Sea Eagle PaddleSki 435ps Quick start guide

Sea Eagle PaddleSki
435PS
Instruction & Owner’s Manual
For video instructions visit SeaEagle.com/Instructions
Sea Eagle Boats Inc.
19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
1-800-748-8066
September 2012
VIDEO
INSTRUCTIONS
scan this code
or visit
http://sea.gl/vips

Sea Eagle Guarantee
Congratulations on purchasing a Sea Eagle! With over 40 years of experience in designing, selling and using these quality
inflatables, we’re confident that you are going to love your Sea Eagle and we’re ready to proudly stand behind them.
Sea Eagle Warranty
All Sea Eagle products come standard with a 3 year warranty against any manufacturing defect that begins the date that
your product is delivered. Sea Eagle will refuse delivery on all packages without a valid return authorization number and
will not be responsible for the shipping or handling charges. To obtain a return authorization number, please contact
Sea Eagle directly unless you purchased from an authorized dealer/reseller in which case you should contact them for
more information.
Sea Eagle must inspect equipment in order to determine if there is a defect. In the event that an item must be shipped
back to us for inspection, Sea Eagle will only reimburse the standard return shipping charge through FedEx, UPS or the
U.S. Post Office at published shipping rates. Retail shipping outlets like The UPS Store will not be reimbursed and you will
be responsible for handling and packing charges.
The Sea Eagle warranty does not apply to products that are manufactured by Minn Kota or Torqeedo. These products are
covered by their own, respective warranties. Please refer to the manufacturer’s warranty of each product for details.
If you received an item damaged, please call the shipping carrier to report damaged merchandise. Do not return damaged
merchandise until it has been inspected by the carrier. Sea Eagle will be notified by the carrier when they have completed
their inspection and if necessary, Sea Eagle will arrange for the repair or replacement of damaged merchandise.
Decals, Stickers & Registration
Always contact your state boating authorities for information on boating registration and regulations. Most states require
you to register your boat if you are using a motor.*
Upon registration it may be required to provide the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
Purchases made through an authorized dealer or reseller may require for you to contact them directly in order to obtain
this. You may be charged your own state sales tax if you were not charged sales tax at the time of purchase.
Registered boats generally require for the registration number to be applied to the boat. We do not recommend the use of
decals or stickers as they tend to crack and peel over time with the repeated inflation and deflation of your Sea Eagle.
Instead we suggest applying these numbers to a small piece of hard plastic or marine plywood and hanging it from your
boat like a license plate if permitted by your state. Another method is to apply the numbers to the hull using either PVC
based paint or permanent marker.
*Please note that our Sea Eagle Explorer Kayaks, FastTrack Kayaks, Sport Kayaks and LB-11 LongBoard are not
rated for use with a motor.
Contact Us
Unlike many other companies today we pride ourselves on answering the phone and helping you with any concerns,
questions or special ordering needs that you may have!
Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-748-8066 and we will be happy to talk with you!
Our business hours are Monday to Friday from 9-5 (EST).
Sea Eagle Boats Inc.
19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1
Port Jefferson NY 11777
1-800-748-8066
[email protected]
1

