Why should I Purchase my new inflatable boat from SeaBright Marine?

The simple answer "Quality", "Value", and "Customer Service".

• Quality:

You may have noticed that there are now several companies in Canada and in the US that are selling inflatable boats with what appears to be very attractive pricing. With very few exceptions these boats are manufactured using Korean or Chinese PVC.

We are not suggesting that all Asian PVC is poor quality because that is not true. In fact some of the PVC from Asia is perfectly acceptable. Our SeaBright inflatable boats (from 2004 to 2007) were built using very good quality Korean PVC. This particular PVC manufacturing company was specifically recommended to us in 2004 and our overall warranty return rate with over 500 inflatable boats sold in that period was less than two percent. Unfortunately, as of August 2007 that particular company has stopped manufacturing PVC fabric.

That being said it is a fact that there is a lot of very poor quality PVC that is also being manufactured in Asia. We have first hand experience with this. In 2006 we experimentally purchased a few boats made from another brand of Korean PVC. The boats looked beautiful when new but by the end of the first season of use these boats were already showing significant UV radiation damage from exposure from the sun.

Unfortunately it is impossible to determine the quality of the PVC fabric in a new boat. It is the "test of time" that is the true judge.

For 2008 SeaBright Marine was faced with a decision. Do we attempt to find another Asian PVC manufacturer that produces quality fabric? Since it really is a guess, we decided not to take the chance.

So beginning in 2008 we decided to purchase the highest quality premium PVC fabric available on the planet today. Mehler-Valmex® PVC is produced by Mehler Texnologies in Germany and is used by most of the reputable builders of quality PVC inflatable boats in the world. For legal reasons we are not allowed to mention the names of these companies but you probably have a good idea which ones we are referring to.

If you are in the market for a Hypalon boat we have pretty much the same story to tell. While it is possible to purchase Hypalon fabric from Taiwan, we opted not to do this. There are two Hypalon fabrics that are considered to be the best quality in the world. They are Achilles® Hypalon from Japan, and Pennel ORCA® Hypalon from France. All of our Hypalon boats are manufactured using one of these two Hypalon fabrics..

• Value:

We honestly believe (and the vast majority of our customers agree with us) that SeaBright Marine offers the best value for your dollar in all of Canada. Our inflatable boats are custom made for us to our own specifications. At the end of each season we are busy planning enhancements and changes that we plan to implement in the following season to ensure that each year our products are just a little bit better, a little bit more functional, and a little bit higher in quality.

Now that our inflatable boats are being manufactured with the same fabrics as used by most of the more well known companies out there we can say with sincerity that the quality is every bit as good as can be found in any high quality boat in the market place today. The one large difference is PRICE, and that is precisely why we sell so many boats.

We listen to our customers comments. When customers ask about a feature that they would like to see we keep track of those comments and take them into serious consideration when planning our next season.

• Customer Service

We pride ourselves in exemplary Customer Service and believe strongly that this is the reason why we now get so many sales through referral of previous customers. At SeaBright Marine we believe in "the good old days" when good customer service was the norm both at the time of sale and also in the form of After Sales Support.

Please take a moment to read some of our customers comments on our "Testimonials" page. We are extremely proud of this aspect of our business and firmly believe that this is the single most important reason why we are being successful. Thank you.

What is the SeaBright Marine PRICE GUARANTEE ?

We are so confident that we have the best prices in Canada that we guarantee it !! If you can find a comparable inflatable boat in Canada that has a better retail price we will beat that price by 5%

** Comparable inflatable boat means same size, same quality fabric (Achilles® Hypalon, Pennel ORCA® Hypalon, or Mehler Valmex® PVC), same hull type (foldable, single hull RIB, or double hull RIB), same standard equipment, etc

** Retail price means regular retail price and does not include sale pricing, inventory blow-out pricing, or liquidation pricing.

How do I Assemble my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

For Boats up to 12.5 Footer

For 14 and 16 Footers

• Your boat has several main inflation valves. Air can be inserted into these valves with the manual pump that is supplied with the boat, with an electric pump, or with a shop vac.
• Make sure the valves are in the “closed” position before inflating the boat. They are “closed” when the valve stem is up and “open” when it is down. If you inflate your boat with the valves “open” the air will rush out when you disconnect the hose. Valves can be opened or closed by pushing on the stem and turning it a quarter turn.
• If your boat is a RIB, simply install your seats and oars and inflate the tubes to proper pressure … Done !
• Inflate all of the main chambers and the inflatable keel (before floor insertion) and then open all of the valves and let the boat deflate. Don’t push the tubes down … just let the air escape normally. Make sure the inflatable keel is nice and flat (not twisted) and that the valve is in the middle. You may need to pat it down to accomplish this. This procedure is especially important with a brand new boat that has just come out of the box because the boat or inflatable keel may be twisted which will make proper floor installation difficult.
• Now the boat is in its correct shape to receive the floor.
• If your boat is equipped with an Aluminum Floor, install it as follows …..

