OWNER’S MANUAL
Kayak and sit-on-top features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Outfitting and adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Off the water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 On the water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Warranty & service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Welcome to your Islander adventure Islander kayaks are made for adventure; whether you plan to catch a few waves at the beach, explore hidden harbours and inlets, or pack up and head out to camp under the stars. Your ticket to a fun, safe and comfortable time on the water. Our award winning range of designs are British made with the peace of mind of a three year warranty.
1
Drain
bung
4
Stern
5
Hatch
9 8
Backrest
Security
bar
10
11
Seat
Cockpit
12
Thighbrace
17
Deck
18
Deck elastics
7
Buoyancy foam 20
Bow 21
2
Carry handle
Skeg 3
Skeg line
Kayak 1
2
3
4
5
4
Drain bung – used to empty the kayak of water when on land Skeg – a retractable blade at the stern of the kayak which helps to keep direction Skeg line – used to deploy and retract the skeg
6
Bulkhead +
6
Buoyancy
foam
14 13
Sidewall
Hull
Bulkhead – closed cell foam fitted to seal a storage compartment and to provide buoyancy
8
12
9
Buoyancy foam – closed cell foam fitted to provide buoyancy Security bar – an aluminium bar fixed with tamper proof bolts to help secure your kayak from theft
Seat – a shaped, padded seat
11
Cockpit – where you sit, surrounded by the cockpit rim
Chine
Rail
19
Footbrace
Thighbrace – padded section on the cockpit rim to rest your legs against and grip with Hull – the bottom of the kayak, the shape of which gives the kayak its paddling characteristics
14
Sidewall – the section of kayak between the hull and deck – provides lift and stability
15
Rail – the edge where the sidewall meets the deck
16
Chine – the edge where the hull meets the sidewall, helps with direction and turning
Backrest – attached to the seat
10
16 15
13 7
Stern – the rear of the kayak, behind the cockpit Hatch – a place to store gear inside the kayak – a moulded rubber hatch cover keeps water out
7
17
Deck – the top of the kayak
18
Deck elastics – pattern of elasticated rigging, useful for storing items on the move
19
Footbrace – adjustable pedals to brace your feet against
20
Bow – the front of the kayak, forward of the seat
21
Carry handles – at each end of the kayak for lifting and carrying
2
Drain bung
3
Stern 4
6
Tankwell
Backrest 7
8
D-rings
13
Scupper holes
15
Seat 14
Footbrace
Deck elastics
16
Deck
17
Hatch 18
Bow 19
1
Keel 5
Rod holder 11
Sit-on-top 1
2
Keel – a deep V feature in the hull of the kayak which keeps the kayak travelling in a straight line Drain bung – used to empty of any water trapped inside
3
Stern – the rear of the kayak, behind the seat
4
Tankwell – an open storage space behind the seat to place items to carry for the trip
9
Rod holder – standard on Islander fishing models, flush mount rear or adjustable front rod holders
Hull
10
Rail
Sidewall
12
6
Backrest – attached to the seat
11
Rail – the edge where the sidewall meets the deck
7
Seat – a shaped seat pan; some models have seat padding
1 2
Chine – the edge where the hull meets the sidewall, assists direction and turning
D-rings – stainless steel fixings for attaching accessories such as seats
13
Scupper holes – drainage holes in the floor of the kayak to allow water to drain away whilst paddling
8
9
5
Carry handle
10
Hull – the bottom of the kayak, the shape of which gives the kayak its paddling characteristics Sidewall – the section of kayak between the hull and deck – provides lift and stability
14
Footbrace – fixed or adjustable pedals for you to brace your feet against
15
Deck elastics – pattern of elasticated rigging, useful for storing items on the move
Chine
16
Deck – the top of the kayak
17
Hatch – a place to store gear inside the kayak – a moulded rubber hatch cover keeps water out
18
Bow – the front of the kayak, forward of the seat
1 9
Carry handles – at each end of the kayak for lifting and carrying
5
OUTFITTING
Kayak backrest Your strongest muscles are in your back, posterior and legs. Sitting upright with your back against the backrest and with your upper body leaning slightly forward will help you use those muscles when paddling. With a kayak cockpit, you can rest your legs against the side or put them underneath the cockpit rim if you want a little more control.
