9
Basic Motoring Instructions
The Sea Eagle FoldCat 325fc and 375fc are a very light
weight catamarans. Since only the pontoons are in touch
with water, there is less drag and so they motor very well
even with small outboard motors. They take only up to 3 HP
gas engines. You can also use up to 74 lb. thrust electric
motors. 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 FoldCat 325fc or 375fc even with an
electric motor.
Basic Rowing Instructions
You will be surprised how easy it is to row your FoldCat
325fc or 375fc 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, bouys, 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 adjust the oarlock pins so the
handles of the oars almost touch as they come together.
Please note, at some point in the future, when you become
more proficient with rowing, you may want to use longer
oars which will crossover each other and give you greater
reach and coverage. You also may want to switch to
traditional oarlocks that allow you to feather your blades on
their retrieves. Using longer oars that crossover and/or oars
that feather takes practice. You may want to consult some
books on rowing before before considering these future
options.
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 makes safe.
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.
Storage
The Sea Eagle FoldCats can be stored inflated for an
indefinite period of time as long as the temperature remains
warmer than -20° fahrenheit. For outdoor storage, cover
the FoldCat with a tarp and keep it off the ground.
For indoor storage it is best to find a dry, relatively cool
location. Avoid attics or other locations with temperatures
above 120 degrees fahrenheit.
Troubleshooting
Leakage of air: If your boat appears a bit soft, it might not
be because of a leak. If the boat was inflated late in the day
with 90 degree air, that air might cool 20 degrees overnight.
The cooler air exerts less pressure on the hull, so it could
appear soft the next morning.
If there has been no temperature variation, you need to
start looking for a leak. Below are the three best methods.
1) Visual inspection. Get a good look at your boat from
just a few feet away. Flip it over and closely check over the
outside. Any large leaks should be clearly visible.
2) Listening. If you have a rough idea where your leak is,
you can sometimes hear it in a quiet room.
3) Soapy water. Use a mix of dishwashing liquid & water in
a spray bottle, and spray over suspicious areas. Any leak
will produce bubbles that will pinpoint the location of the
leak.
4) Check your valves: Look, listen, and if necessary, spray
soapy water around your valve and the valve base. If you
do find that it is leaking at the valve please call our service
