SEA EAGLE FSK16 FishSkiff Inflatable Fishing Boat Owner’s Manual
- June 6, 2024
- SEA EAGLE
Table of Contents
FSK16 FishSkiff Inflatable Fishing Boat
FishSkiff FSK16 Instruction & Owner’s Manual
Sea Eagle Boats Inc. 19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1
Port Jefferson, NY 11777 1-800-748-8066
December 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 FSK16 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.
Leash: Use of a leash is recommended for stand up paddling. It is not
recommended to use a leash with an electric motor. For use of the boat with an
electric motor, it is best to allow the boat to move away to avoid a propeller
strike and retrieve it later.
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 FSK16 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
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. Some of these
conveniently bolt to the battery terminal. They are intended to protect
against reverse polarity and shorts. · 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 leak 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
FishSkiff16 are drop-stitch material with a maximum pressure of 15 psi (1
bar). The recommended working pressure is 12 to 15 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 user can force into the boat is
related to how much the user weighs. For example, a 150 lb 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 FishSkiff16 below 10 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 FishSkiff16 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 FishSkiff16 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 FSK16. 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 FishSkiff16 is designed to be self draining. Water coming
over the bow or sides will drain under the transom.
Capacity Ratings and Dimensions:
Persons: 3 Persons Total Weight Capacity: 1765 lbs Maximum Engine Rating: 6
HP, Short Shaft Recommended Chambers: 3 Length: 16′ Boat Weight: 101 lbs
Width: 4′ 8″
Additionally, the FishSkiff16 can be outfitted with a secondary electric
trolling motor mounted on the optional Sea Eagle Kayak Motor Mount using the
D-rings near the bow.
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 floor near the transom.
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 resiSstHaUntTtoOmFFosEtNstGeaINmEaWndHmENosNt cEhAeRmicals. PERSONS
IN THE WATER
5
FishSkiff| SETUP: VALVES & PUMP
Using the Recessed Valves: Remove the cap to access the valve stem.
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, put some counterclockwise twist to the hose and reinsert.
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.
FishSkiff | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
Locate an area large enough to safely unfold the FSK16. 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. Inflate floor chamber to full pressure. At this time, partially inflate the sides. Sides need to be soft so grommet holes can be lined up with transom holes.
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.
Pressure gauge will not register until chamber begins to get pressurized.
Pump until working pressure of between 14 and 15 PSI is reached. Do not exceed
15 PSI (1 bar).
Inner numbers show 15psi in photo.
6
FishSkiff | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
Motor Mount Transom Board Insert transom board into motormount grommets. Plate
with ring faces forward.
Start with floor grommets. Adjust transom board to align the holes.
Push the 100mm (4″) x M8 bolts with washer through the grommets and transom.
If needed, push sides so transom holes align with grommet holes. A wrench is
recommended for holding the bolt heads while tightening the threaded knob.
When all four bolts are inserted, inflate the side chambers to the working
pressure.
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.
Fishing Rig To assemble and install the Swivel Seat Fish Rig, please refer to
the supplemental instructions on page 14.
Stand Up Paddle This adjustable paddle has a T-handle, shaft and blade. Insert
the blade into the shaft and align the hole with the button to lock in place.
Insert the T-handle and adjust to the desired length using the locking nut.
Adjust to your height. Stand paddle on ground with arm up. Handle should fit
in palm of hand (about 9″ above your head). Turn the large nut counter
clockwise to loosen. Pull out the T-grip to size. Turn nut clockwise to
tighten.
Paddle Holder Use clips to secure paddle to boat. Extend handle slightly and
insert into forward clip. Press and twist paddle at blade end to insert shaft
in rear clip.
7
FishSkiff | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION
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 FSK16.
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.
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 rear carry handles. Attach the front straps to
either set of carry handles. Wrap the straps around the rod twice to use the
handles directly below the strap. Adjust the straps until canopy is tight.
