there, and you can be sure that this is an inflatable kayak that will require a little more from you.
Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite Inflatable Kayak Overview
Probably the first thing you will notice about 473rl is how thin the walls are. Most inflatable kayaks have wide tubes for stability and support, but the Sea Eagle chose to follow a different route when designing the RazorLite series. Using the same technology they pioneered on the floors of their hugely popular Explorer and FastTrack ranges, Sea Eagle has created the world’s first inflatable kayak, featuring a 100% drop stitched (DS) body construction. This results in a much faster and sleeker inflatable kayak with better handling characteristics and a brand new look.
A lot of people are not familiar with how the drop stitched chambers are built and, as this makes 473rl such a revolution in the industry, it is worth taking a quick look and finding out more. In simple terms, the seam chambers consist of two layers of fabric firmly joined together by thousands of high-tensile threads that prevent the walls of the kayak from inflating beyond a certain distance. Once the chambers have expanded to their maximum volume, they are physically prevented from moving on, and the pressure inside them begins to build up.
This leads to another defining feature of the RazorLite range: these are high pressure inflatable kayaks. Compared to the rest of the Sea Eagle range of inflatable kayaks that inflate between 1.1 and 3.2 psi, the 473rl inflates to an amazing 10 psi – unheard of in this type of boat.
This high pressure means that the walls of the 473rl are extremely rigid, which allows the Sea Eagle to use a unique and efficient design of the straight hull – another industry first. Maximizing a straight body at the waterline means that the body is as efficient as possible, reducing unwanted resistance and improving the speed and performance of the kayak.
Sea Eagle also used its unique double concave design, made with a molded bow and stern. Not only does the molded spring cut the waves a bit like a torpedo as water flows around the stern with hardly a ripple, but the shape actually forces air into the symmetrically concave hull, creating high-pressure air pockets that force the Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite higher and higher out of the water, reducing drag even more.
Additional features
The Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite hull is made out of Decitex 1100 reinforced material, the material chosen by Sea Eagle when designing hulls for their high-performance inflatable kayaks. It is very durable against abrasions and piercings, as well as resistant to the sun and compatible with salt water. The seams on the 473rl hull are superimposed and, due to the nature of the DS cameras, the 473rl is one of the best performing inflatable kayaks to date.
The three body chambers (walls and floor) are each equipped with popular one-way built-in valves from the Sea Eagle. The valves are not small, so you can inflate the 473rl in around a quarter of an hour.
The 473rl only has two drain valves open/closed to stay dry inside, but that’s all it needs. The bow and stern skirts are generous on the 473rl and each contains an ergonomically designed carrying handle. Hard-core inflatable kayakers sometimes claim that handles are the most important part of a boat, because what good is an inflatable kayak if it can’t be lifted and transported?
Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite has a top speed of over 3 knots and an undeniably unprecedented performance in an inflatable kayak that was not even thought of possible just a few years ago. Also, the 473rl hull tilts the scale to only 38 lbs.
There are 14 stainless steel D-rings on the 473 RazorLite hull – more than enough to secure two seats and two footrests. The footrests are another nice note from Sea Eagle. Although not everyone uses them, they can really strengthen you when you are paddling hard and are adjustable depending on your height.
There is also a removable sketch that you may or may not need, and because it is only 7″ long, you can go paddling even in the shallowest waters. Also, the skeg does more than keep the real prow: the reflex technology that Sea Eagle uses actually contributes to the frontal propulsion of the 473rl.
Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite Inflatable Kayak Packages
Unusual for the Sea Eagle, the 473rl is not one of the most versatile inflatable kayaks in the world. It’s really designed for speed and high performance, so don’t expect to hoist a sail on this particular kayak model.
With an inflated outer length of 15’5 ″ (inner 14’8 ″) and a radius of 29 ″ (25 ″ at the waterline), the 473rl is elegantly available in just two packages: Pro and Pro Carbon.
Sea Eagle provides both packages with two high rear seats, the skeg, the footrest, a repair kit, a hand piston pump, and their convenient regular bag. The difference between the sets lies in the palettes: with the Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite Pro package you will get two AB40 (8 ′, 4 parts, 2.92 lbs.), While the Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite Pro Carbon configuration gives you AB50s (8 ′, 2 parts, 2.41 lbs.).
Final thoughts
Almost everyone we hear about who rowed the Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite Inflatable Kayak liked it. More than a few kayakers have expressed doubts about the stability of 473rl for the first time on water, but all have found that it is not a factor after they have adapted to kayaking. Everyone agrees – 473rl is very interesting and fun to row.
With a capacity of almost 750 pounds, the Sea Eagle 473rl will easily carry two adults and a fair amount of equipment. Not that you need storage space, because 473rl isn’t really meant to be a cruising kayak. It is designed for professionals who want to train hard, compete or simply push themself a little more than they could do with an average inflatable kayak.
And when the day is over and it’s time to pack the 473rl, the kayak folds small enough (30 ″ x19 ″ x9 ″) to slip into the convenient bag and fits nicely in the trunk of the car – what else do you expect from the Sea Eagle?
So, depending on what you’re looking for in an inflatable kayak, the Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite might be a perfect choice. If you are looking for a design that wows the industry, quality of the top-shelf construction, and the most innovative high-performance features on the market today, then the 473rl inflatable kayak would make an excellent purchase.
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