SEA EAGLE FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat Owner’s Manual
- June 5, 2024
- SEA EAGLE
Table of Contents
FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat
FastCat
Instruction & Owner’s Manual
Sea Eagle Boats Inc. 19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1
Port Jefferson, NY 11777 1-800-748-8066
January 2021
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.
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.
If you receive a damaged item, please call the shipping carrier to report the
issue. Do not return damaged merchandise until it has been inspected by the
carrier. Sea Eagle will be notified by the carrier when they have completed
their inspection and if necessary, Sea Eagle will arrange for the repair or
replacement of damaged merchandise.
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 FastCat is rated for use with up to a 6
hp 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 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 1
Port Jefferson, NY 11777 1-800-748-8066
Staff@SeaEagle.com
1
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.
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.
Drinking Water & Snacks: Boating is a physical activity that can deplete your
reserves. Have enough water and snacks to prevent dehydration and loss of
stamina. Bring enough water for all passengers. 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 weather proof 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 drysuit 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 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.
2
SAFETY
Boating is challenging and inherently dangerous. Follow safe boating
practices. Be physically fit enough to meet the challenges, prepared for any
weather conditions that might be anticipated, and follow the safety basics.
Protect all personal items in a waterproof bag. Secure all accessories to the
boat. The FastCat is large and stable for a boat. Keep weight (such as
batteries, motors and gear) close to the center as possible to minimize
tippiness.
Motor Safety and Reboarding
Danger: Spinning propellers and carbon monoxide produced by gas engines can
cause serious injury or death.
· Do not approach a running motor from the water. · If you or your passenger
falls overboard, do not attempt to reboard in the motor mount area. · Turn
engine off at a safe distance when approaching a swimmer in the water. ·
Install propeller guard on gas motors
If the motor is equipped with an engine safety cutoff (kill) switch, the
driver must attach the cable to themselves, either around the thigh or wrist,
or to clothing (preferably a life jacket). In addition: · Test regularly to
ensure that the engine stops when the kill cord is pulled from the switch. ·
Make sure that the kill cord is in good condition. · Always attach the kill
cord securely to the driver, ideally before the engine is started, but
certainly before the boat is put in
gear. · Stop the engine before transferring the kill cord to another driver. ·
Wireless kill switches are available and each passenger can wear one.
Safety Training
Completion of an approved boating safety course is recommended for all
operators of powered boats, and is required for junior operators in many
jurisdictions.
Battery Features and Safety for Trolling Motors
· Positive (+) red wire connects to positive (+) battery terminal. Black wire
to negative terminal (-). · To determine a battery’s charge life, divide the
amp hour rating by the motor amperage. For example, a battery rated at 60
Ah connected to a 30 amp motor will last approximately two hours at full
speed. Note: this number will vary depending on conditions. · Running the
battery all the way down will shorten its life. Not more than 85% discharge is
recommended. Multiply the above by 0.85 to get best run time. · Charge battery
after each use. Lead acid batteries like to be kept charged. · Exposure to
excessive heat will shorten battery life. · Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and
starting power are not a consideration for trolling. · 12v automobile, lawn
tractor and motorcycle batteries can be used but are not designed for deep
discharge and will wear out more quickly. · A battery box like the Minn Kota
Power Center is recommended, especially around aluminum paddle shafts which
could cause an electrical short. It has a built-in circuit breaker. It will
keep bare skin and clothes protected if any acid leaks from the battery. · A
circuit breaker or fuse is required by the Coast Guard. Check the trolling
motor manual for the size circuit interrupter needed. Circuit interrupters are
intended to protect against reverse polarity, shorts, and will protect the
motor from overheating if the propeller gets bound up with weeds, anchor line
or fishing line. · In the event the motor wires are placed on the wrong
terminals, reversing the polarity, the wires heat up and can melt the
insulation and cut through the boat. · A 12v battery charger will be needed.
Chargers are widely available and prices range widely. Inexpensive chargers
are usually sufficient. · Choose gel cell over wet cell. Gel will be less
likely to leak acid if the case seal is broken. · Lithium or AGM batteries can
be a good choice even if they are more expensive. They are generally lighter,
discharge evenly for longer run times, and charge evenly for a longer life. ·
For some operators, two small batteries are better than one large, heavy one.
A small backup battery can be helpful too.
More technical and safety information is available from battery and motor
manufacturer’s, boating organizations and publications.
3
CONSTRUCTION & WORKING PRESSURE Drop Stitch Construction:
The boat is made of drop-stitch material. Dozens of threads per square inch
hold the top and bottom layers together and keep the flat-boat shape. Without
drop stitch, inflatables are tube shaped.
