Frameless Pontoon Boat - Sea eagle Your Sea Eagle Motoring Your Sea Eagle Frameless Pontoon Boat comes equipped with a motor mount that can be used with either an electric or

Frameless Pontoon BoatSea Eagle 285FPB

Instruction & Owner’s ManualFor video instructions visit SeaEagle.com/Instructions

Sea Eagle Boats Inc.

19 N. Columbia Street, Suite 1Port Jefferson, NY 11777

1-800-748-8066

September 2012

VIDEOINSTRUCTIONS

scan this code or visit

http://sea.gl/vifp

Sea Eagle GuaranteeCongratulations on purchasing a Sea Eagle! With over 40 years of experience in designing, selling and using these qualityinflatables, 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 thatyour product is delivered. Sea Eagle will refuse delivery on all packages without a valid return authorization number andwill 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 formore information.

Sea Eagle must inspect equipment in order to determine if there is a defect. In the event that an item must be shippedback to us for inspection, Sea Eagle will only reimburse the standard return shipping charge through FedEx, UPS or theU.S. Post Office at published shipping rates. Retail shipping outlets like The UPS Store will not be reimbursed and you willbe 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 arecovered 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 damagedmerchandise until it has been inspected by the carrier. Sea Eagle will be notified by the carrier when they have completedtheir inspection and if necessary, Sea Eagle will arrange for the repair or replacement of damaged merchandise.

Decals, Stickers & RegistrationAlways contact your state boating authorities for information on boating registration and regulations. Most states requireyou 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 obtainthis. 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 ofdecals 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 yourboat like a license plate if permitted by your state. Another method is to apply the numbers to the hull using either PVCbased 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 UsUnlike 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 117771-800-748-8066

[email protected]

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Operating Your Sea EagleMotoring

Your Sea Eagle Frameless Pontoon Boat comes equipped with a motor mount that can be used with either an electric orgas motor. Since only the pontoons and the tube under the rear are in touch with the water, there is less drag so the 285FPB motors very well with small outboard motors. The 285 FPB 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 equipa 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 285 FPB hasbeen rated for use with a 3HP gas motor with a maximum weight capacity of 45 lbs. For the best performance with theFrameless Pontoon Boat we recommend using a 15” short shaft, although a longer shaft can be used in greater depths ofwater.

Traditional electric motors are measured in units of thrust (the pulling or pushing power of a motor) and are slower andquieter 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 285 FPB can use anythingup 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 tooperate an electric motor you will need a 12V deep cycle marine battery. Other suggested accessories are a batterycharger 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 waterprooflithium 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 traditionalelectric motors. You can also power your Torqeedo Travel 1003s using the new Sea Eagle Solar Canopy which is com-prised 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

You may be surprised at how easy it is to row your Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat. You can row the 285 FPBfacing forward or backwards. When you row forwards, you face backwards. This means you will have a great view ofwhere you have been, but almost no view of where you are going. Be sure to check over your shoulder frequently to avoidany 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 boatsas 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 furtheronto open waters. Practice only makes perfect and ensures that you are comfortable in your boat in almost any weatherconditions you may come across. Continually practice your rowing strokes, trying to make them as fluid and smooth aspossible.

When pulling your oars through the water you should try to keep the blades fully immersed in the water, but as close tothe surface as possible. This will give you greater rowing leverage. Even if you are motoring your frameless pontoon boat,we always recommend having your oars on board in case of emergency or engine failure.

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SafetyIn a manual of this type it is impossible to give adequate space to the topic of water safety. For further information onboating 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 youshould have a reasonable swimming ability. Just as swimmers have a cardinal rule about not swimming alone, it isstrongly 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 goodjudgment 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 ahot or warm day it is a good idea to have drinking water readily available to you to prevent dehydration. Bring a goodamount 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 extraclothing. 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 reflectsthe 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 repairwhile 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 outfor 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 ifassistance is needed.

