SEA EAGLE TC16W Travel Canoe Owner’s Manual

SEA EAGLE TC16W Travel Canoe

Product Information: Travel Canoe with Wood/Web Seats

Specifications:

• Model: TC16W
• Manufacturer: Sea Eagle Boats Inc.
• Address: 19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
• Phone: 1-800-748-8066
• Warranty: 3 years against manufacturing defects (does not cover damage from use, neglect, or abuse)

Product Usage Instructions:

Safety :

In a manual of this type, it is important to prioritize water safety. For comprehensive information on boating safety, we recommend visiting USCGBoating.org or enrolling in a water safety course provided by a local provider.

Boating Safety Tips:

• Always wear a USCG approved PFD (life vest) at all times while on the water.

• Be aware of your local boating rules and regulations and abide by them accordingly.

• Check inflation levels each time before you go out and inflate your boat for a full 24 hours before undertaking long trips.

• DO NOT allow children to use your Sea Eagle unsupervised.

• DO NOT consume alcohol while boating or operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• DO NOT drag your Sea Eagle over pavement or gravel if it can be avoided.

• DO NOT exceed the certified maximum capacities of this boat under any circumstance.

• DO NOT go boating alone.

• DO NOT use compressors, CO2 or compressed air for inflation, only use Sea Eagle recommended pumps.

• DO NOT use your Sea Eagle Boat as a personal flotation device as they are not rated for that use.

• DO NOT sleep inside of your Sea Eagle while on the water.

• Bring a fully charged cell phone or other emergency contact device in a waterproof bag.

• Always tell someone of your boating plans.

• Safety Equipment & Important Safety Items:
  Depending on the water conditions, you may need different safety equipment. At a minimum, ensure that each passenger has a PFD (personal flotation device) and a whistle. Note that PFDs are required by law in most places. Whitewater activities may require additional equipment such as helmets.

• Drinking Water & Snacks:
  Canoeing is a physically demanding activity that can deplete your energy. It is crucial to bring enough water and snacks for all passengers to prevent dehydration and loss of stamina. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of dehydration and heat sickness, such as dizziness and shaking.

• Extra Clothes/Layers:
  To avoid hypothermia, especially in cold water, it is essential to wear weatherproof clothing. Bring extra clothes stored in a dry bag to keep them dry when needed. Consider wearing a wetsuit or drysuit when necessary.

• First Aid Kit:
  Customize your first aid kit based on the potential hazards you may encounter. We recommend using a waterproof container to protect the contents.

• Manual Pump/Repair Kit:
  While our boats are durable, it is possible that you may need to make a repair while on the water. In such cases, you will need a repair kit and a manual pump to reinflate the boat. If this is your first repair, it may be helpful to bring this instruction manual with you.

• Sun/Rain Protection:
  Protect yourself from the elements by wearing a hat to shield your face and head from rain or sun. Apply sunscreen to prevent sun damage to your skin, considering the sun’s reflection from the water. Remember to reapply sunscreen as needed.

• Whistle:
  Having a whistle readily available can be crucial in attracting attention in case of an emergency requiring assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What does the warranty cover?

The warranty covers manufacturing defects for a period of 3 years from the date of delivery. It does not cover damage resulting from use, neglect, or abuse, including abrasions, punctures, and tears. For complete warranty details, visit SeaEagle.com/Warranty.

2. How can I contact Sea Eagle Boats Inc.?

You can contact Sea Eagle Boats Inc. by phone at 1-800-748-8066 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM, EST). You can also reach them via email at Staff@SeaEagle.com.

3. Where can I find additional resources on boating safety?

We recommend visiting USCGBoating.org for comprehensive information on boating safety. Additionally, consider enrolling in a water safety course provided by a local provider for hands-on training and guidance.

