kscatfisherman Loc: Northeast Kansas

Having trouble deciding whether to purchase a Frameless Pontoon Boat 285fpb or the Stealthstalker STS10.
Those that have either one of these what are your pro and cons.

Thanks,
kscatfishfisherman

Az Bob Loc: Phoenix, AZ

First,, I’ve got a 285 (with troll motor, LCR). Pluses, lower wt. (42#’s with floor and motor mount). Easy to launch (got an 8’ utility trailer, cheap even with customization). Plenty of room for tackle box and 4 rods. Only room for me! As with any float boat, it drifts in the wind, and at 75 yrs young, is barely stable enough to stand. The STS10 is quite a bit heavier (78#’s with floor and motor mount). This means over 100#’s getting it up and down a ramp (even with the wheel caddy you can get from SeaEagle). I tried the wheel thing on the 285 and could hardly get it up a ramp with motor attached (35#’s less)! The STS10 is 1’4”’s longer (big difference) and 1# wider (inside, a really big difference). Possibly room for you and a buddy (big help in launch/retrieve) and much more room for ‘stuff’. It’s rounded bow may cause a little more drift than the 285 ( it’s two pontoon style is prone to this) and less performance with a trolling motor (I really suggest one, 55# thrust). With the wider profile I’d expect it to be much more stable to stand in if you’re a fly guy. Of course there’s price too. Hope this helps. Either one is a great smaller lake option.....

sumcatone Loc: Salem VA

I bought a 285 recently and have only been out once. I like the lighter weight,ease of inflation and it fits the bed of my Ranger. I am a total loss trying to use oars. I use the 250cm paddle from my kayak. I looked at the sts10 also but decided it was more than I needed. Being 85 I am always looking at being able to handle things by myself. My kayak is 57lbs and gets heavier every year. Do you like to fish alone or with someone? That would seem to be a big factor.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I have a 285fpb I bought about 3 years ago and love it (actually bought a second one off CL this year for $300). Pedestal seat and ability to stand were the features that impressed me. I have a 34# trolling motor and use a Duracell AGM deep cycle 35ah "scooter" battery from Batteries Plus(~6"x6"x8", 23lbs@~$90) in a "Playmate" cooler. The oars are just fine, for me.... although I have yet to take it down the river (class ll & lll's), I'm sure it will handle it. I put a "Clean Machine"(grass-like plastic) doormat on the floor for some traction, as the painted surface was a bit slick, when wet. Wind can be a bit of a pain i.t.a., but that's true in any small boat or kayak. Collapsible anchors (I use 2 3lb'rs.. Walmart is the cheapest) will hold you in place, easily.
Outside of usually drying before packing up(and if you don't do it then, re-inflate at home & do it.... prevent mold !) I find no downside to inflatable boats, as long as you stick to the quality ones, which Sea Eagle is certainly.
Good luck with whichever you go with, SE is good folks, the family even owns Panther Martin lures (!) which makes them one of most "copacetic to me" companies ever.

I may be just a bit jaded in spouting praise. In addition to the two 285fpb's, I have a 330 kayak and .....my pride and joy.....a (now-discontinued) 14' Foldcat..... my Sea Eagle fleet !

Merch

I have a 285 and I love it. Very comfortable.

crystalbeachbum Loc: Crystal Beach, TX (on the Bolivar Pennisula)

kscatfishfisherman, crystalbeachbum here. I have a Sea Eagle STS10. Due to the effects of cancer, I am forced to sell this incredible boat. As I’m sure you know, Sea Eagle is a top of the line inflatable. Due to sickness and other factors, this boat has only been in the water 4 times. When not in use the boat has been neatly packed away in storage. Because of it lack of use and care in storage this boat is in PERFECT LIKE NEW CONDITION.
Basic cost of this boat was $1250.00. Included is nearly every accessory available from Sea Eagle at a cost of just over $2000.00. Also included is a Minn-Kota Riptide 55 V/T Salt-
water transom mount 55# thrust trolling motor. Cost $420.00. To power the motor is a $215.00 AGM deep cycle battery. All of the above was purchased in mid 2017. This boat comfortably seats 2 people on fold back pedestal mounted swivel seats. Of course it has a solid floor and you can stand up in it, however at our age, you may not care to do that. It is extremely stable and really a blast to operate. My intent was to modify a little 4x6 trailer I have to haul it around when I’m home. When we are traveling, it fits nicely underneath in our motor home or in the back of our Jeep Cherokee. It also has the cart wheels which work very well for launching and retrieving. If you think you might be interested, answer back and we will arrange for pics, etc. Thanks

kscatfisherman Loc: Northeast Kansas

Crystalbeachbum,

So sorry in being late getting back in touch with you. New to this forum I lost your e-mail and finally figured out how to retrieve it. Anyway, I would definitely be interested in more information and pictures if possible of your boat.

Thank You, Kscatfisherman

crystalbeachbum Loc: Crystal Beach, TX (on the Bolivar Pennisula)

kscatfisherman. Thanks for responding. I have never
posted a picture on the forum, however I do have some. I will gather them up and try to send them to you on this forum. But with my limited tech knowledge, I may have to send the pics via text message. Please bear with me.

kscatfisherman Loc: Northeast Kansas

I understand. I'm limited on all the new technology myself. No rush, take all the time you need.

crystalbeachbum Loc: Crystal Beach, TX (on the Bolivar Pennisula)

kscatfisherman,’looks like I may have to send one at a time. This shows boat packed in back of our Jeep Cherokee showing how compact it is.

crystalbeachbum Loc: Crystal Beach, TX (on the Bolivar Pennisula)

The next ones are the first time I set up the boat.

crystalbeachbum Loc: Crystal Beach, TX (on the Bolivar Pennisula)

Need to stop & eat supper right now. Then I will send one more

crystalbeachbum Loc: Crystal Beach, TX (on the Bolivar Pennisula)

Need to stop & eat supper, then I will send one more

crystalbeachbum Loc: Crystal Beach, TX (on the Bolivar Pennisula)

kscatfisherman, this is going to take forever if I have to send one at a time. Could I just email them directly to you without going through the forum?

crystalbeachbum Loc: Crystal Beach, TX (on the Bolivar Pennisula)

kscatfisherman,
Sorry I haven’t sent any more pics. I was trying to find several I have on the computer, but didn’t find them yet. Will search again tomorrow afternoon and get back to you. Thx for your patience. I know some folks don’t like giving out their emails, and if you don’t care to do that, I will still send thru the forum. I appreciate your interest.