• • Notes:
  • No air in tubes while installing floor and stringers.
    No air in inflatable keel while installing floor and stringers.
    Warm environment is easier because the PVC will not be as stiff
  • Boats up to 12.5 feet in length (SeaBright 380P)
  • Install piece number "1" into the nose of the boat (number up). Make sure that you push it as far forward as possible and that it is down below the tubes.
  • Install piece number "1" into the nose of the boat (number up). Make sure that you push it as far forward as possible and that it is down below the tubes.
  • Install the rear most piece, making sure it is down below the tubes and the rear edge is under the wooden “hold down” strips that are attached to the transom.
  • Now keep installing pieces to the front and the rear until you meet approximately in the middle of the boat.
  • In order to get the last tongue into the last groove you will need to pull them both up about 10 inches. Fit them together so that you have a raised “tent” and then push them both down so that the floor is flat. Although this is possible with one person it is much easier with 2 people …. One on each side of the boat. As you are pushing these last 2 pieces down make sure you are not “pinching” the tubes and that the valve covers are not trapped beneath the floor.
  • At this point use your fingers to make sure the gap between the tubes and the edge of the aluminum floor is the same on both sides. If it isn't then it will be difficult to install the stringers properly.
  • Install the stringers onto each side of the floor. They need to be installed so that they overlap the joints of the aluminum floor pieces. This is what will provide stability. If there are 4 stringers with your boat then you need 2 on each side and there should not be any gap between them. Only the aluminum pieces need support …. Not the wooden floor piece(s).
  • Stringer installation requires that the boat is on a flat surface. If the surface is not flat or if you are having difficulty installing the stringers it may help to put a 2 x 4 under the edge of the floor (on its edge). Do one side at a time. This will flatten the floor on that side and will also let the tube “fall away” slightly which will result in a slightly larger gap and easier stringer installation.
  • Take a wet towel and “wet down” the tube and the stringer. This will decrease friction. Now install the stringer be “curling” it in. Large flat side needs to be down.
  • HD Boats (SeaBright 420P and SeaBright 500P)
  • Unpack the boat and unroll it on a flat surface.
  • Inflate all four chambers before installing the floor. Inflate the inflatable keel. Now open all five valves by depressing and twisting a quarter turn (4 main Chambers and the keel) and let the boat deflate. Pat down the inflatable keel so that it is nice and straight and not twisted. Now the boat is ready for the floor.
  • Take a bucket of water and pour into the boat making sure the entire hull skin is wet (or use a garden hose).
  • Install the front three floor pieces. Install the rear 3 floor pieces. Make sure that these six pieces are all below the tubes and in their proper position.
  • Now install the middle piece. You will need to tent up two pieces. Now get inside the boat press down make the floor flat. This is much easier with two people because if you are not careful at this stage you can pinch the PVC fabric. As one person watches the edges for pinching the second person should stand on the tent and bounce up and down. The tent will slowly go down until floor is flat.
  • Now it is time to install the stringers.
  • While one person holds up one side of the boat by pulling up on the ropes place an 8 foot 2 by 4 under the boat. It should be on its edge and should be about three or four inches inside the aluminum floor. This will result in the tubes falling slightly away and the gap where the stringers need to go will get a bit larger.
  • There are four stringers. Two are short and two are long. Each side of the boat needs a short and a long stringer. Stringers are designed to hold the floor rigid while going over waves and it is important that each aluminum floor joint is supported by at least 10 inches on each side. Before installing stringers place them on the floor and decide where you want them.
  • Get inside the boat. Then use water to wet down PVC tube where the Stringer will be installed and also the stringer itself.
  • It is very important that the panels onto which you are installing a Stringer are completely flat with each other. The person inside the boat should use his weight to make sure the 2 panels (or 3) that are receiving the stringer are all flat.
  • While the person outside of the boat pulls of the tube away to make a the gap larger, the person inside the boat curls a Stringer into place.
  • Now do the same with the second Stringer on that side.
  • Remove the 2 by 4 and a place under the boat on the other side. Follow the steps above to install the two stringers on that side.