To tighten or loosen the backrest 1
Release the centre buckle
2
Slacken the straps that attach to the cockpit rim and seat base
3
Adjust the tension by sliding the centre strap webbing, adjust evenly each side
4
Re-fasten the centre buckle (note if tightened this may require some effort)
5
Re-tension the retaining straps so the backrest is held up securely 1 + 4
2
3
6
Universal backrest
5
OUTFITTING
Sit-on-top backrest Your sit-on-top backrest comes ready fitted. Just fold it back upright and adjust the side strap tensioners to get your preferred position. The backrest should help keep an upright sitting position, the bottom of the backrest should align with the back of the seat and the top sit straight up.
To reposition the backrest 1
Slacken the two side straps using the slider buckles
2
Use the lower back slider buckles to tension the base of the backrest
3
Use the upper back slider buckles to tighten, the backrest should now sit upright
4
Re-tension the side straps. Try sitting in the boat whilst doing this
5
To remove the backrest for transport or storage: loosen the side straps, undo the brass clips from the D-ring attachments and remove.
3 2
1 + 4
Surf backrest
Deluxe backrest
7
OUTFITTING
Footbrace
Skeg
Footbraces allow you to push with your feet, so you can really
Some Islander kayaks are fitted with a skeg. A skeg acts like fin
use your leg and back muscles too, making paddling easier and
in the water and helps to keep you tracking in a straight line if
helping stability. Your legs should be bent at the knee and your
you are fighting wind or current.
feet should sit heels inward and toes out towards the side.
SlideLock footbrace SlideLock footbraces are quick and easy to adjust from inside the boat. To adjust the pedal position, locate the adjusting lever below the pedal track and lift so that it slides. To increase your leg room, push the lever forward. To shorten, pull the lever back towards you. Once in position, drop the lever and push with your toes.
Moulded-in footbrace Moulded-in footbraces allow you to quickly choose the most comfortable position. Simply sit on the seat and extend your legs forward, with your knees bent, to find the right foot position for you.
8
Retractable skeg To drop the skeg, release the line and ball from its cleat. The ball is to the right of the cockpit at the end of the skeg line. To raise the skeg back up, pull on the ball and line and re-hook the line into the cleat.
OUTFITTING
Storage spaces For better balance, store heavier items towards the centre and bottom of the kayak, with lighter items on the top. It is a good idea to place your items in a waterproof drybag and keep items like your keys or phone on your person.
Rubber hatches
Tankwells
Rubber hatches feature an internal foam bulkhead inside the kayak to create a dry area. To access, peel back the rubber cover and access the storage area. To replace, lift and press the rubber lip back onto the hatch rim from one end to the other.
Sit-on-top tankwells are open areas, with securing elastics or straps to keep your stuff in place. Keep your kit in a crate or bag and attach them to the kayak with a lanyard or karabiner to help secure them in the event of a capsize.
Screw hatches Screw hatches screw open and close on a thread. Make sure that any retaining cords are out of the way when re-fastening.
Deck elastics Elasticated deck rigging is a good place to temporarily stow or secure items like your paddle or water bottle for quick access when you’re on the water.
9
OUTFITTING
Rod holders
Scuppers
Our fishing sit-on-tops are fitted with rear flush mount rod
With all the hatches in place, your sit-on-top kayak is a sealed
holders and a front adjustable mount rod holder.
unit and, if capsized, can be easily righted without filling with water. In order to clear your deck of water, drainage holes (scuppers) are moulded through the boat.
Rod holders
Scupper plugs
The pair of rear mounted flush rod holders will take a rod handle each for trolling or storing your rods out of the way while you paddle. The removable front mounted holder will hold a spinning rod and reel in various positions, easily retrievable from in-front of you.
