SUPER PUMA FOAM PIECES:
One 17” x 110” x 2” TOP piece
One 21.5” x 55” x 2” MIDDLE piece
Two 28” x 62” x 2” BOTTOM pieces (tapered)
LACING IN THE RAFT FLOOR
The ends of the lacing ropes need to be heated enough to stiffen about 3-4
inches of rope for ease of threading the rope through the lacing loops (this can be
done by using a butane torch, stove, matches, or lighter). THE ROPES SHOULD BE
SOAKED IN SOAPY WATER FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES BEFORE LACING TO RE-
DUCE FRICTION. The boat should be upside down and inflated to soft pressure, just
enough to hold shape. The thwarts can be inflated and placed between the collar to
support the floor while lacing. If lacing the PUMA or SUPER PUMA with Foam Floors,
it is easier to lace the floor without the foam installed. Determine which end of the boat
to locate the floor valve (the E series rafts will have the floor valve in the bow), then
center the floor pocket on the partially inflated collar.
The starting point for the lacing is optional, but it is paramount that the floor
pocket is correctly aligned with the collar. This can be checked by matching the angle
changes of the floor pocket perimeter with the welded seams of the collar at the bow
and stern of the raft. Pick a starting point on either side.
Begin by tying a knot in the center of one of the ropes, this prevents the rope
from being pulled completely through the initial lace loop when snugging up the rope.
Alternate threading the rope through floor and collar lace loops. The pattern should
be every other lace loop on both the floor and the collar. Snug the rope up every 4 or
5 lace loops.
WHEN PULLING THE SLACK TIGHT, ONLY PULL PARALLEL WITH
THE LACE LOOPS, NEVER AT AN ANGLE!! THE ROPE MAY CUT AND DAMAGE
THE LACE LOOP
. The rope should be laced only as far as half of the distance around
the collar. Now remove the knot where the lacing was begun and continue the same
alternating pattern in the opposite direction. Pull all of the slack out of the ropes and
tie a series of half hitches to secure the ropes. The ends of the rope can be melted
together to secure the knot. Stuff the knotted end back through the lacing so it will not
be exposed on the bottom of the raft.
The complete process is then repeated for the remaining rope and lace loops.
Depending on the amount of use, it is recommended to tighten the lacing periodically.
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