NRS Approach 138 Specs & Setup

The NRS Approach 138 measures 13’8” long and 6’4” wide, with a 20” tube diameter. That makes it compact enough for tight river corridors while still offering plenty of space for anglers and gear. Rigging it takes about 20 minutes, especially after the first go. And once you’ve got the frame dialled in, it’s surprisingly quick to roll out, inflate, and launch.

Here are the key specs that make this raft a standout:

• Length: 13’8”
• Width: 6’4”
• Tube Diameter: 20″
• Floor Material: Drop-stitch PVC floor rated to 10 PSI for rigid, stable standing
• Chambers: 3 main tubes + self-bailing floor
• Weight Capacity: 1,000+ lbs (varies with frame and gear setup)
• Air Valves: Leafield C7 valves for reliable inflation/deflation
• Frame Compatibility: Designed to integrate with NRS’s modular fishing frame system
• Class Rating: Suitable for Class II and III rivers
• Weight (raft only): Approximately 130 lbs

Speed

This isn’t a rocket ship, but that’s not the point. With the skeg installed, the NRS Approach 138 tracks beautifully. You’ll feel confident in your line, especially in windy conditions or when crossing slower-moving water. You’re not racing anyone—this raft’s real flex is how steady it holds your course.

Durability

It’s built like a tank—but a nimble one. The drop-stitch floor inflates up to 10 PSI, giving you a rock-solid deck underfoot that feels more like standing on a paddleboard than a raft. Combined with the rugged PVC construction and reinforced wear patches, the NRS Approach 138 takes scrapes and bumps like a champ.

Comfort

With adjustable seats and multiple foot bar positions, this raft accommodates different body types and fishing styles. The rowing position is centered and balanced, so you’re not fighting against weight distribution. Whether you’re seated or standing, this boat was clearly designed with all-day comfort in mind.

3 Person Raft Fishability

Let’s talk casting: the flat floor and side stability mean you can confidently stand up and make full-arm casts without feeling like you’re going to tip. There’s ample room for rod storage—specifically along the stern frame section where your tips are protected. Whether you’re streamer fishing or tossing dries, this 3 person fishing raft keeps your focus on the fish.

Rigging the Approach 138

This is where the NRS Approach 138 shines. The frame is modular and highly customizable. Whether you want a casting platform, coolers, dry boxes, or anchor systems—this raft plays nice with your gear. It’s rig-friendly and gives you the flexibility to build out your dream fishing setup.

Value of the Approach 138

The NRS Approach 138 starts around $3,995 USD for the raft alone, with fully rigged setups ranging from $6,500–$8,000 depending on your frame, oars, anchor, and seating choices.

It’s not cheap—but for serious anglers, this 3 person fishing raft delivers premium quality, durability, and versatility. Compared to similar boats in its class, the Approach 138 offers a strong mix of space, performance, and customization options—making it a solid long-term investment for those who spend real time on the water.

Is the NRS Approach 138 Your Ideal Raft for the Next Trip?

If you’re the kind of angler who wants to hit rivers that a drift boat can’t, fish solo or with friends, and need a boat that balances nimbleness with fishability, the NRS Approach 138 is for you. It’s especially ideal for folks looking for a 3 person fishing raft that’s as comfortable hauling gear as it is running clean lines through technical water.

The post NRS Approach 138 Review: Multi-Day Raft Fishing Adventure appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Specifications and Initial Impressions

The FishSkiff 16 measures 16 feet in length and 4 feet 6 inches in width, with a hull weight of just 84 pounds. For such a lightweight boat, it's remarkably spacious and versatile. Starting at $2,199, this boat is rated for up to three people and can handle up to a 9.9 horsepower gas engine. I've been testing it with both an electric Torqeedo motor and a 5 horsepower Honda motor to explore different propulsion options.