Working Pressure:
In this instruction manual, we use the term “working pressure” to describe
inflation pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). By this we mean, the air
pressure needed to make a boat rigid enough for use. All three chambers of the
FastCat12 are drop-stitch material with a maximum pressure of 15 psi (1 bar).
The recommended working pressure is 10 to 14 psi. How much pressure is needed
can depend on how much weight is in the boat and environmental factors such as
wave height.
When using the manual pump, the air pressure a person can force into the boat
is related to how much the person weighs. For example, a 150 lb. individual
may find it difficult to put more than 12 psi into the boat and impossible to
reach 15 psi, but will find the boat to be rigid enough for use at 12 psi.
Additional pressure may not improve performance nor will it make the boat more
buoyant.
Caution: Do not use the FastCat12 below 7 psi. Below this pressure the boat
will be too flexible.
Danger: Over pressurization could lead to catastrophic failure and sudden
release of compressed air. Serious injury to persons nearby could result.
Maximum recommended pressure is 15 psi (1 bar). DO NOT use air compressors
that are designed for other uses such as tire inflation. They can easily over-
inflate & cause harm to you and your Sea Eagle that uses much lower pressure.
As air is compressed it heats up and expands. Warm air occupies more volume
than cool air. If the water is cold, warm air in the boat will shrink and some
rigidity will be lost. Allow a few minutes for the boat to cool off in the
water, and if needed, top it off with enough pump strokes to bring it back up
to pressure. The boat could also appear to lose pressure overnight if the
nighttime temperature drops significantly below the daytime temperature.
Air pressure within the boat may increase on a very hot day. It is best to
keep the boat in the water to dissipate heat, but the boat should be able to
accept the additional pressure without failure. Refer to the care section of
this manual for protection and storage information.
The FastCat12 holds a lot of air! Inflating with the manual pump is hard work
and takes approximately 20 minutes with breaks to inflate the boat. The
exercise from inflating the boat may be valuable, but often boating time is
limited and it is better to get out on the water as quickly as possible. An
electric pump is recommended for achieving that goal. If the FastCat12 is to
inflated once a season or kept on inflated on a trailer, a hand pump may be
sufficient to maintain working pressure.
Caution: Inflating the boat manually is physically demanding. Pace yourself.
If you feel uncomfortable, stop and rest, do not proceed if you are having a
health issue.
4
OPERATING YOUR SEA EAGLE
BEFORE & DURING USE: Avoid damage. Do not drag your Sea Eagle over abrasive
surfaces like asphalt parking lots, or concrete boat ramp, 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 and
pilings which may have exposed nails, screws, and marine life such as
barnacles and oysters.
FISH SPINES: Many species of fish have sharp spines than can cause small
punctures in the FastCat. Do not allow fighting fish to bump the boat. Use a
net to lift fish out of water when possible.
PADDLING: 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, keep your head up and eyes focused on the horizon. Start paddling
gently and smoothly. As the boat 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. Braking will allow
you to maneuver sharp bends in a stream, for example, but kills forward speed.
In a crosswind, paddle more on the downwind (leeward) side of the boat to keep
on a straight course. Paddling on the upwind side will cause the boat to turn
down wind.
SELF BAILING: The FastCat12 is designed to be self draining. Water coming over
the bow or sides will drain under the transom.
Capacity Ratings and Dimensions:
Persons: 2 Persons Total Weight Capacity: 1200 lbs Maximum Engine Rating: 6
HP, Short Shaft Recommended Chambers: 4 Length: 12′ 10″ Boat Weight: 113 lbs
Width: 4′ 8″
The FastCat12 has four floatation chambers; two side chambers and two floor
chambers. The boat will stay afloat and can be paddled or motored when loaded
to capacity with the main chamber deflated.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate), which is known to the state of California to cause Cancer, Birth Defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Warning Labels:
DANGER
Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas can cause brain damage or death.
Engine exhaust contains odorless and colorless Carbon Monoxide gas.
Carbon Monoxide gas will be around the back of the boat when engine is
running.
Move to fresh air, if you feel nausea, headache, dizziness or drowsiness.
WARNING
ROTATING PROPELLER MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
SHUT OFF ENGINE WHEN NEAR PERSONS IN THE WATER
Safety Instructions/Boating Safety Basics are glued to the inside of the left chamber mid-ship.
Invasive Species Control: If the boat is to be used in multiple waterways,
fully drain the boat, rinse and dry between uses. Flush the channel between
the side chambers and floor chamber with a disinfectant such as a mild bleach
solution. Call or check web-
site for local fish and wildlife authority for more information on how to
prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals. Your Sea
Eagle is resiSstHaUntTtoOmFFosEtNstGaiInNsEanWdHmEoNstNcEhAemR icals. PERSONS
IN THE WATER
5
FastCat| SETUP: TOOLS FOR 1 TIME ASSEMBLY
Tools for One-Time Assembly A #2 Phillips head screwdriver or drill with #2 Phillips head bit and a 7/16″ wrench or adjustable wrench are needed for attaching the rod holder bases and the swivel seats to their aluminum benches.
