Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Kayak

Summary

Price At Time Of Writing | $2499.95

Our Overall Rating | 92 out of 100

Pros - Great speed, hard-shell feel, durable drop-stitch build, roomy cockpit

Cons - Less stable for beginners, tight footrest setup, bulky to carry

Overall - A premium inflatable built for performance, precision and serious touring

Technical Specifications

Open Size - 473x76cm

Weight - 20kg

Load Capacity - 340kg

Packed Size - 76x48x23cm

Our Analysis & Ratings

The Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite is a high-performance inflatable kayak that blurs the line between an air-filled craft and a rigid hard shell. Designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers, it’s built for speed, precision and efficiency rather than leisurely touring. As one of the most advanced Sea Eagle kayaks, the 473rl uses drop-stitch construction to create an impressively rigid hull that delivers a level of responsiveness few inflatables can match. It’s not the most forgiving kayak for beginners, but for those with some paddling experience looking for something portable yet high-performing, this model has a lot to offer.

Performance - The Sea Eagle 473rl speeds up quickly and glides effortlessly once up to speed, cutting through waves much like a rigid kayak. The molded bow and stern design, along with the double concave hull, help it track straight and slice through choppy conditions with ease. We found that the kayak can easily hold speeds above 3 knots, which is impressive for an inflatable. The trade-off for that performance, however, is a bit of initial instability, especially noticeable when stationary or paddling at low speeds. Once moving, though, the kayak settles into a smooth and steady rhythm. It’s a kayak that rewards good technique and active paddling, not one that drifts lazily along.

Construction - The Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite is built entirely with 100% drop-stitch technology, meaning every surface, from the floor to the sidewalls, can be inflated to 10 psi. That’s roughly triple the pressure of most inflatables, giving it a rigid feel almost identical to a hardshell kayak. The 1100 Decitex reinforced fabric feels rugged and handles abrasion well, whether scraping against rocks or being dragged across sand. The molded bow and stern add strength and help improve hydrodynamics, while the overlapped seams and stainless-steel D-rings give the build a professional, high-quality finish. The design is lean (with no bulky tubes), giving it a sleeker, faster profile that’s great for open water.

Setup/Pack Down - Setup is fairly quick once you’ve done it a few times. Inflation takes around 8–10 minutes with the supplied hand pump, though an electric pump makes life much easier. One of the trickier steps is fitting the aluminum footrests, as they’re tight and awkward until you find the right angle or slightly trim the bars. The included seats are adjustable and easy enough to attach using the D-rings and the skeg slides securely into place for improved tracking. Packing it down is easier, though you’ll need to make sure the kayak is completely dry before folding it to prevent mildew. When deflated, it folds down to about the size of a large suitcase and fits neatly into the provided carry bag.

Portability - Weighing just 20kg for a tandem kayak, the Sea Eagle 473rl Razorlite is quite light compared to traditional kayaks of similar size. The backpack-style carry bag is durable, though a bit bulky and awkward to carry over long distances. It’s manageable for short walks from the car to the water, but those not confident lifting 20kg might find it difficult.

Comfort - The tall-back seats that come with the Sea Eagle 473rl are supportive and adjustable, making them comfortable for a couple of hours on the water. The open cockpit design gives plenty of legroom and the built-in adjustable footrests (20 positions) allow you to find a strong, braced position for efficient paddling. For longer sessions, though, you may start to feel the seat cushioning thin out. You could swap to frame-style or stadium seats for more comfort and lower positioning, which will also help with stability. While the kayak isn’t designed for lounging, its ergonomics make it great for serious paddling and fitness use.

Overall - In our view, the Sea Eagle 473rl RazorLite is a standout inflatable kayak for serious paddlers. It’s not the most stable or versatile kayak in Sea Eagle’s lineup, but it’s undoubtedly one of the fastest and most rigid. The craftsmanship is exceptional, the performance equally so and the portability unmatched for something this size. It’s perfect for experienced paddlers looking for a compact, travel-friendly kayak that feels as close to a hard shell as possible.