OPERATING YOUR SEA EAGLE

The World’s 1st All Drop Stitch Inflatable Canoe!
The patented (U.S. Patent 9,452,809) Sea Eagle Travel Canoe is the world’s first inflatable canoe made entirely with Drop Stitch Technology. Constructed of 3” Drop Stitch material for the floor and 4” Drop Stitch material for the side walls. Drop Stitch material has thousands of high tensile strength threads connecting the top and bottom fabric layers, creating thousands of I-beam supports. This enables the Travel Canoe to keep the board-like shape of the floor and sides so that when it is inflated to 10 psi it is

Due to it’s straight line design, the entire length of the boat is in the water. This is important because the maximum speed of a boat is related to it’s length at the waterline. The longer a boat is at the waterline the greater the theoretical hull speed.

Operating Your Sea Eagle

There are a few basic things to consider when setting up and using your Sea Eagle Canoe.

• BEFORE & DURING USE: Avoid damage. Do not drag your Sea Eagle over abrasive surfaces like asphalt parking lots, gravel or concrete boat ramps, whether the boat is in its bag or inflated. Carry or wheel your Sea Eagle from the car to the setup point, and then to the water when assembled. Rocks and sticks usually will not damage a Sea Eagle but, be alert for partially hidden or submerged hazards like metal signs, shopping carts and other debris, especially during periods of low water. Be careful of docks which may have exposed nails or screws.

• BALANCE : When getting in & out of the canoe, stay low and place your feet along the center line until you can sit.
  Take a minute while close to shore to find your balance. Feel the balance of the boat as you begin to gently paddle. Paddle in unison, the rear paddler should match strokes with the front paddler. If the boat begins to roll back and forth, move your eyes to the horizon while holding the paddle out in front you until things settle down. Looking down and side to side will increase the rolling action.
  To avoid being capsized by large boat wake, paddle directly into the oncoming waves. Avoid being swept into low branches or fallen trees and do not hold onto low branches over moving water because both can capsize the boat. Make sure all the items you bring like bags, coolers, and water bottles are secured so they won’t float away if you capsize.

• YAW : Yaw is the side to side motion produced by paddling causing the boat to zig-zag. To minimize, install the skeg into its base on the bottom of the boat. The skeg will improve tracking and is ideal for use in flat water areas like bays, lakes and rivers. In narrow areas like streams, you may need to remove the skeg to make the tight turns required. Remove skeg to cross shallow sections, too.

• DRAINS: Drains are a convenient way to empty accumulated rainwater or water that has splashed into the boat. Open the drains while on shore. They are not intended for use while on the water. Leaving the drains open while paddling will allow water to partially fill the boat which will make it heavy and sluggish to maneuver.

• PADDLING: For the most effective paddling, sit up straight and hold the paddle out in front of you with hands out wide enough that the forearms are perpendicular to the shaft (like a push-up position). Most of the power should come from your torso. Your arms contribute, but too much reliance on your arms will cause you to tire quickly. For good balance, especially in heavy seas, keep your head up and eyes focused on the horizon. Start paddling gently and smoothly. As the canoe picks up speed it will maintain a truer heading. If you dig in hard at first you will create more yaw. Course corrections can be made by easing up or bearing down on one side or the other. Gentle turns can be made by sweeping water behind the boat. Sharp turns can be made by using the paddle as a brake on one side. Braking will allow you to maneuver sharp bends in a stream, for example, but kills forward speed.

INFLATION: VALVES & PUMPS

• Recessed Air Valves The TC-16 has three chambers each with a valve. Shown here is the cap, body and base. The base is inside the chamber. Remove the cap to access the valve stem.

• Press and turn the stem counterclockwise so it can pop UP. When the stem is up, the valve is closed and will hold air. To let air escape for deflation, press and turn the stem clock-wise until locked open.

• Using the Double Action Hand Pump: In the double action mode the pump inflates on the up and down strokes. In the single action mode, the handle comes up more easily, allowing the user to push hard on the down stroke.
  Note: Only the hose with the hooked adapter is needed for the Travel Canoe. If your pump looks different than this one, please call us or check the Instructions page of our website.

• Screw the hose with the hooked adapter onto the pump. Begin In the double action mode for fast fill. Switch to single action when handle becomes too hard to lift.

• Check the hose end that goes in the valve. It should have hooks to lock it in the valve opening.