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Inflation Valves & PumpsRecessed Air Valves

Remove the cap andpress and turn the valvestem counterclockwiseso that the stem is inthe UP position. Onlywhen the stem is in thisposition the valve willretain air. Turning thestem clockwise will putthe valve in the downposition for deflation.

Foot Pump (A-41)

Press the two halves ofthe foot pump togetherand connect the hose tothe inflation port markedOUT. Insert the valveadapter at the other endof the hose.

Recessed Adapter

The recessed valveadapter is located insideof the orange repair kitcanister. Insert theribbed end of the valveadapter into the hose onthe foot pump. Thisvalve adapter is notcompatible for use withelectric pumps.

Make sure that thevalve stem is in the upposition and insert thevalve adapter into thevalve and turn clock-wise to lock into posi-tion. Once the desiredpressure is reached youshould feel resistanceon the foot pump.

Inflation Valves & PumpsOne-Way Air Valves

NOTE: One-way airvalves are only foundon the (optional) DeluxeInflatable Seat. Placethe retainer ring overthe valve base andscrew the valve into thebase. Unscrew theouter cap on the valveto reveal the inflationport.

To inflate, locate thetriple nozzle adapterand insert the ribbedend of the large roundpiece into the hose andthe other end into the valve. Begin pumpingwith your foot pump.When you’re finished,close the outer cap ofthe valve.

Deluxe Inflatable Seat

(OPTIONAL)

Inflate the seat so thatits reasonably hard. You should be able topush your finger about¾”. This seat onlycomes standard in theDeluxe Package andshould not be inflatedbeyond 1.1 PSI.

Attach the seat usingthe clips on the seatand the D-Rings onyour FPB. Adjust thestraps on the seat forcomfort.

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BTP Turbo Pump

(OPTIONAL)

The BTP Turbo electricpump comes completewith a nylon shouldercarry bag, 12V DCpower supply, hose andadapters.

Included are a cluster ofseven valve adapters,with raised numbers oneach arm of the cluster.The adapter markednumber 1 is the onlyadapter needed for yourSea Eagle.

Take adapter number 1from the cluster andfirmly push it into the grey joint that is alreadyconnected to the end ofthe hose. To ensure thatthe adapter is on astight as possible, push itagainst a hard surfacelike a floor or table onceit is connected.

Connect the other endof the hose to the redinflation port at the topof the pump, locatednear the ON and OFFbuttons.

Adjust the pressure dialto read 3.2 PSI which isthe operating pressureof your Sea Eagle. PSIis marked in red on thedial. Never turn the dialwhen the device isunder pressure as thiswill immediately causethe instrument to break.

Connect the cord at theend of the power supplyinto the end of the cordattached to the pump.

Connect the TurboPump to a 12V battery(car or marine) usingthe alligator clips at theend of the extensioncord. Connect the redclip to the positive poleand the black clip to thenegative pole.

If you ordered the TurboPump Kit you can alsoconnect the pump to theportable battery in placeof the alligator clips.

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Assembly & InflationTo charge the portablebattery, plug it into thecharger and then plugthe charger into ahousehold electricaloutlet. The light on thebattery charger will blinkred until fully charged.When it is fully chargedthe light will be a solidgreen.

It is recommended tokeep the Turbo Pumpinside of the carry bagto make transportationeasier and to protect thepump from sand whichcould jam it. The carrybag comes equippedwith compartments forthe pump, battery andcharger.

Press the ON button tobegin inflation. Thepump operates in twostages which can beidentified by the noise ofthe turbine at the start,followed by the piston.The pump automaticallystops once the pressureis reached.

Air compressors thatare designed for otheruses like tire inflation(usually around 50 PSI)can easily harm yourSea Eagle which worksat a much lower pres-sure of 3.2 PSI. For thisreason we recommendonly using Sea Eaglepumps.

Assembly & InflationClear a clean and flatspace that is free of anysharp objects and unrollthe boat hull so that it islaid out flat. There is nopre-assembly requiredfor the FPB, simply un-roll the hull and lay bothof the pontoons flat,parellel to each other.

