SEA EAGLE TC16W Inflatable 16 High Pressure Drop Stitch Travel Canoe Wood Web Seats Owner’s Manual
- June 1, 2024
- SEA EAGLE
Table of Contents
SEA EAGLE TC16W Inflatable 16 High-Pressure Drop Stitch Travel Canoe Wood
Web Seats
Product Information
Specifications
- Product: Travel Canoe with Wood/Web Seats
- Model : TC16W
- Manufacturer: Sea Eagle Boats Inc.
- Address: 19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
- Customer Service: 1-800-748-8066
Product Usage Instructions
Safety
In a manual of this type it is impossible to give adequate space to the topic of water safety. For further information on boating safety, visit USCGBoating.org or enroll in a water safety course given by a local provider.
Boating Safety Tips
- Safety Equipment & Important Safety Items: Ensure you have a PFD (personal flotation device) and a whistle for each passenger. Additional equipment may be required based on water conditions.
- Drinking Water & Snacks: Bring enough water and snacks for all passengers to prevent dehydration. Be aware of signs of dehydration and heat sickness.
- Extra Clothes/Layers: Wear weatherproof clothing and store extra clothing in a dry bag to prevent hypothermia.
- First Aid Kit: Include necessary items based on potential hazards. Use a waterproof container for the kit.
- Manual Pump/Repair Kit: Carry a repair kit and manual pump in case of boat damage that requires on-water repair.
- Sun/Rain Protection: Use a hat, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to protect against sun and rain exposure.
- Whistle: Keep a whistle accessible for emergency situations to attract attention if needed.
FAQ
- Q: What does the warranty cover?
- A: The warranty covers manufacturing defects for 3 years from the delivery date but does not include damage from use, neglect, or abuse.
- Q: How can I contact customer service?
- A : You can reach customer service at 1-800-748-8066 during business hours, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Congratulations on purchasing a Sea Eagle!
With over 50 years of experience in designing, selling and using these quality inflatables, we’re confident that you are going to love your Sea Eagle and we’re ready to proudly stand behind them.
SAFETY
Safety
In a manual of this type it is impossible to give adequate space to the topic of water safety. For further information on boating safety, visit USCGBoating.org or enroll in a water safety course given by a local provider.
As a safety reminder, each Sea Eagle has a safety summary we call Boating Safety Basics printed on it. Please follow these suggestions and use good boating safety practices. In addition to the basics, we suggest you have a reasonable swimming ability and know that it is safer to go boating with a buddy. If you go alone, tell someone your float plan as described below. When possible, plan your trip so you go upwind on the way out and downwind on the way back. Remember, boating is inherently dangerous, appropriate training and experience is required especially in white water.
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
Water conditions will determine the type of safety equipment needed. At a
minimum have a PFD (personal flotation device) and a whistle for each
passenger. PDFs are required by law In most places. White water requires
special equipment such as helmets, etc.
Drinking Water & Snacks: Canoeing is a physical activity that can deplete
your reserves. Bring enough water and snacks for all passengers to prevent
dehydration and loss of stamina. Know the warning signs of dehydration and
heat sickness such as dizziness and shaking.
Extra Clothes/Layers : Avoid deadly hypothermia. Water conducts heat
faster than air, so go prepared with weatherproof clothing especially if the
water is cold. Use a “dry bag” to store extra clothing inside so they’re not
damp when needed. Wear a wetsuit or dry suit when warranted.
First Aid Kit : Contents of the kit may vary depending on your
preferences but be sure to include items that match the hazards you are likely
to encounter. A waterproof container is recommended.
Manual Pump/Repair Kit : Although our boats are both durable and rugged,
it may be possible that you need to make a repair while on the water in which
case you’ll need the repair kit and a manual pump to re-inflate the boat. If
this is your first repair, you may also want to bring this instruction manual
with you.
Sun/Rain Protection: A hat can protect both your face and head from the
rain or sun. Sunscreen will help prevent serious damage to your skin from the
sun and the sun’s reflection from the water. Reapply sunscreen as needed.
Whistle : Having a whistle readily available to you in case of an
emergency is a great way to attract the attention of others if assistance is
needed. Float Plan: Similar to a pilot’s Flight Plan, consider having a Float
Plan (www.floatplancentral.org). Always tell someone where you are going to be
boating and what time you plan to return. Keep a cell phone in a waterproof
container that will float if it falls in the water.
