Inflation Instructions; Using The Boat; Storage Of The Boat - Gumotex BARAKA Manuel De L'utilisateur

17 tube handle
18 anchor rope
19 drain sleeve
ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED WITH THE CANOE:
Transport bag, compression strap for the compression
of the folded canoe, User's Manual with warranty card,
foam sponge, gluing kit containing the glue, patches, valve
adapter, spare screw with plastic nut for the fixation of the
seat, metal key for valves.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Expedition transport bag with backpack system.

3. Inflation Instructions

Unfold the boat. Fasten the seats and fixation belts by means
of the screws and plastic nuts – see details A, B. Lace the rein-
forcement drum by means of the rope – it is especially suita-
ble when riding wild water. The air chambers shall be inflated
in the following order: side drums (1), bottom (2). For the in-
flation it is favourable to use a foot pump or piston pump with
using the valve adapter – see Fig. 2b (the adapter is a part of
the gluing kit). Before the start of inflating, check the condition
of the valves. Tighten the valves with the assembly key - see
Fig. 2c. Set the valves to the Closed position. For the way of
operating of the valve see Fig. 2. Inflate the air chambers until
they are firm but not completely stiff. The air chambers should
provide a feeling comparable to squeezing a ripe orange. You
can check the exact operating pressure by using a suitable
pressure gauge (optional accessory) – see Figure 2a.
CAUTION
The maximum operational pressure in air chambers is
0.02 MPa. If the ambient temperature increases (e.g. owing
to sunlight), the pressure in the air chambers of the canoe
can rise rapidly. We recommend releasing some air from all
air chambers of the canoe after pulling it out of the water.
This will prevent possible destruction of the air chambers.
However, do not forget to continuously check air pressure in
the chambers afterwards, too. A corresponding reduction
in operating pressure is up to 20 % within 24 hours.
ATTENTION
When using the boat, always seal the valves with their val-
ve caps. This will keep dirt out of the valves. Dirt cancause
leaky valve seals.

4. Using the Boat

The BARAKA canoe is a two-seat inflatable canoe with selfd-
raining bottom.
Whenever the canoe is used on waterways, Waterway Traffic
Rules should be observed. Operation of the BARAKA inflatable
canoe does not require any licence provided the people who
operate the canoe know the techniques of small boat opera-
tion within the scope necessary for its operation, as well as the
valid navigation rules of the particular country.
The design of the canoe enables it to be used it on wild waters
up to Difficulty Grade WW 4, for water-based tourism activi-
ties on calm rivers and lakes, and expeditions requiring lots of
baggage. This is only a recommended use, it always depends
on the specific abilities of the user! The canoe's advantages
are good stability, manoeuvrability, space-saving design,
easy transport and long lifetime.
The canoe is propelled by 2 paddlers sitting on the seats. The
seats are adjustable in the longitudinal direction according to
the paddlers' needs and the distribution of baggage in the ca-
noe. The central reinforcing cylinder can be used as a seat for
a child. All people in the boat must wear flotation life-jackets.
Use canoe paddles.
When using the canoe on wild water, the paddlers kneel,
supported by the seats; their thighs are fixed by thigh-straps
laced through the fixtures on the bottom at the appropriate
distance from the seat. The fixing straps are equipped with
a safety clip that enables safe abandonment of an overturned
canoe.
The drainage sleeve (19) in the rear part of the bottom secures
water drainage upon canoe flooding in rapids. Roll the drain-
age sleeve into the boat during boating.
The manufacturer recommends using the boat in sufficient
water condition (see Control table - draught).
CAUTION
• It is necessary to sufficiently practise undoing the
safety clip and abandoning an overturned canoe on
calm waters in advance!
• Prior to every use of the boat, check whether it is ne-
cessary to observe any special regulations, restric-
tions or rules connected with the river, surface of wa-
ter or area in which you aim to operate.
CAUTION
The boat is not intended for towing a motor boat, it must
not be slipped or otherwise excessively stressed. In case of
emergency, use the handle to at bow of the boat to tow.
Sharp edged or pointed items carried in the canoe should
be safely wrapped.
Place all valuables in a waterproof container and fasten
it to the canoe.
Over time, sunlight adversely affects the rubber coating of
the canoe; therefore, it is recommended to place the ca-
noe in the shade after every use.
CAUTION
• On large surfaces of water (seas or lakes), pay atten-
tion to water currents and off-shore breezes. Cu-
rrents and breezes may make it impossible to return
to shore.
• The BARAKA canoe should not be used in challenging
conditions, such as in decreased visibility (night, fog
or rain).
Characteristics of Difficulty Grade WW 4 – Very Difficult:
• Big rapids, waves, pillows, whirlpools and strong blockage;
inspection of the river sections to be tackled is recommen-
ded.
CAUTION
Pay extra attention to your choice of flotation life-jacket.
The flotation life-jacket should have a tag bearing details
of its flotation capabilities and safety certification.
5. Storage of the Boat – see Fig. 3
Prior to folding the canoe, clean and dry it. By pressing down
on the valve-stems and turning them, you open the valves
and release the air from all chambers. Deflation may be
hastened by rolling up the canoe in the direction of the val-
ves or by exhausting the air. Unlace the reinforcement drum.
Dismantle the seats and put the screws and nuts in the mesh
bag. Put the fixation belts, elastic loops with ball and ropes
for the reinforcement drum in the second net bag. No sharp
objects should remain in the canoe.
Lay out the deflated canoe on a clean surface and straighten
all its parts. Fold the sidewall cylinder lengthwise to overlap
the seal of the bottom by approx. 10 cm. Then fold the cy-
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