6
SE - 330 Inflation Monitor
The SE-330 features an
inflation monitor diagram to
help you gauge the correct
pressure.
As you inflate your SE-330,
the hull material will stretch
so that the printed diagram will expand to match the clear
plastic strip included with your kayak.
Inflate the main chambers
so that the pattern on your
hull matches the pattern on
the clear plastic inflation
gauge.
Most customers become
familiar with the feel of a
properly inflated boat
quickly, and do not need to
check every time. It is a
good idea to use the inflation monitor for the first several
times you inflate your kayak.
Inflation
Hull material and working pressure:
The Sea Eagle 330, as
well as floors in the Explorer series and all our seats are
designed to have a moderate working pressure of
approximately .75 psi. The Explorer series Kayaks are made
from our reinforced 1000 denier hull material, which inflates to
3.2 PSI.
Using an air compressor designed for tires at 50 PSI can
harm a boat designed to work at a far lower working
pressure, so we recommend only using Sea Eagle pumps.
The moderate pressure Sea Eagle 330 should be inflated with
inflation monitor. (see Inflation Monitor section above)
Before starting, locate a relatively flat, clean space to unpack
your boat. Unroll the kayak so it is laid out flat, and locate
your pump.
For the 380x, 340x & 420x
you must place the inflatable
floor within your boat and
strap it down as shown.The
A-41 pump is not capable of
overinflating the reinforced
hulls of the Explorer series,
so pump until no more air
can be added to the
chamber. The MB-100 should be set to 3.2 PSI or 320 mBar
in metric. (See Pumps for details)
Whitewater Kayaking
Our Explorer 380x, 340x &
420x kayaks are designed
for up to class four
whitewater, and are rough,
capable boats. Whitewater
kayaking is extremely
challenging and rewarding,
but can also be very
dangerous to those that
disrespect the power of moving water.
It is not possible to adequately discuss the topic of whitewater
kayaking in the context of this owner’s manual. Cecil Kuhne’s
“Inflatable Kayaking” (ISBN 0-8117-2810-2) is a great source
of background information on paddling technique.
Lake and stream paddling
All of our kayaks perform
well in lakes and streams.
Remember to close the
drain valves, and you will
have a totally dry trip.
One thing you might notice
if you are accustomed to
hardhull kayaks or canoes is
the natural yaw (side to side
motion) of an inflatable kayak. This is a huge benefit in
whitewater or ocean paddling, but it is not always appropriate
for flatwater or sea kayaking. The Explorer series has an
optional Directional Stabilizer (See Directional Stabilizer)
which greatly reduces yaw in flatwater kayaking.
Ocean Kayaking
Sea Eagle kayaks are a
great pleasure on the
ocean. Those not familiar
with the ocean should take
appropriate care, and
always kayak within range
of a lifeguard station.
You should never go into
ocean waves rougher than
you can handle. Never lose sight of the oncoming waves, and
never, never exhaust yourself in the ocean. It’s always better
to end the day early and safe than push your luck when you
are tired.
Deflation and Rollup
If you plan on storing your
kayak for more than a few
days, it is best to towel it off
or let the kayak dry in the
sun to remove any excess
moisture which might cause
unsightly mildew.
