Old Town vs Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayaks: Which Brand Fits You?
Compare Old Town and Sea Eagle kayaks using published specs. See how 2 models stack up for stability, capacity, and storage needs.
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Choosing an old town vs sea eagle inflatable kayak depends on your water conditions and storage needs. Both brands offer durable vessels for recreational use, but they differ significantly in construction. Old Town provides a rigid sit-on-top design, while Sea Eagle offers a portable inflatable model. This guide compares their key specifications to help you decide which structure best fits your paddling style and group size.
Seating Capacity
2 person
3-Person
Deck Type
Sit-on-Top
Inflatable
Length
13 ft 3.96 in
12.5 ft
Hull Weight
90 pounds
32 lbs
Weight Capacity
491 lb
650 pounds
Included Accessories
not listed
Paddles, Seats, Pump, Repair Kit
Choose the first if
- You prefer a rigid, stable platform for calm recreational waters.
- You need a kayak that supports two paddlers with a high weight limit.
- You want a sit-on-top design with integrated storage and cup holders.
Choose the second if
- You need a lightweight vessel that packs into a small trunk.
- You plan to paddle in Class III whitewater or need portability.
- You want a complete package with paddles, seats, and a pump included.
Verdict
Old Town suits those who prioritize a stable, rigid hull for recreational paddling with two people. Sea Eagle is the better choice for portability and higher weight capacity, especially for whitewater or solo transport. Select the rigid option for performance and the inflatable for convenience.
Old Town vs Sea Eagle Kayak Specs
Seating Capacity
Edge: Sea Eagle 370 12.5 ft Inflatable Kayak
The Old Town Malibu Two XL is designed for two paddlers, with a seating capacity of two people. It features a center-seated option using YakLock foot bracing. The Sea Eagle 370 Pro supports up to three people. This makes it a better choice for larger groups or families. The extra seat allows for more flexibility in passenger arrangement. If you frequently paddle with friends or children, the Sea Eagle offers more room. The Old Town is strictly for two occupants.
Weight Capacity
Edge: Sea Eagle 370 12.5 ft Inflatable Kayak
Weight capacity is crucial for gear and passengers. The Old Town Malibu Two XL supports up to 491 pounds. This is ample for two adults and moderate gear. The Sea Eagle 370 Pro has a higher limit of 650 pounds. This extra capacity allows for heavier loads or three adults. If you plan to carry significant equipment or have larger passengers, the Sea Eagle provides a safer margin. The Old Town is sufficient for standard recreational use with two people.
Hull Weight
Edge: Sea Eagle 370 12.5 ft Inflatable Kayak
Portability matters for transport and storage. The Old Town Malibu Two XL weighs 90 pounds. This is a rigid plastic hull that requires a roof rack or truck for transport. The Sea Eagle 370 Pro weighs only 32 pounds. It packs down small enough to fit in a car trunk. You can carry the Sea Eagle easily by yourself. The Old Town is much heavier and less portable. If you need to move the kayak frequently, the Sea Eagle is the clear choice.
Activity Type
Edge: Old Town Malibu Two XL 13-Foot Sit-on-Top
The intended use differs between the two brands. The Old Town Malibu Two XL is built for recreational use. It is stable and suited for calm lakes and slow rivers. The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is rated for Class III whitewater. It includes skegs for better tracking and speed in moving water. This makes it suitable for more adventurous conditions. If you stick to calm waters, the Old Town is ideal. For rapids or varied conditions, the Sea Eagle is more capable.
Included Accessories
Edge: Sea Eagle 370 12.5 ft Inflatable Kayak
What comes in the box affects your initial setup. The Sea Eagle 370 Pro Pro Package includes two deluxe inflatable seats, two four-part paddles, a pump, and a repair kit. This allows you to start paddling immediately. The Old Town Malibu Two XL data does not list included accessories. You likely need to purchase paddles and a pump separately. The Sea Eagle offers a more complete starter package. The Old Town may require additional purchases to get on the water.
Which Kayak Fits Your Needs
Couples seeking stable recreational paddling
Our pick: Old Town Malibu Two XL 13-Foot Sit-on-Top
The Old Town Malibu Two XL offers a 13-foot length and 34-inch width for stability. Its 491-pound weight capacity supports two adults comfortably. The sit-on-top design keeps you dry with quick-draining scupper holes. You get dedicated cup holders and waterproof QuickStash storage for gear during long days on calm water.
Solo paddlers needing high portability
Our pick: Sea Eagle 370 12.5 ft Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro weighs just 32 pounds, making it easy to carry alone. It packs into a small bag that fits in any car trunk. The inflatable construction allows for simple storage in tight spaces. You can inflate it in minutes and take it to remote locations where rigid kayaks cannot go.
Groups wanting maximum weight capacity
Our pick: Sea Eagle 370 12.5 ft Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro supports up to 650 pounds across three seats. This allows you to carry heavy gear or three adults comfortably. The I-beam floor adds rigidity compared to standard inflatables. You get a complete pro package with paddles and a pump, ready for immediate use on varied water conditions.
Users preferring rigid sit-on-top design
Our pick: Old Town Malibu Two XL 13-Foot Sit-on-Top
The Old Town Malibu Two XL features a rigid hull that does not require inflation. Its stackable design simplifies storage at home or on a rack. The open bow and stern tankwells with bungees allow quick access to wet gear. You benefit from a fixed structure that maintains shape without air pressure checks.