• WARNING: Air compressors that are designed for other uses like tire inflation (usually over 30 psi) can easily over-inflate and cause harm to your Sea Eagle that uses a much lower pressure. For this reason, we recommend using only Sea Eagle electric pumps. Visit SeaEagle.com/Acces-sories/pumps

ASSEMBLY

• Locate an area large enough to unfold the TC16 avoiding hazards that could damage the canoe or injure you.

• Insert the hooked adapter into the valve and turn to the right until fully seated.

• Pump to a working pressure of 7 to 10 psi. Increase pressure depending on weight of passengers and gear or water temperature. Do not exceed 10 psi. (10psi shown in picture.)

• Water Drains
  Check that caps are tight before use. Drains should be closed while boat is on the water. Drain water while on shore. To keep open, tuck caps under floor.

• Web Seats Seats are sized according to position in boat. Smallest seat goes in the back and the largest seat is for the middle position. Four seat pins with wire split rings are included with each seat.

• Seat Grommets Seats are supported by grommets attached to the side walls of TC-16

• Adjust seat so holes in frame match seat grommets

• Remove the ring from seat pin

• Align pin hole in line with sides of boat. Insert seat pins into frame hole and through grommet.
  Note: Careful alignment will make insertion of wire retainer ring possible.

• Find a comfortable position next to boat to install ring. Without looking under the seat, point inner end of wire ring toward hole in pin. Feel for hole in pin and insert wire into hole. Pushing the wire ring through the hole may be challenging at first but becomes easy with practice.

• Turn ring until it fully engages pin. You’ll feel it click in. If ring becomes difficult to turn, pull ring down and continue turning.

• Remove Seats: Turn the wire ring until it disengages from the seat pin. Once removed, reinstall pins in their holes in the frame and secure with wire ring.

• Canoe Paddles: The paddles are an adjustable 2-part paddle with “bent” blades. The bent blade gives maximum surface area throughout the stroke.

• Depress the button to adjust the height of the T-handle.
  Pro Tip: To find the correct length, sit on the seat, put the paddle blade on the floor and adjust the paddle until it comes to about the top of your head.

• Removable Skeg: Turn the boat on its side and slide the skeg into the base. It only slides in facing one way. Slide the locking tab into its groove until it clicks into place. If the skeg does not slide in, do not force it. Refer to an easy fix on page 9.

DEFLATION & FOLDING

• CAUTION! Air comes out with force. To deflate, push the valve stem down and turn it a quarter turn to the right. The stem will stay in the down position allowing air to escape.
• Turn the canoe on its side and open the valves. As the boat deflates, push the floor between the sides.
• Make the first fold just after the skeg base. Continue folding toward the valves, pushing the air out as you go.
• Fold the boat all the way to the end to push all the air out. Then unfold one fold. Fold bow back and place stern folds on top of bow. Use the seat straps to secure the folded canoe.
• Carry Bag: Use the straps to secure the side flaps first. Repeat with the front and rear flaps. The canoe can be folded using different folding points depending on the dimensions of the storage area.
• Fold the two long sides over and secure with attached straps. Then fold the remaining two sides and secure.

CLEANING & PROTECTING

• Dry after each use to avoid mold. While washing or rinsing: close the valves and twist the caps on so water cannot enter the chambers. Sea Eagles can be cleaned very effectively with general purpose cleaning products and a scrub brush.
• Water collects under the sides of the floor of the Travel Canoe. To drain, elevate the front so water runs down and collects in stern. Turn boat over and lift the back so water spills out the back. Caution! The canoe will want to flip upright. Towel dry the lowest areas.
• Protection from the Sun and Heat Avoid leaving the canoe in direct sunlight when ashore. Temperatures on a beach, dock, davit, etc., can get very high which could affect the vinyl or glue. Excessive exposure to sun and heat can cause your Sea Eagle to become sticky or cause the glue to fail.

