FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions)

Seacycle and Water Bike

 
"The fact that Seacycle combines being on the water, cycling and a workout is a dream come true" 

"The golden hour I spend on my Water Bike inevitably washes away the day's tensions." 

Comments from happy owners

Seacycle and Water Bike are the answer to ultimate human powered transportation on the water. Whether you want an exercise workout, a boat tender for larger boats, an outstanding fishing experience or just plain fun and recreation.....they are the solution.  Used around the world by personal owners or subjected to daily rental use by professional hirers, resorts, hotels and the like, Seacycle and Water Bike are built to take rugged use.

Q.  What is the main difference between Seacycle and Water Bike?
A.  Water Bike is for solo use by one rider only.  Seacycle is larger and can carry up to four passengers. Water Bike also comes with removable arm action handles, allowing a full aerobic work out on the water.

Q.  How easy are Seacycle and Water Bike to put together?
A.  Seacycle assembles with no tools in 10 – 20 minutes.

     Water Bike assembles with no tools in 5 - 10 minutes.

Q.  How fast will they go?
A.  The record is 21.7 kmph.  An average rider in good shape can easily top 15 kmph the first time. Riders report effortless cruising at 8 – 12 kmph on both models.

Q.  How far can you travel on Seacycle and Water Bike?
A.  They have crossed the English Channel and the Gulf Stream. Both models have travelled 1750 kilometres from Seattle WA to Juneau AK. Effortlessly cruise up to 80 kilometres in one day.

Q.  What about rough water?
A.  Rental operations in Maui launch them into 3 foot surf every day. Suggested ocean cruising is in waves of 4 feet or less.  Their low wind resistance handles wind up to 40 kmph.

Q.  How do they Steer?
A.  Seacycle has a hand controlled rudder.

     Water Bike is hands-free and has articulated aft pontoons (rear sections pivot) that are attached to the seat.  A mere shift of your weight changes direction.  Outstanding for fishing.  Turns just like riding a bicycle

Q.  What about a "Fitness Workout"?
A.  Analysis shows that a 70kg person will burn about 700 calories an hour at the 65% target heart rate. User comments have stated  "The alternative to boring routine exercise".  Water Bike can provide a "Full Body Workout".

Q.  How does Water Bike measure up for Fishing?
A.  Fishermen love it. The Outdoor Sportsman Model is well equipped for fishing. The hands-free steering makes it easy to land the "big one".  One avid fisherman stated " I have caught fish over 15kg on my Water Bike.  I am no exercise nut, but the workout hasn't hurt this beer bellied fisherman one bit."

Q.  How durable are they?
A.  Years of gruelling testing by rental operators using Seacycle and Water Bike up to 2000 hours per year has resulted in the uniquely durable drive unit. The drive unit is sealed and has an oil filled sump for positive lubrication. Maintenance requirements are virtually nil.  The drive units lock in place, yet kick up if you strike a submerged object or upon contact during a shore landing.

Q.  What about Maintenance?
A.   Maintenance requirements are virtually nil. The oil bath within the sealed drive housing provides continuous lubrication for all moving parts. Rental operations has proven that a check of the fasteners and drive tension every 10 hours of operation is all that is generally required.

Q.  Do they hold up to rental use and what kind of return can be made?
A.  Proven in over 40 countries worldwide in rental operations.  Various rental fleets report payback of purchase price in less than 90 days. Hawaiian operators report revenues up to US$5,000 per unit per month. Ritz Carlton, Hyatt Regency, Sandals, Marriot, KOA and many other resorts and hotels near salt and fresh water have proven the fun and durability of Seacycle and Water Bike.

Q.  What about salt water?
A.  Thousands of rental units are used in salt water operations ranging from Fiji to Monte Carlo reporting no problems. The manufacturer, Meyers Boats guarantee durability even in the Great Salt Lake in Utah.

Q.  How do they function as a boat tender for larger boats?
A.  Both Seacycle and Water Bike have optional Tender Lift Kits, which allow a 4 point pickup for hoisting aboard larger boats. You can option Seacycle Twin in a variety of configurations:  Maximize passengers up to 4 riders; maximize gear transport by up to 2 baskets.  Mix or match configurations by adding extra interchangeable options of seats, baskets and canopy. 

Q.  What are the colours?
A.  Seacycle is available in yellow only.
     Water Bike Standard is yellow.
     Water Bike outdoor sportsman is teal green.
     Water Bike has a single colour; not two part as shown on some old photos.
     Aluminium parts on all models are anodised black in colour.

 
Q.  How do they compare to other bicycle-style pedal craft?
A.  The Main differences are:

        1.  High Quality
        2.  Industrial Grade, even for rental operations
        3.  Steering is easier
        4.  Comfortable seats - for all day use.
             - some others have only uncomfortable bike seats
        5.  Modular design – no Seacycle part over 18.7kg or Water Bike part over 9.2kg
        6.  Faster - up to 21.5kmph possible
        7.  Rugged chain drive in oil sump
             - some have belt drives that slip or harder to pedal direct drive
        8.  Water Bike also designed for Aerobic Exercise - both arm and leg action
             - others only pedal

Q.  I want to transport my Seacycle; how can I?
A.  Both Seacycle and Water Bike disassemble completely in minutes.  You can car-top the components on a roof rack like a kayak or canoe.  Seacycle has no part weighing more than 18.7kg. Water Bike has no part weighing more than 9.2kg. The Water Bike Outdoor Sportsman  can be easily transported to those out of the way fishing holes and locations.

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