5
OPERATING YOUR SEA EAGLE
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.
FISH SPINES:
Many species of fish spines have sharp spines than can cause small punctures in the FSK16. Do not allow fighting
fish to bump the boat. Use a net to pull fish out of water when possible.
BALANCE:
The simplest way to stand up is from a crouching position. With hands and one knee on the boat, push off from the
shore bringing the other foot up. Stand up with feet apart approximately shoulder width. Start paddling immediately. Paddling
acts like the third leg of a stool to help keep your balance.
Take a minute while close to shore to find your balance. Feel the balance of the boat as you begin to gently paddle. If the boat
begins to roll back and forth, move your eyes to the horizon while holding the paddle out in front you until things settle down.
Looking down and side to side can cause you to lose your balance.
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.
To avoid being capsized by large boat wake, paddle directly into the oncoming waves. In moving water situations, 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 bags, coolers, water bottles and other gear are secure so it won’t float away if you capsize.
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. 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.
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, 900 lbs
Total Weight Capacity:
1765 lbs
Maximum Engine Rating:
6 HP, Short Shaft Recommended
Chambers:
3
Length:
16’
Boat Weight:
94 lbs
Width:
4’ - 5”
Additionally, the FishSkiff 16 can be outfi tted 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 contains one or more phthalate chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, or birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Sea Eagle Boats Inc.
19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
1-800-748-8066