Operating Your Sea Eagle
Fishing
The Sea Eagle PaddleSki makes a great fishing platform. Take advantage of the shallod draft to paddle into tight areas
where other boats can’t reach or bring along an electric motor for instant, smooth propulsion.
Paddling
Great for paddling trips at the spur of the moment or week long camping trips in the bush. The catamaran design keeps
the hull out of the water for low drag and high boat speed.
Sailing
Our PaddleSki sail rig is easy to use, and a great rig for new sailors. Assembles in minutes, so you can go for a morning
row and an afternoon sail when the winds pick up.
Motoring
Using either an electric, gas or Torqeedo outboard, the PadddleSki is cable of surprising speed due to its sleek catamaran
design. The PaddleSki has been rated by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association for a motors maximum capacity
for both dry weight and horsepower. Under no circumstance should you equip a motor that exceeds these capacities
(whether they be for the dry weight or the horsepower or both). Not only can this result in damaging your Sea Eagle
Frameless Pontoon Boat, it will also void your Sea Eagle warranty.
Gas motors are measured in units of horsepower and are generally built with power and speed in mind. The PaddleSki
has been rated for use with a 3HP gas motor with a maximum weight capacity of 45 lbs. For the best performance with
the PaddleSki we recommend using a 15” short shaft, although a longer shaft can be used in greater depths of water.
Traditional electric motors are measured in units of thrust (the pulling or pushing power of a motor) and are slower and
quieter on the water than gas motors. There is no direct correlation of thrust to horsepower although most consider tradi-
tional electric motors to be about a 1HP (which is more of a guess than an approximation). The Sea Eagle PaddleSki can
use anything up to a 74 lb. thrust electric motor. Advantages of having an electric motor over a gas is that they are lighter
to transport and easier to maintain. In order to operate an electric motor you will need a 12V deep cycle marine battery.
Other suggested accessories are a battery charger and a battery power center to house the battery itself.
The Torqeedo Travel 1003s electric motor is unlike any other electric motor on the market today. Powered by a waterproof
lithium ion battery (battery charger included), the Travel 1003s delivers the true 3HP performance of a gas motor!
Features include on board computer display, GPS and an audible alarm when the battery reaches 30%. Torqeedo electric
motors are lighter to transport than gas motors and do not require a heavy 12V battery like traditional electric motors. You
can also power your Torqeedo Travel 1003s using the new Sea Eagle Solar Canopy which is comprised of a PowerFilm
Solar Panel.
Minn Kota & Torqeedo products come with a manufacture warranty and are not covered by the
Sea Eagle warranty. All warranty work is handled directly by the respective manufacturer and all sales on these
products are final. Please note that it is strongly advised to read all printed materials provided.
Rowing
With our rowing frame/sliding seat combo (optional accessory) the Sea Eagle PaddleSki is rowing made simple.
You can row the PaddleSki facing forward or backwards. When you row forwards, you face backwards. This means you
will have a great view of where you have been, but almost no view of where you are going. Be sure to check over your
shoulder frequently to avoid any obstacles or obstructions. 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. buoys, docks, moored boats,
motor boats, sail boats, waves, weather, lightning, rain, etc). Please note to give way to both motor boats and sail boats
as they have the right of way. If you are new to rowing, we suggest that you practice rowing for several hours near the
shore before venturing out further onto open waters.
Practice only makes perfect and ensures that you are comfortable in your boat in almost any weather conditions you may
come across. Continually practice your rowing strokes, trying to make them as fluid and smooth as possible. When pulling
your oars through the water you should try to keep the blades fully immersed in the water, but as close to the surface as
possible. This will give you greater rowing leverage. Even if you are motoring your Sea Eagle we always recommend hav-
ing your oars on board in case of emergency or engine failure.
2