ACCESSORIES

Visit SeaEagle.com fora variety of accessories. Please note that someaccessories may beconsidered optional ifthey were not includedwith the package thatyou purchased. To orderdirectly from Sea Eagleby phone call 1-800-748-8066, M-F (9-5).

Swivel Seat Kit

(OPTIONAL)

The swivel seat can berotaed 360°, offers greatback support and sitsup high for a greaterline of sight and makesrowing easy. The backof the seat folds downfor easy transport andstorage.

Hardware

(Swivel Seat Kit)

2 Aluminum Boards2 Wooden Underbars4 Bolts4 Nuts4 Screws4 Small Washers 4 Large Washers4 Wing Nuts

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Start by turning theboards upside down(seat hooks should befacing upward) andalign the underbars overthe two pre-drilled holesat the ends so that theyare running in the samedirection as the seathooks.

When aligning theboards be sure that thepre-drilled holes in themiddle of each boardare closer togetherrather than furtherapart. Align the swivelseat with the pre-drilledholes before joining theboards together if youare uncertain.

The underbars connectto the aluminum boardusing a nut, screw andsmall washer at eachend of the underbar.Run the screw throughthe top of the boardthrough the pre-drilledholes at the ends.

Once the screw is inplace, carefully flip theboard over and placethe small washer andnut over the screw andtighten by hand.

Tighten the screws onthe underbars using aPhillips head screw-driver (not included). It is important to makesure that the aluminumboards and underbarsare straight before fullytightening the screws.

With the boards joinedyou can now slide thebase onto the threadedbeads of the boat usingthe seat hooks locatedunderneath the base. Tomake installation eveneasier, partially deflateyour FPB and spray/wetthe beads before slidinginto the seat hooks.

Next, place the swivelseat over the pre-drilledholes at the top andthen drop the boltsthrough the top of theseat and the aluminumboards. Place the largewasher over the boltand secure using thewing nut which you cantighten by hand.

Motor Mount

The motor mount iseasy to assemble. Firstsecure the mountingbracket to the grommetsat the rear and thenslide the wooden motormount block into thebracket and secure withthe included screws.Included with Pro, Motorand Ultimate Packages.

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Marine Plywood Floor

The floorboard for theFPB provides a rigidand stable platform forfishermen to stand upand cast from. Weighsjust 6 lbs., 15 ¾” x 43”.Included with Pro, Motorand Ultimate Packages.

Oars

The floorboard for theFPB provides a rigidand stable platform forfishermen to stand upand cast from. Weighsjust 6 lbs., 15 ¾” x 43”.

Clip On Stow Pouch

Simply clips on and offin seconds to the bow ofyour FPB. This 7” x 7½” x 18 ½” stow pouchis made of a durablenylon and is great forstorage. Please notethe stow pouch is notwaterproof.

Side/Stern Bag

(OPTIONAL)

Though not waterproof,they will keep mostspray out. To install,simply clip the bag ontothe clips attached to theframeless pontoon boaton either side. You mayroll the side/stern bagsup with your boat forstorage.

Stripping Apron

(OPTIONAL)

This stripping apron iseasily installed andcomes complete withfishing ruler printed on

Mushroom Anchor Kit

(OPTIONAL)

8lb. PVC coated Mush-room Anchor with 25' of5/16" rope and an An-chor Grip to hold the

rope in place.

3M Marine Cleaner

(OPTIONAL)

Cleans, shines, condi-tions and protects vinyl,rubber and plastic sur-faces. Deep cleans dirtand grime, enhancesappearance. Restoresnatural sheen, protectssurfaces. Fresh lemonscent.

303 Protectant

(OPTIONAL)

We all try to keep ourboats clean, but theirare some stains you justcan't avoid. 3M MarineCleaner & Restorer canremove the tougheststains from mud, birddroppings, oil, andmany others.