• If your boat is equipped with a High Pressure Airdeck Floor, install it as follows …..

• • Place the deflated airdeck floor in the boat with the floorboard underneath. The floorboard is in a sleeve and its primary purpose is to keep the floor flat when the keel is inflated. The easiest way to install the airdeck is to press the floorboard down under the 2 tubes at the very rear of the boat because this is where the boat is the widest. Now get into the boat and gently pull the floor forward making sure that the keel board stays securely under the 2 tubes. Do not apply great force. If the floor will not move forward then inspect it to see where the "bind" is. After you install the floor 2 or 3 times it will be easy. When you can see the inflatable keel valve through the "hole" at the front of the floor then you have pulled it forward far enough. The rear of the floor should now be almost touching the transom. Now walk around the boat tucking the floor down underneath the tubes.
  • It is time to inflate your airdeck floor. You want the floor to be hard enough so that you can walk on it without sinking in very much. Don’t be afraid to put lots of air into it. A good indication that it is inflated properly is when it becomes difficult to push down on the plunger handle of your pump.

• If you want the seats installed, install them now. *Note* It is not necessary to install the seats if you prefer to run without them.
• Now you can inflate the main tubes. They should be fairly hard to the touch, and you should be able to sit on them without sinking into them more than an inch. **NOTE** Inflate the main compartments in a 2 or 3 step sequence. If you fully inflate one main compartment when the others are empty you may damage the internal bulkheads that separate the compartments.
• Finally it is time to inflate the keel. The valve should be clearly visible and should be pretty much in the middle of the hole in the front of the floor. The boat will rise as you inflate the keel. The keel should be harder than the tubes. A good indication that it is hard enough will be when the pump handle is beginning to be difficult to push down.
• Install the oars, put in the valve protectors, and you are ready for a day on the water. Enjoy!

****Assembly Notes****

• The valves should be in their "closed" position prior to inflation. They are closed when they are popped up. If you push the valve down and give it a quarter turn it will stay down in the "open" position. Do this when you wish to deflate the boat. If you inflate the boat with the valve in the "open" position the air will rapidly escape as soon as you remove the pump.
• It is not recommended that you use a compressor to pump up your boat. Compressors are designed for very high pressures and you could easily damage the boat.
• If you have access to electricity one of the easiest and quickest ways to inflate (or deflate) your boat is with a "shop vac". Give it a try. It really works great. You will need to have the valve down in the "open" position to use a shop vac. Be ready to very quickly pop the valve back up into the "closed" position when you pull the shop vac nozzle away to prevent the air from escaping.
• If your boat isn’t “planing” properly or seems to be too “flexible” when under power it is probably under inflated. If your boat is equipped with a High Pressure Airdeck Floor and/or an inflatable keel, they should be fairly hard, and the tubes should be hard enough that you can sit on them without depressing them more than an inch..
• If your boat is equipped with an Aluminum Floor, It is highly advisable to assemble your aluminum sectional floor for the first time outside the boat in order to learn how it all goes together. After you are familiar with how the floor pieces and stringers all fit together it will be much easier to assemble it properly when doing it inside the boat.

Recommended Pressures:

Main Tubes: ......................................... 3.5 psi
Inflatable Keel: .................................... 6 psi
High Pressure Airdeck Floor: ........... 8 psi

What is the Black Valve ?

The black valve that is located in the front chamber (2 front chambers in the SeaBright 420P and the SeaBright 500P) is a high pressure safety release valve that will release some air if the boat becomes over pressurized, thereby ensuring that the seams do not get damaged. It is automatic and there is nothing you need to do to this valve.

What if a Valve is Leaking ?

You may notice that after a day or 2 your new boat will have 1 or more chambers that have gone a bit soft.

This almost always because the inflation valve (or the black high pressure safety release valve) was not screwed in tightly enough when the boat was assembled.

To test the valve simply put a bit of soapy water on the valve. If bubbles are forming around the outside edge of the valve then it needs to be tightened. It is sometimes easier to put the boat up on its side so you can apply the soapy water directly down onto the valve.

In your orange Repair Kit you will find a black plastic valve wrench that is used to tighten the valve by turning it a bit clockwise. Turn until bubbles stop forming. Please note that this tool is only plastic and can break if too much pressure is applied.

If it is the black high pressure safety release valve that is leaking around the outside edge you will need to use a pair of adjustable pliers to carefully grab the edge and turn clockwise.

