I bought a Sea Eagle Packfish 7 inflatable boat in 2020. I debated getting this or a yak but due to space, weight and getting older, I decided on this. Although I have used it many times and caught a lot of bass, I’ve had some issues with seams coming apart. It’s been replaced a few times (last time in November) and it happened again. I contacted Sea Eagle via e-mail and a representative called me earlier this week. Their solution is to send me a Sea Eagle 285fpb pontoon boat in lieu of a Packfish 7. It’s about 2’ longer and a little heavier, but it’s manufactured much stronger and is even rated for up to a 70 lb. trolling motor or a 3.5 hp gas outboard. It will still fit in my garage and utilizes the same floorboard and seat from my old boat. 
 

Now, when I was a lad, my buddy and I each bought a Minn Kota 17 lb. trolling motor. We could rent a boat, motor and battery from the Fishing Center at Loch Raven reservoir in Maryland (Baltimore area) and we’d get spare batteries. Three motors pushed those heavy, wood rowboats a lot faster than one. I probably haven’t used it in 45 years. I cleaned it off, removed some minor rust off the clamps and tested it on my truck’s battery. Holy cow, it still works! 
 

Needless to say, I will do a thorough cleaning and ops check before I would rely on it, but it seems fine. Just need a battery and a charger. I did reach out to Minn Kota to see if they can verify the date of manufacture and any advice or concerns. 
 

Regardless, the boat has shipped and I’ll be back on the water soon. The top pic is a stock pick of the boat model from Sea Eagle’s website. The other is the motor that’s likely older than 70% of BR posters lol. 
 

They don’t make em like they used to 

I fished out of the 285fpb for 3 years.  No real complaints understanding that every boat represents a compromise of some sort.  It was very good at its intended use.  You probably want to get the Sea Eagle EZ Cart, its was too big and heavy for me to move very far by myself. I also added an adjustable pedestal to give me more comfortable seating position. All and all a very stable and comfortable fishing experience. 

@RobiB I already ordered the motor mount. And the EZ cart lol. I was going to try and make my own but just bit the bullet and ordered one. I already have a 7” pedestal and a folding seat (looks just like the one they sell) and the floorboard with two attached rod holders installed behind the seat. With the Scotty holders, I’m likely to add another rod holder and the anchor lock with deck mount. After use a few times (and checking that my trolling motor is reliable),I’ll get a battery and charger. 

New boat arrived Thursday evening. I sweated my patoot off yesterday swapping positions of the seat pedestal and seat on the plywood floor, as well as inflating it. It takes a LOT longer to inflate than the Packfish 7. And it is definitely constructed of stronger materials. It has a ton more room and some nifty front and rear storage bags, as well as a stripping apron with a scale up to 16” (as well as a 36” scale on the hull). 
 

My existing rod holders are not usable as they will interfere with operating the motor (after I get the boat titled and registered), so I order two Scotty rod holders and mounts that are due tomorrow. I plan to take it early tomorrow to the local pond to test it out. I have a EZ Cart (wheels for transport) on the way as well as the motor mount. 
 

Minn Kota confirmed that my 35W motor was manufactured 1985-1986. I would have sworn it was older. They said there’s not much to look at if it’s working. So a battery and a charger and soon I’ll be doing more fishing and less rowing lol. 

It sticks out a bit more but it’s not in the way. Easy in, easy out. 
 

Received the EZ Cart and the motor mount today. The cart wheels were larger in diameter than I thought which should make it easier to transport. 
 

Looking at the titling form, I believe this boat is exempt from the tax. I have the bill of sale and the manufacturer’s statement of origin, so I think I’m good to go for titling and registration. Once done, a battery and a charger and I’ll be good to go! 
 

 

Well, that was simple. No tax due, 5 minutes at the TPWD, and out the door with registration stickers and title coming via US mail. Have to get some 3” letters for the hull, charger due today and the LiFePO4 battery early next week from Amazon. Should be on the water, motorized, by the 13th. Beryl permitting! 

Stopped off at Lowe’s on the way home yesterday and got some stainless steel brushes for my Dremel and some 2000 grit sandpaper. I cleaned the trolling motor well and removed the prop to inspect the shaft (all good). I removed the chipped paint and used the brushes to remove the corrosion from the lower end, and then repainted it. I oiled the sandpaper and polished the shaft, removed the rest of the light rust on the battery clips, lubricated all pivot points and then reinstalled the cleaned prop and torqued the nut to 35 in/lbs. It turned out nicer than I thought. Just waiting on the LiFePO4 battery due next week. 
 

Not bad for a motor that’s between 38-40 years old! 
 

@RobiB I used the Ez Cart for the first time today. Wow, what a difference. Very easy to move the boat. 

Got my registration numbers in the mail this week. Hope to be on the water and under power next weekend. 

She’s ready for open water!