Paddling Life Vest

(OPTIONAL)

U.S.C.G approved! Thistype III PFD is great forall boating needs andgives you plenty of armroom in case you feellike rowing. Comes invarious sizes with threeadjustable buckles andadjustable nylon strapsfor a tight secure fit.

Torqeedo 1003s

(OPTIONAL)

Weighing just 29.5 lbswith a short shaft of 23”,the Torqeedo Travel1003s delivers the performance of a 3HPgas motor and develops4-5 times the power oftraditional electric motors.

Minn Kota Motors

(OPTIONAL)

Minn Kota Motors arethe most reliable electrictrolling motors on themarket. These motorsrun off a 12v deep cyclemarine battery (which isnot included or sold bySea Eagle).

Portable Charger

(OPTIONAL)

Protect and preserveyour battery life with thisportable 10 AMP, MinnKota battery charger. Features fully automatic3-stage charging.Weighs 17 lbs.Input: 120V ACOutput: DC 12V

Battery Power Center

(OPTIONAL)

Allows trolling motorleads and charger leadsto be connected withoutopening the box. Built-inbattery meter includestwo 12-volt accessoryplugs and three manualreset circuit breakers.Fits group 24 and 27size batteries.

TIP: Never connect the(+) and the (-) terminalsof the battery together.Take care that no metalobject can fall onto thebattery and short theterminals. This wouldimmediately lead to ashort and utmost firedanger.

Deflation & StorageAlthough PVC material can become brittle in extremely coldtemperatures, you can still safely store your Sea Eagle inthem so long as you avoid dropping it and do not subject itto any sudden impacts.

If you’re planning to leave your Sea Eagle outside, be sureto keep it raised up off of the ground. Its also a good idea tokeep it covered so that it is not directly exposed to berries,leaves, rain, sunlight and other elements. Sea Eagles thatare left in water will most likely have to be emptied fromtime to time.

Make sure that your boat is dry before storing your kayakfor more than a few days, to remove any excess moisturethat could cause unsightly mildew. Choose a cool, dry spotwhen storing in an enclosed area like basement, closet orgarage.

Before you begin the deflation process, please keep inmind that you should not fully deflate one chamber whileother chambers remain fully inflated as doing this cancause damage to the bulkheads of your boat.

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To deflate, press downon the valve stem andturn clockwise to lockinto position. Releasearound 50-75% of theair from each chamberbefore fully deflating. Excess air can bepushed out as yourollup the boat.

Begin to roll your boatfrom the stern and asyou do, excess air maybe released through theair valves in the bow ofyour boat. When the ex-cess air has been re-leased you can thenfold one of the pontoonsover the other and thenroll your boat up fromstern to bow.

Place the boat at thecenter of the openedboat bag and wrap theboat with the narrowflaps first. Lash downwith the nylon straps tosecure and repeat thisprocess with the wideflaps and nylon straps.

Continue to secure theboat in the bag by fold-ing the sides of the bagover the boat and fas-tening them with thestraps.

TroubleshootingIf your boat is losing air it doesn’t necessarily mean thatits leaking. For instance a boat that is inflated late in theday with 90° air may cool 20° overnight. The cooler air willexert less pressure on the hull and the boat will appearsofter the next morning. When there has been no variationin temperature and your boat is losing air then it is time tostart looking for the leak.

The first thing you should do when looking for a leak is toactually look at the boat. Visually inspect the boat from afew feet away and if necessary, flip it over and closelycheck the outside. Any large leaks when your boat looses aconsiderable amount of air should be clearly visible.

Be sure to check the tightness of the one-way recessedvalves as well and if necessary, tighten them with the valvewrench included in the orange repair kit canister.

If you have a rough idea of where your leak is but can’t seeit, you may want to try listening for it as you may be able tohear the air escaping and pinpoint the leak.

Other troubleshooting techniques you can try to locate theleak is to dowse/spray a mix of dishwashing liquid oversuspicious areas. The leak may produce bubbles that willpinpoint the location of the leak.