The self bailing drainage holes in the floor of your sit-on-top can be closed off for a drier ride with a set of scupper plugs.
Drain plug You can drain away any water that might get into the hull of your sit-on-top whilst on dry land using the drain plug.
10
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Construction
Repair
We make kayaks to the highest standard at our UK factory.
Super Linear High Density Polyethylene is repairable, should you
Throughout the manufacturing process, we check the boats’
damage your kayak. Arrange to take it back to your local dealer
shape and colour. Each boat is tested for wall thickness and
or contact Islander kayaks directly. Make a note of the serial
material hardness using an ultrasonic gauge. The outfitting is
number of your boat, and a detailed description of the damage.
fitted and checked by experts, and the boats must pass a final
For a warranty repair a photograph of the damage is required
quality control approval before being packaged.
and a description of the incident during which the damage
The plastic we use is Super Linear High Density Polyethylene,
occurred.
which has excellent stiffness and UV resistance to retain its shape and withstand wear.
Distortion
Cleaning
Your plastic kayak will become more flexible on a hot, sunny day. Through improper storage or when strapped tightly to a roofrack, your boat can be bent out of shape. Leaving the boat
Usually, a quick rinse of fresh water is all that is necessary to
uncompressed in the warm sun is often all it takes for the plastic
keep your kayak clean and in good order. This is very important
to restore its shape.
after paddling in salt water, particularly for moving parts.
To prolong the life and appearance of your kayak, avoid dragging it across the ground. The best way to transport a kayak is by lifting and carrying it between two people, using the handles at each end.
11
OFF THE WATER
Storing your kayak
Transport
Ideally you should store your kayak indoors and out of direct
Your kayak is easily transported using a suitable roofrack
sunlight. To avoid distorting your hull It is best to keep the kayak
system (eg Thule) designed to carry kayaks. Kayaks can be
flat, upside down (with the deck down) and avoid points of
transported flat, with the hull down or on their side using upright
pressure – do not hang it from the end handles, stack anything
bars. Fasten your kayak securely using appropriate strapping.
on top of it or rest it across an edge.
Applying roof rack pads to the bars will help secure and protect the kayak. For longer kayaks, tether the front and back to your vehicle’s tow eyes to help stabilize the load and prevent lift. Avoid keeping the kayaks tied on roofracks for prolonged periods as this can distort the shape.
Padded upright bars
12
Cam straps
For kayaks longer than 3.5m, attach the bow and stern too.
Carrying a single kayak hull down
Carrying two or more kayaks with upright roof bars
ON THE WATER
Equipment Hopefully you’ll enjoy some great weather when out paddling, but conditions can change. To stay comfortable and safe you might need:
Paddle Having a correctly sized paddle, can make quite a difference to your experience. Most sit‑on-top and recreational kayakers find lengths between 210 and 220 cm are most comfortable and efficient.
Spraydeck This keeps rain, splashes or spray out of your kayak. Spraydecks are easy to get on and (more importantly) off, but you should seek advice on size and test it in a safe place before use.
Outerwear and thermal layers PFD Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD), or buoyancy aid. It can be a life saver and should be worn whenever you’re out on the water. Modern designs are comfortable and have useful features like pockets and reflective details for visibility.
Footwear Your feet will get wet and the water’s edge can be slippery. A water shoe or boot will improve your grip and protect your feet from sharp rocks or other debris.
As conditions can change, having waterproof and windproof clothing such as a paddling jacket, dry trousers or a neoprene longjohn can make the experience far more enjoyable.