Safety
In a manual of this type it is impossible to give adequate space to the topic of water safety. For further information on
boating safety, visit USCGBoating.org or enroll in one of the excellent water safety courses provided.
It is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with all relevant safety regulations. For all water recreation or sport you
should have a reasonable swimming ability. Just as swimmers have a cardinal rule about not swimming alone, it is
strongly advised that you should never go boating alone.
Boating Safety Tips
• Always wear a USCG approved PFD (life vest) at all times while on the water.
• Be aware of your local boating rules and regulations and abide by them accordingly.
• Check inflation levels each time before you go out and inflate your boat for a full 24 hours before undertaking long trips.
• DO NOT allow children to use Sea Eagle unsupervised.
• DO NOT consume alcohol while boating or operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• DO NOT drag your Sea Eagle over rocks or gravel if it can be avoided.
• DO NOT exceed the certified maximum capacities of this boat under any circumstance.
• DO NOT go boating alone.
• DO NOT use compressors, co2 or compressed air for inflation, only use Sea Eagle recommended pumps.
• DO NOT use your Sea Eagle Boat as a personal flotation device as they are designed for leisure/recreation in mind.
• DO NOT sleep inside of your Sea Eagle while on the water.
Safety Equipment
The type of water conditions you are on should determine the type of safety equipment that you should have on board.
For all types of boating we strongly recommend that every passenger wear a USCG approved PFD (personal flotation de-
vice) like a life vest. In most places this is a requirement by law, but from our point of view it is also an exercise of good
judgment to have a PFD for all passengers. Other important items to consider for all types of boating…
Drinking Water & Snacks: Kayaking is a physical activity that can work up both a thirst and a sweat and especially on a
hot or warm day it is a good idea to have drinking water readily available to you to prevent dehydration. Bring a good
amount of water for all passengers as you want to avoid drinking the water you’re kayaking in which may be full of con-
taminants.
Extra Clothes/Layers: You never know when the weather can change and it’s a good idea to come prepared with extra
clothing. If you have a dry (waterproof) bag than we recommend storing them inside so they’re not damp in case of emer-
gency.
First Aid-Kit: The contents of the kit may vary depending upon your preferences, but make sure to carry a kit that reflects
the possible dangers for the conditions you are in.
Foot Pump/Repair Kit: Although our boats are both durable and rugged, it may be possible that you need to make a repair
while on the water in which case you’ll need the repair kit and the foot pump to re-inflate the boat. If this is your first repair,
you may also want to bring this instruction manual with you.
Sun/Rain Protection: A hat can protect both your face and head from the rain or sun. You may also want to carry sun-
screen with you as both the sun and the sun’s reflection from the water can do serious damage to your skin. If you are out
for prolonged periods of time you may need to reapply sunscreen as needed.
Whistle: Having a whistle readily available to you in case of emergency is a great way to attract the attention of others if
assistance is needed.
3

Inflation Valves & Pumps
Recessed Air Valves
Remove the cap and
press and turn the valve
stem counterclockwise
so that the stem is in
the UP position. Only
when the stem is in this
position the valve will
retain air. Turning the
stem clockwise will put
the valve in the down
position for deflation.
Foot Pump
Your foot pump is a high
capacity pump made of
durable ABS plastic. To
use simply press the
two halves of the foot
pump together and con-
nect the hose to the in-
flation port marked
OUT. Insert the valve
adapter at the other end
of the hose.
Recessed Adapter
The recessed valve
adapter is located inside
of the orange repair kit
canister. Insert the
ribbed end of the valve
adapter into the hose on
the foot pump. This
valve adapter is not
compatible for use with
electric pumps.
Make sure that the
valve stem is in the up
position and insert the
valve adapter into the
valve and turn clock-
wise to lock into posi-
tion. Once the desired
pressure is reached you
should feel resistance
on the foot pump.
Inflation Valves & Pumps
BTP Turbo Pump
(OPTIONAL)
The BTP Turbo electric
pump comes complete
with a nylon shoulder
carry bag, 12V DC
power supply, hose and
adapters.
Included are a cluster of
seven valve adapters,
with raised numbers on
each arm of the cluster.
The adapter marked
number 1 is the only
adapter needed for your
Sea Eagle.
Take adapter number 1
from the cluster and
firmly push it into the
grey joint that is already
connected to the end of
the hose. To ensure that
the adapter is on as
tight as possible, push it
against a hard surface
like a floor or table once
it is connected.
Connect the other end
of the hose to the red
inflation port at the top
of the pump, located
near the ON and OFF
buttons.
4