STORAGE

If you’re planning to leave your Sea Eagle outside, keep it raised off the ground and covered so it is not exposed to sunlight, rain, leaves, berries, bird droppings, etc.
Sea Eagles that are left on the water or turned upright will need to be emptied from time to time. Open the floor drains rather than trying to lift a boat full of water.
Storage Tips: “The best way to store a Sea Eagle is folded up in it’s bag”. – Cecil Hoge, Jr., Sea Eagle President

• Check for water in the chambers. Water will leak out of open valves when it is rolled up.
• Water left inside can cause a lot of mold. Dry thoroughly to prevent mold.
• Rodent-proof the storage area. Mice, squirrels and other small rodents can do a lot of damage.
• Avoid excess heat. Do not store in direct sunlight, in an attic or a metal shed.
• In temperatures below freezing, do not drop, strike or unroll until it is brought to room temperature.
• It can be stored inflated. If hung, support it along its length.
• After storage, inspect for loose items, damage and leaks.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your Sea Eagle has lost pressure, it does not necessarily mean it is leaking. If it is inflated during the heat of the day and the temperature drops during the night it will be softer in the morning. If launching in very cold water, the air inside may contract and cause a loss of pressure. Add more air to restore to full pressure. If temperature is not a factor and your boat is losing air pressure, it’s time to look for a leak.

• Step #1. LOOK
  Visually inspect the boat close up and if necessary, flip it over and closely check the outside. Any large leaks when your boat looses a considerable amount of air should be clearly visible.

• Step #2. LISTEN
  If you have a rough idea of where your leak is but can’t see it, you may want to try listening for it as you may be able to hear the air escaping and pinpoint the leak.

• Step #3. TIGHTEN
  Check the tightness of the one-way recessed valves as well and if necessary, tighten them with the valve wrench included in the repair kit canister.

• Step #4. SOAPY WATER TEST
  You’ll need a bucket and liquid dish washing soap. Fill the bucket with clear water, and add a good squirt of soap (couple of tablespoons) to the water. Inflate the leaking chamber to full pressure. Spread lots of soapy water on the leaking chamber with a hand towel or large sponge. Don’t assume the leak is

REPAIRS

coming from the valve or seams. The leak may produce bubbles, make hissing or sputtering noises, or spray water. Spray bottles are not effective at locating many leaks.

Even though Sea Eagles are very rugged and tough, you may still experience the occasional puncture through use of your boat. Fortunately most repairs are fairly easy and only take a few minutes. For extensive repairs, please contact us directly to provide you with further assistance. The best way to do this is to e-mail us a digital photo of the area in question along with your hull identification number to staff@seaeagle.com. You can also call us directly at 1-800-748-8066 ex. 314 and ask to speak with Technical Support for further assistance or a quote for having your boat mailed to our facilities for our professional repair services. Sea Eagle repair fees start at $75.00 and does not include return shipping charges. Please note that Sea Eagle does not service any other brand other than our own. All items sent to our repair facilities must have prior authorization in the form of a Return Authorization Number.

• Repair Kit: All Sea Eagles come standard with a repair kit which includes PVC patches and PVC glue. Repair kits also include a recessed valve adapter and a valve wrench.
• PVC Based Glue: To patch your Sea Eagle, use an adhesive for PVC boats. Plumber’s cement, epoxy. Flex Seal and Gorilla Glue will not work. If you are out of glue, try West Marine or a swimming pool supply store.
• Pinholes: Deflate the boat and thoroughly clean and dry the area that is to be repaired. For small punctures less than 1/8” apply a small drop of glue and allow 24 hours to cure.
• For immediate use allow 30 minutes to dry and then inflate the compartment with the repair only 3/4 full and if necessary make a more permanent repair later.
• Patching: The most common repairs are a puncture or small cut. A penny size patch is sufficient for repairs of this type.
• Trace the outline of a penny on the patch material and on the boat. If a larger patch is needed, use a larger item as a template.
• Cut patch along the outline with scissors.
• Pro Tip: Trace the outline of the penny on masking tape and cut with a utility knife. Apply tape to the boat instead of tracing on the boat.
• Apply glue to the patch and boat. Allow to dry 15 minutes. Glue must be dry to the touch. If the glue layer is thin, apply second coat, allow to dry 15 minutes.
• Apply patch to the boat. Smooth with finger or a smoothing tool such as a spoon, handle of a utility knife, or screwdriver. For best results, heat patch with a hair dryer 10-20 seconds and smooth with tool.