RepairsAlthough our Sea Eagles are very rugged and tough, youmay still experience the occasional puncture through use ofyour boat. Fortunately most repairs are fairly easy and onlytake a few minutes.

For an extensive repair please contact us directly for assistance or a quote to have it sent back and repaired atour facility. Repair fees start at $75.00 and do not includereturn shipping charges.

Repair Kit

All Sea Eagles comestandard with this repairkit which includes bothPVC patches and PVCglue. Repair kits thatare included in boatpackage purchases alsoinclude the recessedvalve adapter and valvewrench.

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PVC Based Glue

For repairs on our boatsyou will need to use aPVC based glue. Wesuggest this 12 oz. canof Vyna Bond if youneed more glue thanwhat comes standard inthe repair kit.

Repair: Pinholes

Deflate your boat andthoroughly clean anddry the area that is to berepaired. For smallpunctures less than 1/8” apply a small drop ofglue and allow 12 hoursto dry.

For immediate useallow 30 minutes to dryand then inflate thecompartment with therepair only 3/4 full andbe sure to make a morepermanent repair later.

Repair: Patching

Leaks larger than a pin-hole can be patched.Most patches can bedone in a few minutes,but we do offer a repairservice for more com-plex jobs out of war-ranty.

Using a ball point pen,trace the outline of yourpatch which should belarge enough to overlapthe damaged area byapproximately 1/2”. Angle the pen inward abit so that the ink will becovered by the patchlater.

Ap ply ad he sive to thedull side of the patchand around the area tobe repaired. Coat theaffected area lightly butcompletely with glue.

Place the patch on thedamaged area andpress down firmly. Letthe glue sit for 2-4 min-utes until it appearstacky. If glue does nothold, heat patch with ahair dryer.

A temperature of 160°degrees will activate theadhesive and from thereyou can press firmly onthe patch until cooled.DO NOT use a hairdryer on an inflated boatand NEVER use a heatgun on your boat.

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2-Part Adhesive

The adhesive thatcomes standard in yourrepair kit works for mostrepairs and installations,but for more detailedand extensive repair werecommend a 2-partPVC adhesive.

Methyl Ethlyl Ketone

Methyl Ethyl Ketone orMEK is a solvent usedto dissolve PVC basedglue in case you needto remove a D-Ring,glue residue or patch.MEK is a strong solventand can damage thematerial to the boat souse it very carefully andsparingly.

MEK is very flammable,keep away from fire, litcigarettes or sparks.When handling MEK werecommend wearingrubber gloves. Be sureto use MEK in a wellventilated area andheed all warnings fromthe manufacturer.

To remove a patch with MEK, dip a cotton swab and applyit to the outer edges. The glue will start to dissolve and thepatch will begin to separate from the boat. Continue tocarefully apply MEK to the underneath of the patch andcontinue peeling it off. Once removed you can also cleanoff any residual glue with the MEK solvent.

To reapply a new patch, allow approximately 30 secondsfor the MEK to evaporate and apply the item to the boat.

Valve Replacement

DO NOT change out thevalve unless you aresure it is broken. Inmost cases the valvewill not leak. Becausethe base of the valve isbuilt into the boat it can-not be replaced withoutcutting the chamberopen.

Should you need to re-place the valve than werecommend the follow-ing tools and methods.Suggested tools includechannel lock pliers,valve wrench (includedwith your repair kit) vicegrip pliers and piece ofrepair material (alsofound in the repair kit).

Inflate the chamber tofull pressure if possibleand loosen with thevalve wrench by turningit counterclockwise.Deflate the chamberand unscrew the valvebody from the base.

Place the material in thejaws of the channel lockpliers to protect the hullmaterial. Once the bodyof is unscrewed fromthe base, pull the bodyfrom the opening andinsert the replacement.base. The opening isvery tight, so you mayhave to pull on it hard.

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