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MOTORING
The Fold Cat pontoons are large diameter which gives the boat plenty of flotation. Large pontoons raise the height of
the motor mount, we therefore recommend a using a 20" long shaft gas motor with the boat for maximum
performance. The motor mount should be installed in the lowest position.
Any power rating under 3 hp is recommended. Adding more power will not increase speed, in fact the motor can
only be used up to approximately one-third throttle. More throttle will cause the motor to sound like it is straining
and cause it to shake. Overpowering will also waste fuel. Gas motors typically have a much greater range than electric
motors.
Trolling motor power is measured in pounds of thrust and battery draw. A motor rated at 30 lbs thrust consumes
approximately 30 amps at full throttle. They typically are far less powerful than a gas motor but provide adequate
power for a light weight inflatable boat such as the FoldCat. Most trolling motors have a maximum speed of about
4 mph. The propeller is pitched to maintain this speed and not faster. A larger trolling motor, a 55 lb thrust motor for
example, will push a boat faster in a headwind, but not faster in calm water or against a current. Most trolling motors
consume much less than 30 amps at lower throttle settings. We measured the Watersnake Venom at 12.4 amps at the
number 3 setting for example.
To calculate the range that can be expected from a battery, divide the amp hour rating of the battery by the
amperage rating of the motor. For example a Group 24, 77Ah battery paired with a Minn Kota 30: 77 Ah divided by 30
amps yields 2.5 hours at full throttle.
A 12v deep cycle marine battery, lithium ion battery, personal watercraft battery or electric vehicle battery is
acceptable. The important parameter is the battery's ampere hour (Ah) rating. A Group 27 battery or smaller is
recommended.
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Charge battery after each use. Lead acid batteries like to be kept charged.
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Running the battery all the way down will shorten its life.
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Exposure to excessive heat will shorten battery life.
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Cranking amps (CCA) are not a consideration.
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12v automobile, lawn tractor and motorcycle batteries can be used but are not designed for deep discharge so will
wear out more quickly.
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A battery box is recommended especially around aluminum crossbenches or oar shafts which could cause an
electrical short.
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A circuit breaker or fuse is recommended (required in some areas) to prevent damage in the event the motor wires
are placed on the wrong terminals. Reversing the polarity can cause the wires to heat up, melt the insulation, and
cut through the boat.
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A 12v battery charger will be needed. Chargers are widely available.
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If available, choose gel cell over wet cell. Wet cell batteries have liquid acid inside them.
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Marine batteries are heavy, choose one you can carry without injury.
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Expensive batteries can weigh less and last longer because of their superior internal architecture.
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Battery can be secured to the aluminum crossbenchs or placed on the black PVC floor.
Follow manufacturer's safety procedures.
DISPLACEMENT HULL
In addition to motor type, there are factors that regulate how fast a boat can go. Two important factors are boat length
at the waterline and planing. Under most conditions the FoldCat cannot plane, it is considered a displacement hull.
The FoldCat's length limits the hull speed to below 8 mph. For further information, search the internet for
"displacement hull speed. "
On a river or in a tidal inlet, if the current exceeds approximately 8 mph, you will not be able to make progress
relative to land and in fact will be swept backwards. Adding a larger motor will not make a displacement hull exceed
its hull speed, steer to calmer water, portage, or await a tide change.
OPERATING YOUR SEA EAGLE
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