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BASIC MOTORING INSTRUCTIONS
The Sea Eagle 285 FPB is a very light weight pontoon
fishing boat. Since only the pontoons and the tube under
the rear are in touch with water, there is less drag and so it
motors very well even with small outboard motors. It takes
only up to 3 HP gas engine. You can also use up to 74 lb.
thrust electric motor. As with any boat, while motoring you
need to be keenly aware of the wind and water conditions
around you - especially while using an electric motor, you
don’t want to be caught with a 4 knot boat trying to fight a
5 knot tidal current. As with all boating, a little planning
goes a long way. However, you will be surprised at the fine
maneuverability of the Sea Eagle 285 FPB even with an
electric motor.
BASIC ROWING INSTRUCTIONS
You will be sur prised how easy it is to row your Sea Eagle
285 FPB pontoon fishing boat. If you have never rowed a
boat of any kind, there are some fundamental concepts
that you will have to grasp.
Before embarking on the water, you should realize one
fundamental truth: when you row forwards, you face
backwards. This means that you will have a great view of
where you have been, but almost no view of where you
are going. If you want to alter this you may get one or two
rear view mirrors. Some traditional rowers will consider this
immoral, but it is nice to have a view of where you are
going.
As in any boating situation, it is vital to carry a life jacket
and to be aware of the conditions of the water you are
rowing in. You should be aware of any and all obstacles
and dangers that you might encounter (i.e. sailboats,
motorboats, moored boats, buoys, docks, rocks, winds,
waves, lightning, rain, etc.). When rowing backward it is
important to realize that if you are not using a mirror you
will have to periodically twist your neck and look where
you are going. Please remember to give way to both
sailboats and motorboats, as they have the right of way.
Before getting in, you should unscrew the oarlock pins, slip
the two on the two pins and screw down the oarlock pin
caps. If this is truly your first time rowing, we recommend
that you practice rowing for several hours near the shore
before venturing out further on open waters. Practice not
only makes perfect, it insures that you are comfortable in
your boat in almost any weather conditions you come
across.
Please note, when pulling your oars through the water you
should try to keep the blades fully immersed, but as close
to the surface as possible. This will give you greater
rowing leverage. You should continually practice your
rowing strokes, trying to make them as fluid and smooth
as possible.
A final note, you can row your Sea Eagle 285 FPB 2 ways
- rowing forward and rowing backwards. Rowing forwards
has the advantage that you can see where you are going,
but can row more easily longer distances rowing
backwards.
SeaEagle.com
19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1,
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Ph (631) 473 7308 Fax(631) 473 7398
E-mail: [email protected]