Accessories Drybags keep your personal items dry and make transferring between land and water quick and easy. They can also be used to keep wet and dry gear separate. A paddle leash secures your paddle to the boat, or you, so it can’t blow away or drift off if you let it go. 13
ON THE WATER
Safety
DISCLAIMER: safety must be the foremost consideration in
Kayaks are great for exploring and having fun on the water and
assumes all risks and takes complete responsibility for any
can be enjoyed by all ages. Being buoyant and easily seen, they
and all damages, or injuries, including death, which may
are also safe watercraft. To make sure your experience is fun,
result from use of Islander kayaks.
any watersport activity. Any person using an Islander kayak
there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind: Do arrange some paddlesports instruction from an approved provider Do check the water conditions – especially tides,
Don’t exceed your ability – assess how far and long you can paddle, or swim Don’t paddle alone
currents or prevailing winds. Check for lifeguard flags if you’re on a beach Do tell someone where you are going and how long you are likely to be Do dress appropriately for the weather and conditions Do check your kayak before each use for signs of failure or wear Do make sure you can safely exit your kayak in an emergency 14
Don’t consume drugs or alcohol prior to paddling Don’t paddle in stormy or flood conditions Don’t allow children to use your kayak without supervision Don’t hinder your entry and exit to the kayak with additional outfitting or attachments
WARRANTY & SERVICE
Islander warranty The materials and craftsmanship that goes into each Islander
c
Kayaks damaged while in possession of a freight carrier, a dealer, Consumer, or any party other than Islander Kayaks
d
Kayaks damaged by accident, neglect, improper use or handling
service and sales departments are efficient in dealing with
e
Kayaks that have been towed by power or sail boats
claims, repairs or replacement of parts.
f
Kayaks designated as Prototypes
For your records we suggest you keep a copy alongside your
g
Kayaks sold as ‘demos’ or in ‘as is’ condition
h
Kayaks determined to have been used for any activity other than an activity which is customary for the product
i
Kayaks that have been structurally or dimensionally altered or modified
j
Kayaks used for commercial or rental purposes
kayak are second to none. That is why we are confident to back our products with a three year warranty. Of course, from time to time issues can arise and our customer
original receipt of purchase.
Islander Kayaks limited warranty: The Seller warrants in favour of the original retail purchaser (‘Consumer’) a three (3) year warranty against material or manufacturing defects in the hull and deck. Parts, accessories, and outfitting are warranted for a period of one year against material or manufacturing defects from the date of purchase. For Islander kayaks sold as ‘Graded’ as indicated on the Manufacturer’s Statement the Seller provides a limited warranty for two years for the hull and deck and one year for parts, accessories, and outfitting. This warranty is non‑transferable. The Seller shall not be liable to the Consumer in respect to: a
Normal wear and tear and aging of product
b
Kayaks damaged by extreme weather or environmental conditions
This limited warranty excludes all other warranties, expressed or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to islander Kayaks. Some state, country, or provincial laws do not allow the exclusion of certain implied warranties, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. This limited warranty excludes any incidental or consequential damages or expenses resulting from any defects. Palm’s aggregate liability shall be limited to an amount equal to Consumer’s original purchase price paid for the defective product.
15
WARRANTY & SERVICE
Service & support If you have a problem with your kayak that you believe is covered under warranty contact your nearest Islander kayaks stockist. You can find a list of stockists at islanderkayaks.com
Finding your serial number
Contact customer service:
The serial number is usually located near the stern (rear) of the
Tel : +44 (0) 1275 798100
boat, just below the line where the deck and sidewall meet. On
Fax : +44 (0) 1275 798110
most kayaks it is a number engraved in an indentation.
E-mail : customerservice@islanderkayaks.com Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 GMT Islander Kayaks Kenn Business Park, Kenn Road Clevedon, Somerset BS21 6TH United Kingdom www.islanderkayaks.com
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WARRANTY & SERVICE
Notes
Affix your receipt here for safe‑keeping
My serial number __________________________________________ Kayak model name ________________________________________ Kayak colour _______________________________________________ Bought from _______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Telephone __________________________________________________
Islander Kayaks Kenn Business Park, Kenn Road Clevedon, Somerset BS21 6TH United Kingdom islanderkayaks.com
11508 Š 2018 Islander Kayaks