Patching Tips:

• The the chamber must be deflated or the air will force a path through the glue.
• Keep the patch size to a minimum, the bigger the patch, the harder it is to seal. The most common repair failures occur because the patch is too big.
• For repairs larger than a puncture, overlap the damage area by about ½” on each side.
• Do not apply the patch while the glue is wet.
• Covering a leaking patch with another patch rarely fixes the problem. To remove a patch, heat it with a hair dryer and peel it off.
• Never use a heat gun on your boat.
• Clamps and weights are not needed.
  For a demonstration of good patching technique, please view the How to Repair video on the instruction page of our web site. There is a link at the bottom of every page at
  SeaEagle.com or type “instructions” into the search box.

Warped Skeg or Skeg Base: If the skeg base is bent from storage or use, heat it up with a hair dryer and bend it back into shape. It will hold it’s shape after it cools. If not folded properly, the base can get warped in storage. Never hammer the skeg into a warped base as it will break the skeg.
Floor Drains: If you suspect the drains are leaking, prop the boat up and fill it with enough water to cover the drains. If water is leaking:

• * Clear any sand in the threads

  • Remove cap and heat drain bases with a hair dryer on hig heat for 30 seconds. Bases can become misshapen when boat is tightly folded for long periods. Heating will return base to its original shape.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• Sea Eagle offers a large array of accessories for your Travel Canoe.
• Personal Flotation Devices (OPTIONAL) U.S.C.G. approved. Life jackets, paddling vest, PFD Belts available in various sizes.
• 303 Protectant (OPTIONAL) Extends the life of your Sea Eagle. Simply spray on every 30-45 days to improve resistance to UV, chemical & other types of harmful exposure.
• EZ Cart Small (OPTIONAL) Transport your canoe from your car to the water and back with ease. Quickly assembles & disassembles.

Inflatable Canoe Seat:

• 1- Seat
• 2 – Seat Back Straps with Clip
• 2 – Seat Base Strap with Buckle

Assembly:
Valve stem must be in UP position. Inflate seat until firm but comfortable. Instructions for inflating through recessed valves are included in the TC-16 instruction manual.

• Run seat back strap with clip up through center of buckle. Then run strap through front of buckle.
• Place seat between the gray D-rings.

19%. Columbe Suet, sue 1 Port Jefferson NY 11777 1-800-748-8066 Staff@SeaEagle.com

Sea Eagle Warranty
All Sea Eagle products come standard with a 3 year warranty against manufacturing defects The warranty begins the date that your product is delivered.
Warranty does not cover damage from use, neglect, or abuse such as but not limited to abrasions, punctures and tears.
See complete warranty details at SeaEagle.com/Warranty. Decals, Stickers & Registration Always contact your state boating authorities for information on boating registration and regulations. Most states require you to register your boat if you are using a motor. *The Sea Eagle TC16 is not rated for use with a motor. Upon registration it may be required to provide the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin. Purchases made through an authorized dealer or reseller may require for you to contact them directly in order to obtain this. You may be charged your own state sales tax if you were not charged sales tax at the time of purchase.
Registered boats generally require for the registration number to be applied to the boat. We do not recommend the use of decals or stickers as they tend to crack and peel over time with the repeated inflation and deflation of your Sea Eagle. Instead, we suggest applying these numbers to a small piece of hard plastic or marine plywood and hanging it from your boat like a license plate if permitted by your state. Another method is to apply the numbers to the hull using either PVC-based paint or permanent marker. Contact Usv Unlike many other companies today we pride ourselves on answering the phone and helping you with any concerns, questions or special ordering needs that you may have! Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-748-8066 and we will be happy to talk with you! Our business hours are Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5PM, EST. Sea Eagle Boats Inc. 19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1 Port Jefferson, NY 11777 1-800-748-8066 Staff@SeaEagle.com

References

• Inflatable Kayaks, Boats & SUPs | Sea Eagle
• Sea Eagle 3 Year Warranty

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