Note: If bubbles are coming from the middle of the valve (not around the outside edge) then it is a different issue and you will need to call us to discuss the solution.

Note: It is completely normal for any inflatable boat to lose some pressure over a period of time. If you notice this happening over several weeks or months (or over the Winter) please simply add some air.

How do I Disassemble my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

• Your boat has several separate air chambers and valves. First of all open all of valves by depressing them and turning a quarter turn.
• If your boat is a RIB, deflate the pontoons using a vacuum cleaner or a 12-volt electric pump. Leave a very small amount of air in each chamber will ensure that the fabric is relaxed and not too severely scrunched. Close the valves and install the valve protector caps. **Hint** A shop vac does an excellent job. You are finished and can disregard the remainder of this section.
• If your boat is a Foldable Inflatable Boat, use a vacuum cleaner or a 12-volt electric pump to deflate the inflatable keel. Close the valve and install the valve protector cap. **Hint** A shop vac does an excellent job.
• If your boat is equipped with an Aluminum Floor, it is now time to remove it. Remove the “stringers” from either edge first. Now, lift the floor about 10 inches at the rear most seam (between the last and second last floor pieces). Carefully lift the pieces out and place them in their carrying case.
• If your boat is equipped with a High Pressure Airdeck Floor, remove the air from it and install the valve protector cap. It is not necessary to remove the floor from the boat unless you wish to clean the boat at this time.

	Next, deflate the front section of the boat. As it is deflating pull up on the bow ropes. This will make it easier to fold later. Close the valve.
	Deflate the main pontoons. As they are deflating pull up on the side ropes so that the boat will fold in properly. You want the pontoons to fold in so the entire package is not wider than the transom. It is a bit tricky the first couple of times. If the pontoons are not folding in properly then put a bit of air back into them and repeat the deflation procedure until you achieve the desired result. Now open all main valves to let a small amount of air in. Leaving a very small amount of air in each chamber will ensure that the fabric is relaxed and not too severely scrunched. Leave the valves open for the remainder of the process.
	Fold the pontoons in so that they are laying flat and are no wider that the transom.
	Fold the cones in.
	Begin rolling up the boat from the transom.
	Fold the nose of the boat in.
	Finish rolling up the boat.
	Put the boat and its accessories into the carrying case.
	Ready to go.

****Disassembly Notes****

• The valves should be in their "open" position for disassembly. They are open when they are in the “down” position. They can be alternately placed in their up (closed) and down (open) positions by pushing them down and turning one quarter turn.
• Make sure that each chamber in your boat has a very small amount of air in it to prevent severe “scrunching” of the fabric so that damage doesn’t occur while your boat is being stored.

High Pressure Airdeck Floor Vs. Sectional Aluminum Floor for my Foldable inflatable boat - Which should I choose ?

SeaBright Foldable inflatable boats are available with either a high pressure Airdeck floor or a sectional aluminum floor.

**Note **

• Boats ranging from the 7.5 foot SeaBright 230 to the 12.5 foot SeaBright 380 are available with either floor.
• The 14.5 foot SeaBright 430 and larger models are only availaible with the sectional aluminum floor.

High Pressure Airdeck Floor - Characteristics

• one piece inflatable floor
• lighter (between 15 and 25 pounds lighter than same boat with aluminum floor)
• easier to assemble than aluminum floor. simply install, tuck in, and inflate
• more comfortable to sit or kneel on than aluminum floor
• very stable, stiff platform .... only slightly less stiff than aluminum floor
• highly recommended for all models up to (and including) the 8.9 foot SeaBright 270

Sectional Aluminum Floor - Characteristics

• the triangular “bow” piece is Fibreglass (FRP). The main rectangular pieces are non-skid aluminum
• pieces fit together “tongue and groove” style with aluminum stringers running down each edge for rigidity
• heavier (between 15 and 25 pounds heavier than same boat with high pressure airdeck floor)
• makes the boat a bit stiffer and less flexible (This only noticeable in boats larger than the 8.9 foot SeaBright 270, and when you wish to run at higher speeds while “planeing” with a larger outboard engine.)
• highly recommended for all models larger than the 8.9 foot SeaBright 270, especially if you wish to "plane" your boat at higher speeds.

Our Recommendations ......