Adjust the pressure dial
to read 3.2 PSI which is
the operating pressure
of your Sea Eagle. PSI
is marked in red on the
dial. Never turn the dial
when the device is
under pressure as this
will immediately cause
the instrument to break.
Connect the cord at the
end of the power supply
into the end of the cord
attached to the pump.
Connect the Turbo
Pump to a 12V battery
(car or marine) using
the alligator clips at the
end of the extension
cord. Connect the red
clip to the positive pole
and the black clip to the
negative pole.
If you ordered the Turbo
Pump Kit you can also
connect the pump to the
portable battery in place
of the alligator clips.
To charge the portable
battery, plug it into the
charger and then plug
the charger into a
household electrical
outlet. The light on the
battery charger will blink
red until fully charged.
When it is fully charged
the light will be a solid
green.
It is recommended to
keep the Turbo Pump
inside of the carry bag
to make transportation
easier and to protect the
pump from sand which
could jam it. The carry
bag comes equipped
with compartments for
the pump, battery and
charger.
Press the ON button to
begin inflation. The
pump operates in two
stages which can be
identified by the noise of
the turbine at the start,
followed by the piston.
The pump automatically
stops once the pressure
is reached.
Air compressors that
are designed for other
uses like tire inflation
(usually around 50 PSI)
can easily harm your
Sea Eagle which works
at a much lower pres-
sure of 3.2 PSI. For this
reason we recommend
only using Sea Eagle
pumps.
5

Assembly & Inflation
Crossbar Yokes
The PaddleSki features
3 aluminum crossbars
(pre-assembled) that
support the pontoons
and the floor. These
crossbars do not need
to be extremely tight,
however they should
not be allowed to loosen
too much over time.
Locate a relatively clean
space to unpack your
Sea Eagle. Inflate both
of the pontoons and
then get ready to attach
the seats.
Deluxe Inflatable Seat
Inflate the seat so that
its reasonably hard. You
should be able to push
your finger about 3/4”
You can also change
the center of gravity by
deflating the bottom
portion of the seat. A
softer bottom equals a
lower seating position.
One-Way Air Valve
The deluxe seat use
deluxe one-way air
valves for inflation.
The deluxe seat has
separate inflation
chambers for both the
back and bottom of the
seat. You will also need
a separate adapter to
inflate the deluxe seat.
Assembly & Inflation
The triple nozzle
adapter comes with the
A-41 foot pump. Inflate
the deluxe seat with the
large rounded adapter
on the triple nozzle with
the A-41 foot pump. The
seat is low pressure and
only requires a few
pumps with the A-41. To
deflate, simply unscrew
the valve from the base.
Attach the seat clips on
to the D-Rings on your
Sea Eagle. Adjust the
straps on the seat for
comfort. If you’re solo
paddling, position your
seat in the bow of your
Sea Eagle.
Tall Back Seat
This seat has two sets
of straps (front and
back). Attach the seat
clips to the D-Rings on
your Sea Eagle. Adjust
the straps on the seat
for comfort. If you’re
solo paddling, position
your seat in the bow of
your Sea Eagle.
TIP: Its important when
getting in that you place
your weight on the seat
pad while trying not to
knock back the upright
backrest pad. This may
take a little practice, but
is very easy and keeps
the tall back seat in the
proper position so that it
provides maximum back
support.
6

4-Part Paddle
Each paddle includes
two shafts, two blades
and 2 drip guards.
Its important to follow
the directions exactly as
assembling the paddles
incorrectly may leave
you with an inoperable
paddle that cannot be
disassembled.
Begin by locating the
shaft with 3 pre-drilled
holes and using the
push pin on the other
shaft, join the two shafts
together so that the 3
pre-drilled holes now
form the middle of the
paddle.
The 3 pre-drilled holes
are used for feathering
so that you can position
one blade to 90° from
the other. This makes
paddling into a stiff
breeze easier because
the blade that is not in
the water will be able to
slice through the wind
with little resistance.
Next, slide a drip guard
over each end of the
shaft, positioning the
drip guards so they are
on the outside of your
hands (closest to the
pinky finger). Connect
the paddle blades to the
end of each shaft to
complet
Fishing Swivel Kit
(OPTIONAL)
Includes swivel seat,
seat mount, aluminum
platform, aluminum
crossbar yokes, 2 rod
holders and hardware
for assembly.
Attach the flush mount
adapters for the rod
holders at each end of
the long yoke in the pre-
drilled hole and secure
with a Philips Head
Screwdriver.
Place the swivel seat
mount in the center of
the aluminum board and
then attach it using the
4 small bolts, washers
and wing nuts included
with the hardware bag.
The aluminum board
has 4 pre-drilled holes
in the center for this ap-
plication.
Attach the aluminum
board over the 2 yokes
at and attach using the
2 long bolts, 2 large
washers and 2 black
knurled nuts included
with the hardware bag.
The bolts should be in-
serted from under the
aluminum yoke so the
knurled nuts are on top.
7

