I recently got into kayaking by way of some friends. They had two boats so the three of us would rotate so we could all have some fun. It was fun, but when you'd like everyone out on the water at the same time, you will obviously need a third boat. Being an apartment dweller I couldn't really keep a hard shell kayak anywhere. Nor did I want to haul one up and down three flight of stairs every time I felt like hitting the water.
After a lot of research I decided on the Sea Eagle SE370. And I'm pretty dang happy.
1. Storage, set up, moving: It easy to set up. The first couple of times might take you a bit longer than advertised, but after that, it's a smooth process. Moving it to the water has one real issue: The carry bag should have two straps instead of one. The single strap will dig into your shoulder on longer walks to the water. I've since started inflating it right out of the car instead of hauling the bag to the launch site. Still, while that eliminates the pain of the single shoulder strap it is awkward to carry for a quarter mile. Storage is pretty easy. The boat in its bag will easily fit in a closet while it patiently waits for its next use. Major drawback, you cannot fit the paddles in the carry bag with the SE370. It might be possible with the smaller SE330, but it just won't happen with the 370. The boat, seats, and pump take up all of the space. If you're really determined, maybe you can cram the paddles in, but not wanting to break anything I haven't tried to force it. Outside of the single shoulder strap on the carry bag, this thing is great.
2. On the water: Talk about stable. Between my efforts to tip it, and my friends more extreme attempts, I feel safe saying it will not tip. It's more likely to toss you out before it tips over. Since I'm not a strong swimmer that makes me feel very comfortable in it. Performance, you're not getting anywhere very fast. You won't get anywhere in a terribly straight line either. Sitting slightly aft of the middle of the boat as the directions suggest works, but you will be zig-zagging across the water. And probably fighting against a current that's out to make you spin in place. Alternate approach if you're going out solo on flat water, sit all the way in the back. It helps quite a bit with keeping a straight line, but wind will be a bigger issue. You can handle wind a little better if you're towards the middle of the boat, but currents are less of an issue in the back. It can't be called a major drawback though because it seems to be the nature of all inflatable kayaks from what I've learned. Maybe the more expensive ones are better at that, but for the price this little thing is pretty good as long as speed isn't a concern.
3. Construction: Solid. Seriously. It's been put through a fair bit since I bought it and it doesn't even have a scratch on it. There are a couple mud stains, but nothing else. No complaints here at all.
In short, I'm glad I bought this thing and am looking forward to spending as much of the summer on it as I can.