patch over the hole or tear, and press together. If the glue is too dry, dampen with a
small amount of cleaner. Let the glue cure at least one hour before inflating (overnight
if possible). Do not inflate to full pressure on the same day of the repair. We recom-
mend that you replace your repair kit glue every year.
ULTIMATE REPAIR
The ultimate repair kit for any AIREcraft is an extra AIRECELL.
AIRECELL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AIRE craft are constructed with a unique AIRECELL system comprised of a du-
rable inner tube (AIRECELL) surrounded by a tough PVC outer shell. These instruc-
tions will not only help you install AIRECELLS, but will also increase your understand-
ing of the AIRECELL system.
THE BULKHEAD
On most repairs, the AIRECELL does not need to be removed
. When the
AIRECELL does have to be removed, the valve has to be loosened. This is easiest
when the tube is at operating pressure if possible (If the tube cannot be on pressure,
see below). First remove the lanyard and valve cap from the locking ring (top part of
the valve.) The notched valve wrench (included in the repair kit) will seat more se-
curely with the lanyard removed. This is done by lifting the wide part of the lanyard
over a flange and rotating in the direction which the lanyard is pointing. (To reattach
the lanyard, slip part of the lanyard under a flange and rotate in the direction of the
lanyard.) Now turn the lock ring counterclockwise to loosen and remove from the
valve. If not already open, now open the valve to release all of the air in the tube.
Access the valve base by unzipping the PVC skin. Make sure the zipper is clean by
using soapy water, removing crud/dirt, to allow the cars to glide more easily. If neces-
sary, hold the base (through the AIRECELL and valve boot) with one hand while
unthreading the lock ring with the other. The valve will be loose in the AIRECELL when
unthreaded. If it falls out of position, work it back into position by reaching through the
valve opening with your fingers.
If the tube cannot be put on pressure to loosen the valve, access the valve base
by unzipping the PVC skin. Firmly grasp the valve base (through the AIRECELL and
valve boot) with one hand while wrenching the lock ring in a counter clockwise direc-
tion with your other hand.
The AIRECELLS of most of the kayaks and all of the catarafts will be held in
place with tip loops at the bow and stern of the tubes. Slide the tips of the AIRECELL
through the loops and pull the AIRECELL out. On the raft models, an AIRECELL is
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