Attach the rod holders
through the flush
mounts at each end of
the long yoke.
Slide the swivel seat
into the quick release
seat mount installed on
the aluminum board and
make sure that the
spring loaded mecha-
nism locks it in place.
Remove the center
crossbar yoke from the
PaddleSki, leaving the
bolts from the yoke in
place. Attach the
smaller yoke connected
to the assembled frame
and secure it to your
PaddleSki using the
knurled nuts. The longer
yoke does not need to
be bolted down.
Rowing/Seat Combo
(OPTIONAL)
The PaddleSki rowing
frame/sliding seat
combo allows you to
switch from paddling to
rowing in just moments.
Included is one kayak
paddle, two extensions
(turns the paddle into
oars), oar locks and
hardware for assembly.
Begin assembly of the
rowing frame by laying
the 2 aluminum bars
parallel to one another
and attach the rowing
arm at one end (using
the 1 ½” bolts) and the
pre-drilled plastic strip
(using the head hex
bolts and 2 small wash-
ers) at the other end.
Place the sliding seat
on top of the assembled
frame and secure the
sliding seat (using the 4
large black knurled
nuts, 4 large washers).
Attach the sliding seat
cushion to the seat
board for better comfort
while rowing.
Once assembled, place
between the middle and
the aft (toward the rear)
crossbar yoke. The slid-
ing seat must touch the
middle crossbar yoke to
prevent movement of
the frame while rowing.
Loop the included foot
strap around the bolts of
the aft yoke to lock your
feet while rowing.
Take one end of each
paddle and connect to
the extension handles
to create the oars. Next,
attach the oarlock pins
to the fittings at the end
of the rowing arm and
run the oars through the
oarlocks to complete
assembly of your rowing
frame. Fully tighten the
wingnuts before rowing.
8

Side Motor Mount
(OPTIONAL)
Used for electric motors
and designed so that
the weight of the battery
balances the motor on
the opposite side. Not
intended for use with
gas motors. Assembly
for this motor mount is
the same as the center
motor mount.
Center Motor Mount
(OPTIONAL)
Used for gas and
Torqeedo motors up to
3HP (45 lbs. max).
Attach the L-Brackets to
the motor mount board
and motor mount block
as shown.
Remove the rear yoke
and replace it with the
motor mount board
which goes over the
yoke bolts and secures
with the knurled nuts.
Use the enclosed straps
to secure the motor
mount board. Run the
strap through the D-
rings fore and aft of the
board and tighten.
Doing this will pull the
motor mount towards
the D-Rings fore of the
motor mount board.
Extension Handle
(OPTIONAL)
The extension handle
gives you complete
steering and throttle
control with improved
weight distribution in
your boat. We highly
recommend this for use
with gas and Torqeedo
motors, can also be
used with electric.
Torqeedo 1003s
(OPTIONAL)
Weighing just 29.5 lbs
with a short shaft of 23”,
the Torqeedo Travel
1003s delivers the per-
formance of a 3HP gas
motor and develops 4-5
times the power of tradi-
tional electric
motors.
Minn Kota Motors
(OPTIONAL)
Minn Kota Motors are
the most reliable electric
trolling motors on the
market. These motors
run off a 12v deep cycle
marine battery (which is
not included or sold by
Sea Eagle).
Portable Charger
(OPTIONAL)
Protect and preserve
your battery life with this
portable 10 AMP, Minn
Kota battery charger.
Features fully automatic
3-stage charging.
Weighs 17 lbs.
Input: 120V AC
Output: DC 12V
9

