Solo Canoeing Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Canoe

Since my birthday camping trip to Mustang Island, I managed to get myself a second hand Sea Eagle TC 16 Inflatable Canoe. I was very nervous when I made this purchase because the canoe is 16 feet long and I wasn’t sure if I could canoe in it by myself since I had never canoed before. In this video, I will test out the Sea Eagle TC 16 in Galveston Island State Park. So, don’t go anywhere and stay tuned.
First of all, the reason why I picked an inflatable canoe was because I don’t have storage space in my condo and my jeep doesn’t have the roof rack yet. So the Sea Eagle TC 16 fits perfectly in the back of my Jeep. Please don’t mind the mess, it’s all my camping supply.
When I first did my research on inflatable canoes, they said that the Sea Eagle TC 16 is lighter than most conventional canoes. However, I don’t think that is the case, at around 70 pounds, this canoe is heavy though it is possible for me to manage by myself.
As you can see, it is made of very durable material, I can easily drag it on the gravel surface without worrying of damaging the canoe.
Though the canoe is very big. It consists of 3 chambers and I was very surprised how quick each chamber inflate. Notice that how the chamber inflate into a rectangular straight wall instead of a tubular shape. That is because this canoe utilizes the drop stick technology. Matter of fact the Sea Eagle TC16 was the first patented drop stitch canoe introduced into the market in 2015. Each Chamber can take up to 10 PSI. The pumping process starts to get a little more strenuous sound 7-8 PSI, but it goes to 10 PSI in the matter of seconds.
I use a canoe carrier to lift up the stern and install the back skeg. After that I tie the canoe to the carrier with the straps provided by sea eagle. A simple knot to the D ring inside the canoe would be more than enough. Now, I’m ready to load up the canoe with all my equipments. This canoe can take up to 900 pounds so that is a plus. With the canoe carrier, I can lift the canoe up and pull it with ease.
I spent around 200 dollars for the canoe carrier but I really like it because it is very sturdy and the canoe sits very high off the ground.
Launching the canoe from the dock wasn’t difficult. I put the carrier at the stern of the canoe, push it off the dock and start paddling.
Galveston might not have the best water but it is only an hour drive from Houston and I really enjoy my time here at Galveston Island State Park especially on the weekdays when the park is very empty and quite.
I’m learning how to paddle a canoe and still having difficulty keeping it straight. If you have any tips you want to share please put them in the comment section below. I would very appreciate that.
Sometimes the wind and current are very strong and I got pushed to the shore and got stuck there. It could be a trouble to get out when the space is rather limited. In cases like this I found that if I kneel high very close to the stern of the canoe, I can paddle much faster and with more power to push the canoe back out to open water.
It was a very relaxing time I had canoeing in the bay area in Galveston. I will definitely come back here very often to practice my paddling skills.
Taking the canoe out is super easy with the carrier. Deflating the Sea Eagle TC16 is very easy. I open the cap and twist the yellow vault to the left and let the air out.
Folding the canoe is not too difficult for one person. I first folded the canoe in half along its full length. I tried the video instruction from Sea Eagle but it did not work for me, so I fold it my own way. Notice that I constantly clean the canoe while folding with wet wipes and paper towels because I don’t want to bring dirt or water inside the car and the canoe could get rather dirty after being out in the water.
For me, it’s important to fold the canoe so that the two tips are out. It will be much easier to pack the canoe later. Again the canoe is heavy, so be careful to load or unload the canoe so that you won’t hurt yourself, especially if you are by yourself.
My birthday road trip to Mustang Island:
• Birthday weekend Solo ...
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[@thetimcannon]

Good video. I use a small vacuum to remove the air when I am putting the TC16 away. This makes it much easier to fold.

[@nathanslen7894]

Thank you. That is a very good idea. The previous owner gave me the electric pump and I remember he used it to deflate the canoe.

[@padarking5204]

You should set more back at stern your canoe so you can easy to maneuver which way you want to move, its more advantage if you at the back specially wind blowing push away, you can use your paddle as a rudder to control which way...

[@nathanslen7894]

yeah I should try that

[@wolfgangdaffner6292]

The Wind blows stronger at the lighter side of the boat, cause this is more out of the water. That makes it hard to paddle against the wind when sitting in the back. But in the back it is much more easy to steer the boat. When you have some baggage with you, put it as far in the front as possible to get more wheight there. For the different paddle strokes I love the following video that explains them beautifully. In he end I wish you much fun with your newboat.

[@nathanslen7894]

aww thank you. Now it makes sense why I couldn't move the boat paddling in the back.

[@fiona1963]

Good video. I have kayaked for more than 30 years in different types of 🛶. Our new similar yak is not good in the wind either. They catch the wind too much, making it very hard to control. That boat would need calmer conditions and two people. It would be better in a river, where it is more sheltered. Best wishes.

[@nathanslen7894]

Hi, thank you for the kind comment. We don't have great lake or river water in Houston. The only decent water that I could find was the bay in Galveston. And I totally agree that its tough to maneuver an inflatable in windy condition.

[@mpwilderman]

You can also use a kayak paddle. Might be easier for you. Sit in middle.

[@nathanslen7894]

it's not too wide for a kayak paddle ?

[@dennisconlon5810]

Your canoe comes a small plastic keel that connects in a slot under stern/back of the canoe. When in shallow water disconnect it.

[@nathanslen7894]

Hi Dennis, Thank you for the advice.

[@jm-bv1wh]

As others have noted, you're sitting too far forward. Is there a way to place one of the seats in the middle? That's usually an option on most tandem canoes and kayaks.

[@nathanslen7894]

Yes there is an option to put the seat in the middle. I just didn't use any seat at the time ;D

[@mpwilderman]

I have one. I never pump it over 3 psi. Pumping it up so full is not necessary.

[@nathanslen7894]

OMG, really ? it functions below 3 psi ? Mine still looks deflated at 3 psi, i think.

[@tonyg3091]

You should be sitting at the back mate, not in the front. Boats are RWD vehicles.

[@nathanslen7894]

Hi Tony, yes many people advice me that. And I'm sure you are all correct. I think the wind is very strong in the Galveston bay. I really did try to sit at the back but couldn't bush the boat forward. I must have done something wrong. Hope you like the video.

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

Tip: take some canoe lessons!

[@nathanslen7894]

yes I totally agree. I just bought a video course for basic classic canoeing from Becky Mason and also have been watching Bill Mason's videos. Hopefully I will be able to take so lessons in person soon.

[@OldManofNewEngland]

@@nathanslen7894 Becky is the master! I have her Dad's book. You're learning from the best!!

[@nathanslen7894]

@@OldManofNewEngland Thank you. Yes I love watching both of them canoeing.

[@OH8STN]

Stop putting the "please subscribe" graphic up. Do it once without covering the video.

[@nathanslen7894]

advice noted. thank you :D