One of the standout features is the boat's construction. It consists of four inflatable chambers: two side chambers, the floor, and an inflatable keel. The side chambers and floor can be inflated to a maximum of 15 PSI, thanks to the drop-stitch technology, which makes them incredibly rigid. The inflatable keel, added this year, improves performance by raising the bow and enhancing maneuverability.

Features and Packages

The FishSkiff 16 comes in various packages, starting from the solo package at $2,199 to more feature-rich options that go up to $5,440. My package, priced at around $4,399, included a 5 horsepower Honda motor, a bimini top, a solar charger for the Torqeedo, and four Scotty rod holders. The boat also comes with an extendable paddle, ideal for maneuvering when you're not using the motor.

I added a few YakAttack accessories post-purchase, such as aluminum gear tracks for additional rigging options. The boat's aluminum seat frames come pre-drilled for mounting bases, making customization easy.

On the Water: Performance and Stability

Now, let's talk about performance. Stability is often the first question I get about any boat. At 4 feet 6 inches wide, with a flat bottom and inflatable gunnels, the FishSkiff 16 is incredibly stable. I felt comfortable walking around, even with two kids and my dog onboard. We could easily trade places between the fishing and driving positions without any issues.

Speed is another crucial factor. With a 9.9 horsepower motor, you can expect speeds of up to 20-21 mph. With my 5 horsepower Honda, I reached around 11-12 mph, even with two adults on board. The Torqeedo motor maintained speeds of about 5 mph, which is what I anticipated.

Durability and Maneuverability

Durability is always a concern with inflatable boats, but Sea Eagle has built this one tough. The drop-stitch construction and thick PVC material make it resilient against punctures. I have never had an issue with hooks puncturing any inflatable craft I have tested and this one was no diffrent. The added rubber rub rail around the sides and keel offers extra protection against abrasions from docks or stumps as well. The only true enemy to most inflatables is sharp pointy fish fins, but the Fish Skiff comes with an easy to use patch kit so if you ever do experience a puncture, repairing the boat could even be done while on the water.

In terms of maneuverability, the FishSkiff 16 excels. Its inflatable nature allows it to sit on top of the water, making it easy to turn, even under power. The forward-positioned motor and sponsons at the back improve performance, reducing squat and enhancing speed.

Storage and Comfort

Storage in inflatable boats can be a challenge due to the lack of internal space, but the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 offers plenty of D-rings and mounting options for gear. The boat’s seats are comfortable, with cushions on both the back and bottom. The ability to swivel the seats adds to the overall comfort, making it easier to fish from various angles. The EVA foam pad on the deck provides extra grip and reduces heat, making it comfortable to stand on, even in hot weather.

Fishability and Value

Fishability is where this boat shines. It offers ample space to move around, and the stability makes it a great platform for fishing. The boat can get incredibly shallow, allowing access to areas other boats can't reach. The various motorization options and seating configurations make it versatile for different fishing styles and conditions.

Regarding value, the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 offers an impressive range of features at a competitive price. Whether you’re a solo angler or like to fish with a buddy, this boat provides a lot of bang for your buck. It’s versatile, lightweight, and capable of handling various water conditions.

Who Is the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 Inflatable Boat For?

If you're looking for a boat to take your entire family out, this might not be the best fit. However, if you want a reliable, versatile platform for solo or duo fishing trips, the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 inflatable boat is a fantastic option. It's perfect for shallow waters, easy to transport, and offers a range of customization options.

This Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 review showcases how an inflatable fishing boat delivers on performance, stability, and durability. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting into the sport, this boat is worth considering. Thanks for reading, and as always, tight lines and happy fishing!

Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 Fishing Boat

https://www.seaeagle.com/InflatableFishingSkiffs/FSK16

Or check out these other great boats from Sea Eagle:

330: https://bit.ly/3SqoVLX 380x: https://bit.ly/37jRbxP 393rl: https://bit.ly/3mVOXbw 385: EZ Lite10: https://alnk.to/9T8Ghj5

Jameson Redding Road Trip Angler

The post Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 Inflatable Boat Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.