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Operating Your Sea Eagle
Motoring
Your Sea Eagle FoldCat comes equipped with a motr mount that can be used with either an electric or gas motor.
Since only the pontoons are in touch with the water there is less drag, so the FoldCat motors very well with small outboard
motors. Both FoldCat models have been individually 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 FoldCat, 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 FoldCat
375FC is rated for a maximum of 3HP up to 45 lbs. and the FoldCat 440FC is rated for a maximum of 4HP up to 60 lbs.
For the best performance with a FoldCat 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). Both FoldCat models 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 1003 electric motor is unlike any other electric motor on the market today. Powered by a waterproof
lithium ion battery (battery charger included), the Travel 1003 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 1003 using the new Sea Eagle Solar Canopy which is com-
prised of a PowerFilm Solar Panel.
For the FoldCat 375FC we recommend the Torqeedo Travel 1003S (short 23" shaft) model and for the FoldCat 440FC we
recommend the Torqeedo Travel 1003L (long 29.3" shaft) model.
Minn Kota, PowerFilm & 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.
Rowing
You may be surprised at how easy it is to row your Sea Eagle FoldCat. You can row your FoldCat 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 FoldCat, we
always recommend having your oars on board in case of emergency or engine failure.
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