4
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.
Please note, the inflation monitor is on the inside of the
starboard (right, facing foward) compartment. Other air
compartments should be inflated so they are “tennis ball hard”
(firm) and you should be able to indent your thumb on the air
compartment about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.
Inflation
Hull material and working pressure: The Sea Eagle 330 &
370, as well as spray skirts and seats are designed to have a
moderate working pressure of approximately .75 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 2 main pontoon compartments of Sea Eagle 330 & 370
should be inflated with inflation monitor. (please refer to the
Inflation Monitor section for details).
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. You are now ready to inflate your kayak. It will be
helpful to use the photos displayed on page 2 showing the
different types of valves and fittings we use.
The three main valves are located at the stern of the kayak.
Screw the three valves into the three valve bases. Insert the
base plug fitting into the yellow hose. Then insert the plug
fitting on the hose into the deluxe valve as shown on page 2.
Inflate each main compartment until the plastic pressure
gauge matches with the printed pressure gauge on the hull.
Please note you can safely inflate up to 1 centimeter beyond
the printed gauge without damaging the boat. You can use
the same plug fitting to inflate the floor of the kayak.
Use the same plug fitting to inflate our deluxe inflatable seats.
Please note you do not need to use the pressure gauge.
Simply stop inflating when your seat is reasonably rigid.
Using the larger of the two nozzle fittings attached to the plug
fitting, insert the nozzle fitting into the pipe valve on the front
spray skirt and then you can inflate until reasonably rigid
(i.e. wrinkle free and “tennis ball hard”). Repeat process for
rear spray skirt.
Moderate Whitewater Kayaking
Our Sea Eagle 330
& 370 kayaks can
be used for running
rapids up to class 3
whitewater. Please
note, these are
recreational kayaks
and they are not
designed for heavy
white water rapids.
They are rough,
capable boats, but
the challenges of
powerful hydraulics
and sharp rocks
can be more than
they are designed for. We recommend that you carefully
research any river you wish to run and be sure it does not
have conditions that are too great for this kind of kayak.
Whitewater kayaking is extremely challenging and rewarding,
but can also be very dangerous to those that disrespect the
power of moving water and the danger that sharp objects can
present.
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
The Sea Eagle 330 & 370
perform well in lakes and
streams. Remember to
close the drain valves when
paddling on open water.
This will allow you to 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 kayaking.
The Sea Eagle 330 & 370 have 2 skegs under the rear of the
inflatable floor. This helps control the yaw and improves your
paddling speed.
Big Paddling Hint: When you begin to paddle, paddle slowly
at first, building speed with each stroke. This will control the
natural yaw further and allow you to paddle straight and fast.
When paddling with a partner, try to co-ordinate your strokes
and paddle in unison. If you start paddling out of unison,
simply stop and start again. With practice you will learn to
paddle straight, reasonably fast and comfortably for as long
as you wish. Happy paddling!
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