Battery Power Center
(OPTIONAL)
Allows trolling motor
leads and charger leads
to be connected without
opening the box. Built-in
battery meter includes
two 12-volt accessory
plugs and three manual
reset circuit breakers.
Fits group 24 and 27
size batteries.
TIP: Never connect the
(+) and the (-) terminals
of the battery together.
Take care that no metal
object can fall onto the
battery and short the
terminals. This would
immediately lead to a
short and utmost fire
danger.
PaddleSki Sail Kit
(OPTIONAL)
Sail Rig converts our
Sea Eagle PaddleSki
into a true sailboat. The
Sea Eagle Sail Rig is
portable! From the car
to the water in about 10
minutes. Comes with
everything you'll need to
sail your PaddleSki.
Paddling Life Vest
(OPTIONAL)
U.S.C.G approved! This
type III PFD is great for
all boating needs and
gives you plenty of arm
room in case you feel
like rowing. Comes in
various sizes with three
adjustable buckles and
adjustable nylon straps
for a tight secure fit.
Deflation & Storage
Although PVC material can become brittle in extremely cold
temperatures, you can still safely store your Sea Eagle in
them so long as you avoid dropping it and do not subject it
to any sudden impacts.
If you’re planning to leave your Sea Eagle outside, be sure
to keep it raised up off of the ground. Its also a good idea to
keep it covered so that it is not directly exposed to berries,
leaves, rain, sunlight and other elements. Sea Eagles that
are left in water will most likely have to be emptied from
time to time.
Make sure that your boat is dry before storing your kayak
for more than a few days, to remove any excess moisture
that could cause unsightly mildew. Choose a cool, dry spot
when storing in an enclosed area like basement, closet or
garage.
Before you begin the deflation process, please keep in
mind that you should not fully deflate one chamber while
other chambers remain fully inflated as doing this can
cause damage to the bulkheads of your boat.
To deflate, press down
on the valve stem and
turn clockwise to lock
into position. Release
around 50-75% of the
air from each chamber
before fully deflating.
Excess air can be
pushed out as you
rollup the boat.
Begin to roll your boat
from the stern. Fold the
pontoons in and replace
the skeg protectors over
the skegs. Continue
rolling your boat up until
you reach the bow and
tuck the bow in.
10

Place the boat at the
center of the opened
boat bag and wrap the
boat with the narrow
flaps first. Lash down
with the nylon straps to
secure and repeat this
process with the wide
flaps and nylon straps.
Continue to secure the
boat in the bag by fold-
ing the sides of the bag
over the boat and fas-
tening them with the
straps.
Troubleshooting
If your boat is losing air it doesn’t necessarily mean that
its leaking. For instance a boat that is inflated late in the
day with 90° air may cool 20° overnight. The cooler air will
exert less pressure on the hull and the boat will appear
softer the next morning. When there has been no variation
in temperature and your boat is losing air then it is time to
start looking for the leak.
The first thing you should do when looking for a leak is to
actually look at the boat. Visually inspect the boat from a
few feet away and if necessary, flip it over and closely
check the outside. Any large leaks when your boat looses a
considerable amount of air should be clearly visible.
Be sure to check the tightness of the one-way recessed
valves as well and if necessary, tighten them with the valve
wrench included in the orange repair kit canister.
If you have a rough idea of where your leak is but can’t see
it, you may want to try listening for it as you may be able to
hear the air escaping and pinpoint the leak.
Other troubleshooting techniques you can try to locate the
leak is to dowse/spray a mix of dishwashing liquid over
suspicious areas. The leak may produce bubbles that will
pinpoint the location of the leak.
Repairs
Although our Sea Eagles are very rugged and tough, you
may still experience the occasional puncture through use of
your boat. Fortunately most repairs are fairly easy and only
take a few minutes.
For an extensive repair please contact us directly for
assistance or a quote to have it sent back and repaired at
our facility. Repair fees start at $75.00 and do not include
return shipping charges.
Repair Kit
All Sea Eagles come
standard with this repair
kit which includes both
PVC patches and PVC
glue. Repair kits that
are included in boat
package purchases also
include the recessed
valve adapter and valve
wrench.
PVC Based Glue
For repairs on our boats
you will need to use a
PVC based glue. We
suggest this 12 oz. can
of Vyna Bond if you
need more glue than
what comes standard in
the repair kit.
Repair: Pinholes
Deflate your boat and
thoroughly clean and
dry the area that is to be
repaired. For small
punctures less than 1/8”
apply a small drop of
glue and allow 12 hours
to dry.
11

