3
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 have sharp spines than can cause small punctures in the FastTrack. Do not allow fighting fish to
bump the boat. Land fish onto the EVA pad.
BALANCE: 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 they won’t float away if you capsize.
YAW: Yaw is the side to side motion produced by paddling causing the boat to zig-zag. To minimize, install the skegs into the
base on the bottom of the boat. The skegs will improve tracking and are ideal for use in flat water areas like bays, lakes and rivers.
In narrow areas like streams, you may need to remove the skegs to make the tight turns required. Remove skegs to cross shallow
sections, too.
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.
If you or a passenger falls overboard, approach the boat on the side opposite the motor to avoid injury. For tips on getting back in,
see our How to Reenter an Inflatable Kayak video on SeaEagle.com
FISHING:
The 385FT Angler is optimized for fi shing and hunting. Dark green color provides stealth. The thick EVA foam pad has
been added to prevent punctures, especially from fi sh spines. Perforation on the spray skirt are for hanging lures and holding
tools like pliers. Base cups on the drop-stitch fl oor combined with rod holder openings in the extended sprayskirt, hold up to four
fi shing rods.