• High Pressure Airdeck:
  • if your boat is not larger than the SeaBright 270.
  • if your boat is larger than the SeaBright 270 but will only be rowed or used with an engine that is too small to “plane” the boat.
  • If you are concerned about overall boat weight.
• Aluminum Floor:
  • if your boat is larger than the SeaBright 270 and you wish to operate it at higher “planeing” speeds.
  • if you have a large dog whose claws may puncture the high pressure airdeck floor.
  • if you will regularly have sharp objects on the floor of the boat.

What is the Warranty on my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

What is a Foldable inflatable boat ?

All SeaBright “foldables” are equipped with inflatable keels that when inflated stretch the hull into a nice tight “V” shape to provide tracking stability when towing, rowing, or when carving around corners with an outboard engine. The bottom of each tube and the bottom of the “V” have extra protection to provide extra durability.

All SeaBright foldables come equipped with either a high pressure airdeck floor or a sectional aluminum non-skid floor.

Advantages of a Foldable Inflatable Boat:
• Easy transportation because it can be folded and stored in carrying cases.
• Lighter than a RIB

 What is a RIB (Rigid Bottomed) inflatable boat ?

 PVC Vs. Hypalon Fabric - What is the difference?

There are 2 main types of fabric that 99% of the inflatable boats on the planet are made of. They are .... PVC, and Hypalon. At SeaBright Marine we sell both types of boats so you can be sure that we have the boat that is right for you. As is the case with most things there are Pros and Cons to both ....

PVC
Pro--significantly less expensive then Hypalon
Con-- won't last as long in the direct sunlight as Hypalon before it starts to break down (if left unprotected).
Con-- does not tolerate gasoline spills as well as Hypalon.

 How do I provide Proper Care for my SeaBright inflatable boat ?

Taking care of your SeaBright inflatable boat is easy.

During the Season:

• Keep your boat clean and free of debris and grime.
• Check the bottom regularly to make sure there is no excessive build up of marine life.

• UV Radiation is - The Number One Enemy of PVC Inflatable Boats
  • With this in mind, We recommend that you cover your boat when it will not be in use for extended periods of time. While we realize that it is not practical to cover your boat every time you get out of it, if the boat is not going to be used for several days it is advisable to cover it.
  • Temporary protection from the sun can also be achieved by applying AeroSpace 303 Protectant®. This product is very effective but must be re-applied periodically in order to maintain their effectiveness.
• Sunscreen - from the arms and legs of your passengers can be harmful to PVC fabric.
  • Care should be taken to ensure that sunscreen is washed off of the boat promptly. 
• Fuel Spills and Engine Exhaust - can damage the fabric of your Inflatable Boat.
  • Take care to clean up fuel spills promptly if they ocurr.
  • If using a davit system you should position your Inflatable Boat so that it will not be subjected directly to exhaust fumes.

End of Season:

• If you have a foldable inflatable boat remove your high pressure air floor or sectional aluminum floor. You will need to partially deflate the boat to get the floor out.
• Reinflate the boat without the floor installed.
• Wash your entire boat with warm soapy water or a boat wash product that is approved for use on the fabric that your boat is made from (PVC or Hypalon).
• Allow the boat and accessories to dry thoroughly.
• Store your boat in a dry location
• *** Notes***
  • It is not necessary to store the boat deflated. If space is not an issue it is perfectly fine to leave your boat inflated during off season.
  • Your boat should be clean and dry.
  • It is not necessary or store your boat in a heated area.
  • Make sure that your boat is not stored "wet", especially if it will be subjected to freezing conditions during storage. Freezing and thawing water can damage the seams of the boat.

*** CAUTION *** Never use "Armor All®" on your boat

• Never use any product that contains silicone on your inflatable boat, such as "Armor All®". Applying silicone to your boat will make it extremely difficult in the future to apply a patch to your inflatable boat should it ever need repair. Even years later it will be difficult to successfully apply a patch.
• Do not use any product on your inflatable boat that is not approved for use on the fabric that your boat is made from (PVC or Hypalon). When in doubt check with the product manufacturer to make sure that the product will not harm the fabric. Always make sure that the product does not contain silicone.

 What Products are safe for my SeaBright inflatable boat ?

CAUTION !!
DO NOT use any product that is not intended for use on PVC (or Rubber if you have a Hypalon boat).

If In doubt, call the support number that is listed on the product and ask the manufacturer.

Cleaning Your Boat
Good old fashioned soap and water is the safest (and most economical) way to clean regular dirt and grime.

For Heavy Duty cleaner, UV Protectant, and Bottom Coat ... please visit the "CARE & MAINTENANCE" section on our "ACCESSORIES" PAGE.