Inflation Instructions; Using The Boat - Gumotex SOLAR Manuel De L'utilisateur

3. Inflation Instructions

Unfold and spread out the kayak. If you are going to use the
tracking fin, plug it into the bottom bracket (21). Prior to as-
sembly, inflate both seats and footrests. The method for us-
ing the valve (22) is shown in Figure 2.
The SOLAR kayak can be used in its single, double and triple
version – Refer to Figure 1.
Single version:
Fasten the inflatable seat (7) in the bottom bracket (16).
Thread the seat backrest straps (19) through the D-rings (18)
on the side barrels. Thread the strap ends through the plastic
seat buckle (23) – Refer to Detail A.
Fasten the rear footrest (9) in the bracket (15). Thread the
footrest strap through the plastic buckle in the bottom and
tighten it. For correct threading of the strap through the
buckle, refer to Detail B.
Double version:
Fasten the front inflatable seat (7) in the bottom bracket (15).
Fasten the rear inflatable seat (7) in the bottom bracket (16).
Thread the seat backrest straps (19) through the D-rings (18)
on the side barrels. Thread the strap ends through the plastic
seat buckle (23) – Refer to Detail A.
Fasten the front footrest (8) in the bottom bracket (17) under
the front board. Fasten the rear footrest (9) in the bottom
bracket (15). Thread the footrest strap through the plastic
buckle in the bottom and tighten it.
Triple version:
Fasten the front footrest (7) in the bottom bracket (15). Fas-
ten the central and rear seats (7) in the bottom bracket (16).
Thread the seat backrest straps (19) through the D-rings (18)
on the side barrels. Thread the strap ends through the seat
plastic buckle (23) – Refer to Detail A.
Fasten the front footrest (8) under the front board in the bot-
tom bracket (17). Thread the footrest strap through the plas-
tic buckle in the bottom and tighten it.
The oval-shaped fixture (15) has several positions for fix-
ing the foot-rest (9). The positions are numbered and cor-
respond to different heights of paddlers. Position No. 1 cor-
responds to a body height of (150–160) cm, Position No. 2
corresponds to a body height of (160–170) cm, Position No.
3 corresponds to a body height of (170–180) cm and Position
No. 4 corresponds to a body height exceeding 180 cm.
Lace the foot-rest's fastening strap (9) through the holes in
the foot-rest fixture (15) on the bottom. Proceed from the
chosen position number through all the holes up to the plas-
tic buckle on the end of the fixture; lace the end of the fas-
tening strap through the buckle and tighten it – see Detail B.
Inflate the air chambers in the following order: sidewall cyl-
inders (1) and the bottom (2).
A foot pump or piston pump with a valve adapter is the best
way of inflating the craft (the valve adapter is included in the
gluing set) – see Picture 2b. Prior to inflating the kayak, check
the valves. Tighten the valves with the assembly key - see Fig.
2c. Set the valves to the closed position. For how to use the
valves – see Picture 2.
Inflate the air chambers until they are firm but not complete-
ly stiff. The air chambers should provide a feeling compa-
rable to squeezing a ripe orange. You can check the exact
operating pressure by using a suitable pressure gauge (op-
tional accessory) – see Figure 2a.
ATTENTION
The maximum operational pressure in air chambers is
0.02 MPa. If the ambient temperature increases (e.g. ow-
ing to sunlight), the pressure in the air chambers of the
boat can rise rapidly. We recommend releasing some air
from all air chambers of the boat 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 corre-
sponding reduction in operating pressure is up to 20 %
within 24 hours.
ATTENTION
When using the boat, always seal the valves with their
valve caps. This will keep dirt out of the valves. Dirt can-
cause leaky valve seals.

4. Using the Boat

The SOLAR kayak is designed for recreational use and water
tourism.
Whenever the kayak is used on waterways, Waterway Traffic
Rules should be observed. Operation of the SOLAR a inflat-
able kayak does not require any licence provided the people
who operate the kayak know the techniques of small boat
operation within the scope necessary for its operation, as
well as the valid navigation rules of the particular country.
The SOLAR kayak can be used on still or gently flowing wa-
ters up to Difficulty Grade WW 2. This is only a recommended
use, it always depends on the specific abilities of the user!
Use double-bladed kayak paddles with a length of approx.
210 cm. People travelling in the kayak should sit in their seats
and wear flotation life-jackets.
The manufacturer recommends using the boat in sufficient
water condition (see Control table - draught).
ATTENTION
Prior to every use of the boat, check whether it is neces-
sary to observe any special regulations, restrictions or
rules connected with the river, surface of water or area in
which you aim to operate.
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 and pointed items carried in the boat must
be safely wrapped.
Place all valuables into a waterproof container and fas-
ten it to the boat.
Over time, sunlight adversely affects the rubber coating
of the boat; therefore, it is advisable to store the boat in
shade each time after use.
CAUTION:
• On large surfaces of water (seas, lakes) pay atten-
tion to water currents and off-shore breezes. Cur-
rents and breezes may make it impossible to return
to shore.
• The SOLAR kayak should not be used in poor condi-
tions, such as In reduced visibility (night, fog, rain).
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