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 very rigid.
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 its 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 of 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.
Travel Canoe | 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 clockwise 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 a single action when the 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/Accessories/pumps
Travel Canoe | ASSEMBLY
- Locate an area large enough to unfold the TC16avoiding hazards that could damage the canoe or injure you.
- Insert the hooked adapter into the valve and turn tothe right until fully seated.
- Pump to a working pressure of 7 to 10 psi. Increase pressure depending on the weight of passengers and gear or water temperature. Do not exceed 10 psi.(10 psi shown in picture.)
Water Drains
Check that caps are tight before use. Drains should be closed while the boat is on the water. Drain water while on shore. To keep open, tuck caps underfloor.
Web Seats
Seats are sized according to position in the boat. The 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 the seat so the holes inframe match the seat grommets
- Remove the ring from the seat pin
- Align the hole in line with the sides of the boat. Insert seat pins into the frame hole and through the grommet.
- Note: Careful alignment will make insertion of the wire retainer ring possible.
- Find a comfortable position next to the boat to install the ring. Without looking under the seat, point the inner end of the wire ring towards the hole inpin. Feel for a hole in pin and insert the wire into the hole. Pushing the wire ring through the hole may be challenging at first but becomes easy with practice.
- Turn the ring until it fully engages the pin. You’ll feel it click in. If the ring becomes difficult to turn, pull the ring down and continue turning.
Remove Seats
Turn the wire ring until it disengages from the seating. Once removed, reinstall pins in their holes in the frame and secure them with a wire ring.
Canoe Paddles
The paddles are an adjustable 2-part paddles with “bent” blades. The best 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
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 yougo.
- Fold the boat all the way tothe end to push all the air out. Then unfold one fold. Fold the bow back and place stern folds on top of the 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 instern. Turn the 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 on 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 be emptied from time to time. Open the floor drains rather than trying to lift a boat full of water.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 #3. TIGHTEN
Check the tightness of the one-way recessed valves as well and if necessary, tighten them with the valve wrench included inthe repair kit canister.
TROUBLESHOOTING
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 #4. SOAPY WATER TEST
You’ll need a bucket and liquid dishwashing soap. Fill the bucket with clear water, and add a good squirt of soap (a 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 Storage
- Tips : “The best way to store a Sea Eagle is folded up in its 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 ora 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.
REPAIRS
coming from the valve or seams. The leak may produce bubbles, make hissing or sputtering noises, or spray water.Spray bottles are ineffective 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 do 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 PVCboats.
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 dropoff 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 punctures or small cuts. A penny-sized patch is sufficient for repairs of this type.
Trace the outline of apenny on the patch material and on the boat.If a larger patch is needed, use a larger item as a template.
- Cut a patch along the outline with scissors.
- Apply glue to the patch and boat. Allow to dry 15 minutes. The glue must be dry to the touch. If the glue layer is thin, apply the second coat, and allow to dry for 15 minutes.
- 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 the patch to the boat. Smooth with the finger or a smoothing tool such as a spoon, the handle of a utility knife, or a screwdriver. For best results, heat the patch with a hair dryer for 10-20seconds and smooth with the 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 damaged area 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 techniques, please view the How to Repair video on the instruction page of our website. There is a link at the bottom of every page atSeaEagle.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 ahair 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 high heat for 30 seconds. Bases can become misshapen whenboat is tightly folded for long periods. The heating will return 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. Lifejackets, paddling vests, and PFDBelts are available in various sizes.
303 Protectant(OPTIONAL)
Extends the life of your 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.
Optional Canoe Seat Installation TC-16 (SEATCANO)
(SEATCANO)
Inflatable Canoe Seat:
- Seat
- Seat Back Straps with Clip
- Seat Base Strap with Buckle
Assembly:
The valve stem must be in the UP position. Inflate the seat until firm but comfortable. Instructions for inflating through a recessed valve are included in the TC-16 instruction manual.
- Run the seat back strap with clip up through the center of the buckle. Then run strap through the front of the buckle.
- Place the seat between the gray D-rings.
- Secure the base with the long strap with a buckle. Strapgoes up through the center, and down through the front. Pull tight.
- Clip the D-rings to the gray D-rings and pull straps to adjust for comfort.
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.The 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 taxif 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 decal 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 Us
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 1Port Jefferson NY 11777
- 1-800-748-8066
- Staff@SeaEagle.com