Old Town Malibu Two XL 13-Foot Sit-on-Top
Best for: Two-person recreational stability and storage
- Seating Capacity
- 2 person
- Deck Type
- Sit-on-Top
- Activity Type
- Recreational
- Length
- 13 ft 3.96 in
- Weight Capacity
- 491 lb
- Hull Weight
- 90 pounds
The Old Town Malibu Two XL is a 13-foot 4-inch sit-on-top kayak built for two paddlers. It supports up to 491 pounds and weighs 90 pounds. The 34-inch width offers stability for recreational use. Features include a QuickStash dry hatch, scupper drains, and tankwells with bungees. This model suits pairs seeking a stable, spacious platform for calm water outings.
- 491 lb weight capacity for two adults and gear
- 34-inch width provides stable platform
- QuickStash dry hatch keeps items dry
- Scupper drains remove water quickly
- 90-pound hull weight is heavy for carrying
- 13-foot 4-inch length requires more storage space
- Fixed 34-inch width limits speed compared to narrower models
- You need a stable kayak for two people
- You prioritize high weight capacity over portability
- You want dry storage for gear on calm waters
- You prefer a lightweight boat for solo transport
- You need a compact kayak for small vehicle storage
- You seek a high-performance racing design
Verdict: Old Town Malibu Two XL 13ft Sit-on-Top offers high capacity and stability for two paddlers, making it ideal for those prioritizing space and gear storage over easy transport.
Sea Eagle 370 12.5 ft Inflatable Kayak
Best for: Three-person whitewater or lake touring
- Seating Capacity
- 3-Person
- Activity Type
- Class III whitewater
- Construction
- Inflatable
- Length
- 12.5 feet
- Weight Capacity
- 650 pounds
- Hull Weight
- 33 pounds
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is a 12.5-foot inflatable kayak designed for three people. It supports up to 650 pounds and features an I-beam floor for rigidity. Weighing 32 pounds, it packs small for storage. The Pro Package includes paddles, deluxe seats, and a pump. This model suits groups seeking a stable, high-capacity vessel for Class III whitewater or calm lakes.
- Supports up to 650 pounds total weight
- I-beam floor increases hull rigidity
- Includes two 4-part paddles with aluminum shafts
- Weighs 32 pounds for portable storage
- 12.5-foot length is shorter than the 13 ft 3-inch competitor
- 32-pound weight is heavier than typical single-person inflatables
- You need a kayak for three adults
- You plan to navigate Class III whitewater
- You want a high 650-pound weight capacity
- You prefer a longer 13-foot-plus hull
- You only need seating for one or two people
- You prioritize a lighter packable weight under 30 pounds
Verdict: Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3-Person Inflatable Kayak fits groups needing high capacity and whitewater stability. It is ideal for those who value a 650-pound limit over a longer, lighter hull.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Old Town Malibu Two XL 13-Foot Sit-on-Top | Sea Eagle 370 12.5 ft Inflatable Kayak |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 2 person | 3-Person |
| Deck Type | Sit-on-Top | – |
| Activity Type | Recreational | Class III whitewater |
| Construction | – | Inflatable |
| Length | 13 ft 3.96 in | 12.5 feet |
| Weight Capacity | 491 lb | 650 pounds |
| Hull Weight | 90 pounds | 33 pounds |
| Activity | Recreation | – |
| Included Accessories | – | Seat |
| Color | Horizon | White/Blue |
| Kayak Type | – | Inflatable |
| Dimensions | 150 × 34 × 15 inches | 34 × 19 × 11 inches |
| Weight | 90 pounds | 33 pounds |
| Size | Length 13 Ft | 12.5 x 2.8 feet |
| Model | 01.7550.0702 | SS-SMS-4014325 |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Old Town Malibu Two XL fit in a small car trunk?
No, it cannot fit in a small trunk because it is a rigid, one-piece hull. The kayak measures 150 inches in length and weighs 90 pounds. You will need a vehicle with a roof rack or a large garage for storage and transport. It is not designed for compact car storage like inflatable models.
Is the Sea Eagle 370 suitable for beginners on calm lakes?
Yes, it is suitable for beginners seeking high stability. The Sea Eagle 370 supports up to three people and has a 650-pound weight limit. Its inflatable design provides a stable platform for novice paddlers. The 12.5-foot length offers a manageable size for recreational lake use without requiring advanced skills.
Which kayak is easier to transport alone?
The Sea Eagle 370 is easier to transport alone. It weighs only 33 pounds and inflates for compact storage. The Old Town Malibu Two XL weighs 90 pounds and remains rigid, making it difficult for one person to lift or maneuver. You will need a helper or a trailer for the Old Town model.
Does the Old Town Malibu Two XL have a center seat?
Yes, it features a center-seated option using YakLock foot bracing. This setup allows two paddlers to sit facing each other or side-by-side. The design prioritizes stability and gear storage for recreational use. You can adjust the seating configuration to suit your group size and paddling style on the water.
What is the width difference between these two kayaks?
The Old Town Malibu Two XL is 34 inches wide, while the Sea Eagle 370 is 19 inches wide. The wider Old Town hull offers greater initial stability for two adults. The narrower Sea Eagle hull is designed for portability and inflatable construction. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize stability or compact storage.
Can the Sea Eagle 370 handle whitewater conditions?
Yes, the Sea Eagle 370 is designed for whitewater or lake touring. It offers high capacity and stability for three-person groups. The inflatable construction provides durability against rocks and rough water. You can use it in challenging conditions while maintaining a secure platform for multiple paddlers compared to rigid recreational hulls.
Which kayak is better for carrying gear?
The Old Town Malibu Two XL is better for carrying gear. Its 13-foot length and rigid sit-on-top design provide ample space for storage compartments. The Sea Eagle 370 focuses on seating capacity and portability rather than extensive cargo space. If you need to transport camping equipment or fishing tackle, the Old Town model offers more utility.