For immediate use
allow 30 minutes to dry
and then inflate the
compartment with the
repair only 3/4 full and
be sure to make a more
permanent repair later.
Repair: Patching
Leaks larger than a pin-
hole can be patched.
Most patches can be
done in a few minutes,
but we do offer a repair
service for more com-
plex jobs out of war-
ranty.
Using a ball point pen,
trace the outline of your
patch which should be
large enough to overlap
the damaged area by
approximately 1/2”.
Angle the pen inward a
bit so that the ink will be
covered by the patch
later.
Ap ply ad he sive to the
dull side of the patch
and around the area to
be repaired. Coat the
affected area lightly but
completely with glue.
Place the patch on the
damaged area and
press down firmly. Let
the glue sit for 2-4 min-
utes until it appears
tacky. If glue does not
hold, heat patch with a
hair dryer.
A temperature of 160°
degrees will activate the
adhesive and from there
you can press firmly on
the patch until cooled.
DO NOT use a hair
dryer on an inflated boat
and NEVER use a heat
gun on your boat.
2-Part Adhesive
The adhesive that
comes standard in your
repair kit works for most
repairs and installations,
but for more detailed
and extensive repair we
recommend a 2-part
PVC adhesive.
Methyl Ethlyl Ketone
Methyl Ethyl Ketone or
MEK is a solvent used
to dissolve PVC based
glue in case you need
to remove a D-Ring,
glue residue or patch.
MEK is a strong solvent
and can damage the
material to the boat so
use it very carefully and
sparingly.
12

MEK is very flammable,
keep away from fire, lit
cigarettes or sparks.
When handling MEK
we recommend wear-
ing rubber gloves. Be
sure to use MEK in a
well ventilated area and
heed all warnings from
the manufacturer.
To remove a patch with MEK, dip a cotton swab and apply
it to the outer edges. The glue will start to dissolve and the
patch will begin to separate from the boat. Continue to
carefully apply MEK to the underneath of the patch and
continue peeling it off. Once removed you can also clean
off any residual glue with the MEK solvent.
To reapply a new patch, allow approximately 30 seconds
for the MEK to evaporate and apply the item to the boat.
Valve Replacement
DO NOT change out
the valve unless you
are sure it is broken. In
most cases the valve
will not leak. Because
the base of the valve is
built into the boat it
cannot be replaced
without cutting the
chamber open.
Should you need to re-
place the valve than we
recommend the follow-
ing tools and methods.
Suggested tools in-
clude channel lock pli-
ers, valve wrench
(included with your re-
pair kit) vice grip pliers
and piece of repair ma-
terial (also found in the
repair kit).
Inflate the chamber to
full pressure if possible
and loosen with the
valve wrench by turning
it counterclockwise.
Deflate the chamber
and unscrew the valve
body from the base.
Place the material in
the jaws of the channel
lock pliers to protect the
hull material. Once the
body of is unscrewed
from the base, pull the
body from the opening
and insert the replace-
ment. base. The open-
ing is very tight, so you
may have to pull on it
hard.
Skeg Straightening
Skegs may become
bent if the boat is
folded too tightly. To
straighten your skeg
use a hair dryer to
warm up the skeg until
the curve becomes soft
and then straighten it
by hand. The skeg
should only take about
2-3 minutes to warm
up.
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