Scotty® Deck Mounts (OPTIONAL):
Attach deck mounts with 7/8″ screws provided to the pad mounts at the bow &
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. An anchor mount is suggested
for the bow pad.
8
FishSkiff | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION: OPTIONAL ITEMS
Motor and Battery (OPTIONAL)
Clamp electric motor (or up to a 6hp gas motor) to motor mount before mounting
battery. Secure battery or gas tank by running the strap with buckle over the
battery/ tank and through the D-rings. Strap stretches when wet, check strap
frequently.
Bow Mount Trolling Motor (OPTIONAL) Motormount Hardware Watersnake has posted
instructions for attaching Quick Release Bracket to motor on YouTube. The Sea
Eagle bow mount board is predrilled for the Quick Release. Quick Release is
not required but additional holes will need to be drilled.
Included: Board Block 4 – M6 x 40 mm socket head screws 8 – ½” x ¼” flat
washers 4 – locking nuts
Motor Bracket 6 – M6 x 35 mm socket head screws 12 – ½” x ¼” flat washers 6 –
locking nuts
Tools needed: Phillips Head screwdriver, 10 mm wrench and 5 mm hex wrench.
Attach Quick Release adapter block to aluminum board using M6 x 40 mm (1 ½”)
socket head screws, washers and locking nuts. The sides are tapered, install
so that block and base can slide together.
Attach Quick Release base to motor following the video instructions (Quick
Release Bracket). Locking clip must be on the left side when looking at the
motor upside down.
Caution: Not too tight! Screwhead will pull through nylon base.
Near valves in bow (front) are four D-rings (two on each side of boat) that
hold the aluminum board to the boat. Insert large washer through each bolt.
Insert each bolt through a D-ring so it stands upward.
Board Attachment Hardware 4 ¼ – 20 x 1¼” Philips Head Screws 4 5/16 x 1¼” Flat
Washer 4 3-Arm Knobs
Place board over the bolts on one side of boat and work bolts through the
holes. Start threading knobs onto the bolts but do not tighten until bolts are
worked though the holes on the other end of the board.
Place motor over Quick Release plate and insert locking bar. Locking bar must
engage the clip. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for deploying and stowing
the motor. For Watersnake, see the next page of this manual.
9
FishSkiff | ASSEMBLY & INFLATION: OPTIONAL ITEMS 10
FishSkiff | DEFLATION
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.
Secure the bag with the straps. Run strap through both rings, and back through first ring.
FishSkiff | CLEANING & PROTECTING
Begin by folding the extensions in half. Keep folding toward the valves and
pushing air out. Transom must be removed for boat to fit in bag.
When all the air is pushed out. Place the boat bag under the bow.
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.
FishSkiff | 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.
Storage Tips: “The best way to store a Sea Eagle is folded up in it’s bag”. –
Cecil Hoge, Jr., Sea Eagle President
Fold the tip back and roll the boat on top.
· 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
11
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.
FishSkiff| 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.
FishSkiff | TROUBLE SHOOTING
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
12
FishSkiff| REPAIRS
Patching The most common repairs are a puncture or small cut. A penny size
patch is sufficient for repairs of this type.
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.
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.
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.
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.
13
FishSkiff| OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Sea Eagle offers a large array of accessories for your FishSkiff.
BTP Turbo Electric Pump (OPTIONAL) These electric pumps come with a nylon shoulder carry bag, 12V DC power cord, hose and adapters.
Personal Flotation Devices (OPTIONAL) U.S.C.G. approved. Life jackets, paddling vest, PFD Belts available in various sizes.
EZ Cart Small (OPTIONAL) Transport your Boat from your car to the water and
back with ease. Quickly
assembles & disassembles.
Life Jacket Whistle (OPTIONAL) Bright orange whistle can clip onto your life
jacket or used with the included lanyard to hang around your neck or wrist.
Whistle has no parts or balls that can jam or corrode.
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!
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.
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
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Sea Eagle Boats Inc. 19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1
Port Jefferson, NY 11777 1-800-748-8066
Staff@SeaEagle.com
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References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>