Screw the hose onto the pump.
Begin In the double action mode for fast fill.
Switch to single action when handle becomes too hard to lift.
Using the Recessed Valves: Remove the cap to access the valve stem.
Note: Maximum pressure is 15 psi (pounds per square inch), working pressure is
10-15 psi.
Using the Double Action Hand Pump: The pump hose has a Recessed Valve Adapter at one end. When ready to inflate the boat, push adapter firmly into valve and twist clockwise to lock in. If hose untwists itself from the valve, twist once counterclockwise and reinsert.
FastCat | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
Inflate: Press and turn the stem counterclockwise so it can pop UP. When the stem is up, the valve is closed and will hold air. Deflate: To let air escape for deflation, press and turn the stem clockwise until locked open.
Locate an area large enough to safely unfold the FastCat. Check that the area is free of hazards that could injure you or damage the boat.
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.
With valve stem in the up position, insert adapter, push down firmly and twist
clockwise.
6
FastCat | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
Pressure gauge will not register until chamber begins to get pressurized. Pump
until working pressure of between 1415 PSI is reached. Do not exceed 15 PSI (1
bar). Inner numbers in red show pressure in PSI.
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 manual or electric pumps.
Motor Mount Transom Board Insert transom board into motor mount grommets.
Plate with ring faces forward.
Transom Attachment Hardware 4 – M8 x 100 Hex Head Screws 8 – 1″ Flat Washers 4
– Threaded Knobs
Start with floor grommets. Adjust transom board to align the holes.
Look through the grommet hole to check alignment with hole in transom. Pull or
push bottom of side chamber until holes line up. A wrench is recommended for
holding the bolt heads while tightening the threaded knob.
Insert screws with washer through the side chamber grommets and transom holes
Seat Bench Installation FastCat12 can take two aluminum crossbenches. Each
bench can take one seat release and swivel seat.
7
FastCat | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
Locate aluminum cross bench(es), quick disconnect seat mount (s), seat(s) and
hardware. Hardware per bench 4 – M6 x 50 screws 4 – 5/16″ x 1¼” washers 4 –
knobs
Locate the hardware for the seat mount: 4 – 1 ¼” Phil Flat screws 4 – 1″ flat
washers 4 – Nylock nuts Insert screws through the holes in the seat mount.
Place seat mount over the holes in the crossbench.
Place one washer and one nut on each screw. Tighten screw with #2 philips head
screwdriver and a 7/16″ or adjustable wrench. Screw must engage the nylon
insert in the locking nut.
Locate seat hold down D-rings which are attached to sides of boat. Insert M6 x
50 screw with washer through each ring and fold ring flat with bolt pointing
upward. D-rings must be folded towards each other.
Lay one end of bench over the screws, so screws come up through the holes in
bench.
Partially thread bench knobs onto bolts. Leave theses loose until bolts are
inserted through opposite end of bench.
Push bench down against boat with one hand and tighten each knob.
Slide seat onto seat release. When seat is fully pushed into seat release, the
locking mechanism will pop down with a click.
8
FastCat | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
To swivel the seat, pull locking bar forward then turn the seat.
To remove seat, lift the locking tab and slide seat out.
The FastCat12 has a large D-ring located under the front chamber. The D-ring
can be used as an attachment point for a trailer winch or to hook up to a
mooring.
Warning: It is not recommended to tow the boat with this ring except at low
speed situations.
To move the FastCat manually, use the included 66″ paddle. When not in use,
stow paddle on floor.
Motor (OPTIONAL)
Clamp electric motor or up to a 6hp gas motor to motor mount. Turn clamp
screws until tight.
Warning: Check motor clamp screws frequently, tighten if needed.
Canopy (OPTIONAL) Canopy kit includes two curved bars, two side rods, canvas,
two black knobs and two short (35mm) screws. Additional hardware may be
included that is not for use on the FastCat.
Layout canvas upside down (shiny side up). Slide one curved bar into the
canvas sleeve with locking holes up. Slide the second bar into the other
sleeve with locking holes facing down.
9
FastCat | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
Fold the canvas in half so the shiny side is facing out and the bars are lying
on top of each other. Insert the side rods into the curved bars until the
locking pins engage through the holes.
Place the canopy on the back of the boat with the short bars up. Use the short
screw and the knob to secure the rods to the black canopy pads on the boat.
Attach the rear clips to the small D-rings behind transom. Attach front straps
behind the front carry handles. Adjust and tighten straps by sliding the
buckles.
Canopy can be folded towards the back of the boat. Some rod holders may have
to be turned for the canopy to clear them.
