easier to replace if the bulkhead(s) and valve retention strip(s) are removed from the
inside of the outer shell. This will require undoing the Velcro tabs that secure the
bulkhead and valve retention strips in place.
Again, most repairs do not require
unzipping the AIRECELL or the disassembly of the bulkhead.
When the AIRECELL
is to be removed, locate the bulkhead end(s) of the AIRECELL. The locations of up to
four (4) bulkheads on the rafts will be found at approximately the midway point be-
tween the inflation valves. On the catarafts, the bulkhead location will be found at the
center of the length of the tube. On the bulkhead assembly there are four (4) plastic
ties on the zipper ends. Cut only the two ties that connect the AIRECELL to be re-
placed. The zipper can now be pulled apart to separate the AIRECELL from the
bulkhead assembly.
To reassemble the bulkhead, start by inverting the AIRECELL into itself at the
bulkhead end of the AIRECELL. Place the AIRECELL and the bulkhead zipper to
zipper. Using the spare zipper car from the repair kit, start the car on the AIRECELL
zipper, leaving about a half an inch of zipper sticking out of the back of the zipper car.
Feed the corresponding zipper of the bulkhead onto the zipper car, and using the 1/2"
tail to pull on, start closing the zippers together. (The AIRECELLS should be aligned—
seam matching seam—if not, remove the zipper car and adjust by staggering the two
sides of the zipper to shift it into place). A plastic tie should be attached now, to keep
the ends of the zipper from separating. Snip the plastic tie with scissors so as to make
a point which can be pushed through the zipper tapes. After cinching tight and clip-
ping off the excess, heat the clipped tie end with a flame, just enough to round over
any sharp points (DO NOT GET FLAME NEAR THE AIRECELL). Feed the zipper car
around the remaining tape, but place another tie on the zipper before removing the
zipper car. The car can be taken off by following the tape to its end. Be sure to remove
the zipper car completely. If left inside the tube, it could wear a hole in the AIRECELL.
Reattach the bulkhead(s) and valve retention strip(s) to the collar paying atten-
tion to the alignment of the AIRECELL and the valve in relation to the zipper. Reattach
the Velcro tabs to secure the bulkhead(s) and valve retention strip(s) in place.
THE VALVES
The
LEAFIELD C-7
(Low profile) valve has a free floating base inside the
AIRECELL. When reassembling the valve, wrap the threads of the valve using Teflon
tape . Looking at the base of the valve you will be wrapping (at least five times) in a
clock-wise direction making sure to cover the threads completely. Then push the male/
threaded part of the valve through the valve hole opening in the PVC shell. Next place
a bead of GOOP around the protruding valve, keeping the GOOP about 1/4” away
– 15 –
