Congratulations on your purchase of one of the finest crafts available today!
The kayak you just purchased has been built with the soundest materials and meets the industry’s highest standards of quality. Kayaks are
wonderful tools for recreation, exploration and fitness. We’ve included this manual with your kayak to help answer any initial questions you may
have and to help you insure years of trouble-free use. Although this Owner’s Manual is a great way to get an overview of kayakaing, it’s not a
substitute for lessons from a qualified instructor. As with many activities the more you know, the more fun you have. So take the time to read
through this manual and hang on to it for referral later on.
Register your kayak
Fill out and mail your Warranty Registration form. Make a
note of your serial number (engraved at the back of your kayak) on
your original receipt, as you will need this information in the unlikely event of a
warranty or insurance claim.
Maintenance
We’ve put a lot of time and thought into providing you with a quality kayak and we stand behind our product 100%. By reading your kayak’s
warranty agreement and following these few simple maintenance steps, you should have years of problem-free fun:
Transportation
When transporting your kayak, take care to avoid potential damage or distortion to the hull. A good rack system allows you to
transport your kayak on the top of your vehicle safely and securely. Especially if your kayak is constructed out of a composite material you will
want to add some foam padding to your roof rack or invest in a padded kayak cradle. Remember... damage caused by kayaks flying off car roof
tops or deformations caused during transport are not covered by the warranty.
To avoid loss or damage, remove all accessories before transporting the kayak.
For your safety and to avoid unnecessary scratches on your car, all but the
shortest boats should be car-topped by two people, placing the kayak on a quality
roof rack. Practice common sense lifting techniques, using your legs, not your back
to raise the kayak onto the rack.
Once the kayak is on the roof rack, hull side down or on it’s side, use a pair of
straps or ropes to secure the midsection of the kayak to the roof rack, taking
care not to overtighten.
Each end of the kayak should be tied to the bumpers of the vehicle. However,
be careful not to cinch down these bow and stern lines too tightly as that will
increase the likelihood of hull warpage.
Also to avoid hull deformation, do not leave the boat tied to the vehicle for an extended
period or in the hot sun.
If your kayak extends more than 3.5 feet (1 meter) behind your vehicle attach a red flag to the hanging
extremities to alert fellow motorists and pedestrians.
To transport multiple kayaks, use a stacking bar and appropriate padding, placing each kayak on it’s side,
with hull against hull to prevent deformation.
After a long day on the water, DON’T FORGET YOUR KAYAK IS STRAPPED ON THE ROOF. You do not want to drive into the garage with it still
on the rack. It may sound strange... but it happens.
Repair
Your kayak’s hull and outfitting are built to withstand the strains of kayaking, but occasionally the stresses of the paddling environment
may necessitate a repair. In the case of a break or a defect in your kayak on the water, you should carry in your dry bag a roll of duct tape.
Afterwards, for everything from simple repairs to hull replacement contact your retailer. With their knowledge of techniques and access to
replacement parts your kayak will be as good as new in no time.
Storage
For long term storage and to prevent hull deformation, your kayak should be kept on it’s side, preferably on a padded rack. Take care to
protect it from long term exposure to the sun or extreme heat, which can contribute to degrade hull material and cause permanent
deformation. You may also want to cover the cockpit to guard against dust and debris. Always make sure that your kayak is dry before winter
storage, and leaving the drain plug open will provide better ventilation.
Be careful when setting your kayak down on rough or hard surfaces.
Always try to slide in and off a sandy beach. Never place your kayak on a surface that may cut or push inward the hull during entry.
Regularly inspect the hull and outfitting (seat, thigh braces, backband, footbrace) of your kayak to insure their condition and tighten
screws if necessary.
Pay specific attention to the grab handles of your kayak, making sure they do not become loose or damaged.
Take care to protect your kayak from long term exposure to the sun or extreme heat, which can contribute to weakening of the plastic/
composite and cause hull deformations. Ask your dealer about products designed specifically to protect your kayak against the sun.
Rinse your kayak well with fresh water to help get rid of sand or salt that can effect the performance of movable parts and gradually wear
the hull.
Never leave salt water inside a composite kayak as it will not dry out. The kayak may absorb the water and become heavier.
To maintain your dual density hatch covers, clean them regularly and apply a bit of silicone lube on the rim, so they remain easy to take
off and put back on.
For hatches with neoprene seals, make sure you rinse the neoprene seal and hatch rim from any sand or salt and inspect seal regularly to
detect any damage.