Scotty® Deck Mounts (OPTIONAL):
Attach deck mounts with 7/8″ phil cap screws provided to the pad mounts near
the transom. Screws are located in Orange Repair Kit. Arrow points inboard.
Don’t stab the pad! Use only ¼ – 20 x 7/8″ screws provided in the orange
repair kit. Longer screws, pointed screws, etc., will puncture the air
chamber. Puncturing the air chamber in this manner is not covered under the
warranty.
Caution: Puncture hazard: do not thread screws into base without the Scotty
Deck Mount.
To install a Scotty accessory in the mount, push stem into base until it
clicks in.
Shown here is the Scotty® Baitcaster Rod Holder. Anchor Lock mount does not
have button, it works by lining up a groove in the stem with a raised key in
the base. Lift partially and turn Anchor Lock to swing anchor overboard. Large
knob on side of Rod Holder is for adjusting rod angle.
10
FastCat | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
FastCat | DEFLATION
Attach Scotty rod mounts to the aluminum crossbenches with #6 x 1″ truss head
screws.
This one-time installation is easier done with a power drill with #2 phillips
head tip. Leave the screws loose until the last hole then tighten all the
screws.
FastCat | DEFLATION
Fold one side onto the other, so it lands centered on the bag. Push more air out.
Remove transom, crossbenches, rod holders, and canopy. Rod holder bases remain in place. Place the boat bag under front of boat. Place bag so bottom panel is even with front end of boat and bag is 6 – 8″ off center. Push air out.
Push as much air out as possible before attempting to fold it in the rear to front direction.
To deflate, push down on the valve stem and quarter turn it to the right. The
stem will stay in the down position, allowing the air to escape.
Caution: Air escapes with force, do not place face directly over valve.
Lift the back end of the boat so it folds between rod holder base and crossbench D-rings. Push more air out.
As boat deflates, push it to one side. Push it so that it is even more off center of the bag. Push air out as you go.
Lift the last section onto the front. Push remaining air out.
11
FastCat | DEFLATION
FastCat | STORAGE
Pull the bag end flaps onto bag. Run the staps thorough both metal rings. Then
run the strap between the rings and pull tight.
Secure the bag with the straps. Run straps through both rings, and back
through first ring.
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.
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 leak out and 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. Avoid excess heat.
Do not store in direct sunlight, in an attic or a metal shed.
FastCat | TROUBLE SHOOTING
FastCat | CLEANING & PROTECTING
Dry after each use to avoid mold. While washing or rinsing: close the valve
and twist the cap on so water cannot not enter the chamber. Sea Eagles can be
cleaned very effectively with general purpose cleaning products and a scrub
brush. Towel dry.
Protection from the Sun and Heat
Avoid leaving the boat 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.
Treat the boat with a UV protectant such as 303 Aerospace Protectant.
Generally, protectants are a thin film of oil, which will help keep your Sea
Eagle clean. Avoid applying protectant on the EVA pad or places where foot
traction is needed. Treated boat will repel sand, water scum and tar stains.
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.
12
FastCat | TROUBLE SHOOTING
FastCat| REPAIRS
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 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.
PVC Based Glue To patch your Sea Eagle, use an adhesive for PVC boats. Plumber’s cement, epoxy, Flex Seal, water-poofing sprays and Gorilla Glue do not work.
FastCat| REPAIRS
Even though Sea Eagles are very rugged and tough, you may still experience the
occasional puncture. 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 valve wrench.
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.
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.
13
FastCat| REPAIRS
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.
Patching Tips:
· 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. · For field
repairs, allow at least an hour to cure. Other repairs, allow to cure
overnight.
· Patches can be removed by heating with a hairdryer.
· 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.
Apply glue to the patch and boat. Allow to dry 15 minutes. Glue must be dry to
the touch. If 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.
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 1
Port Jefferson NY 11777 1-800-748-8066
staff@seaeagle.com
14
FastCat| OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Sea Eagle offers a large array of accessories for your FastCat.
Personal Flotation Devices (OPTIONAL) U.S.C.G. approved. Life jackets,
paddling vest, PFD Belts available in various sizes.
Dry Bag
(OPTIONAL) 5 liter bag keeps phone, keys, snacks and more dry.
See-me Safety Light (OPTIONAL) Coast Guard approved LED personal safety light
emits a 360° light visible up to 3.4 miles. It also attaches to a PFD!
BTP Turbo Electric Pump (OPTIONAL) These electric pumps come with a nylon
shoulder carry bag, 12V DC power cord, hose and pre-attached recessed valve
adapter.
EZ Cart Heavy Duty (OPTIONAL) Transport your Boat from your car to the water
and back with ease. Quickly assembles & disassembles.
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.
15
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>