Pelican BLOW-MOLDED KAYAK Manual

Table of Contents

Contents

1 YOUR NEW KAYAK
2 GETTING STARTED
3 Care and Maintenance
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
5 Documents / Resources
- 5.1 References
- 5.2 Download manual

YOUR NEW KAYAK

Take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the key components of your kayak.
Overview
NOTE
Some model may be equipped with more or less components.

EVERYONE USING THIS KAYAK MUST READ WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION VERY CAREFULLY.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

Provides useful tips and suggestions to make better use of your kayak.

GETTING STARTED

MATERIALS/MANUFACTURING

All blow-molded Pelican kayaks are made of high-density polyethylene.
Your kayak is made of RAM-XS^TM. Its great flexibility offers exceptional shock resistance. This flexibility increases with heat or with the craft's prolonged exposure to the sun but may also slightly warp the hull. The warping disappears when the hull cools and never affects the craft's performance.
RAM-XS^TM is a superior material derived from RAM-X^TM, a material developed and registered in 1978. These type of materials became the benchmark of quality in the industry thanks to their shock resistance and ability to regain their initial shape following an impact. Widely hailed by consumers, RAM-XS^TM is a step above other materials used in the industry.

TRANSPORTATION

You can transport your kayak with the carrying handles located at the front, rear or center. Do not use the handles to fasten your kayak to your vehicle.

BY HAND: Carry the kayak by using the carrying handles. If necessary, use a transport cart to help you with the transport.
BY VEHICLE: We recommend using a car top carrier to transport your kayak by vehicle. Remove all accessories and put them into the vehicle before leaving to avoid damaging or losing them. Tie down the kayak firmly on the vehicle or the trailer. DO NOT overtighten the straps as this may result in pressure dings. Use padded straps instead of non-padded nylon.
STRAPS: Make sure that your kayak is properly fastened on the roof of your vehicle or on the trailer before starting your vehicle. Stop shortly after starting your trip to double check that your kayak is still properly fastened and that it has not moved. Always remember to regularly check the straps to ensure they do not lose tension after getting wet if you are traveling in bad weather.

PRELAUNCH CHECKLIST

Always wear a proper personal flotation device (PFD).
Always have an emergency safety kit on hand as required by applicable laws (whistle, etc.)
Ensure to remove the hardware used to attach the kayak during transport. Ensure the drain plug is firmly in place.
Ensure the length of your paddle is properly adjusted for your height.

LAUNCHING YOUR KAYAK

To board your kayak, put your foot in the center of the kayak to ensure it remains stable.

MOORING/DOCKING

ALWAYS moor the kayak away from rocks and sharp objects.
ALWAYS moor in sufficiently deep water to avoid damaging the hull.
NEVER moor the kayak against a dock that is not equipped with hull-protecting bumpers.

Please note that the storage hatches on your kayak are not waterproof. All water-sensitive items must be properly protected.

Care and Maintenance

HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOUR KAYAK

Limit exposure of your kayak to direct sunlight. While in use, water flowing over the deck helps regulate surface temperature. However, when dry, the heat absorption effect is amplified if directly exposed to sunlight.

Inspect your kayak for dings and cracks before and after each use.
Minor abrasions, dents, wearing off and scratches are normal and will not impact your kayak's performance.
Store your kayak in a well-ventilated and shaded area when not in use. Your kayak can be damaged if it is exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time.

HOW CAN YOU MAINTAIN YOUR KAYAK

DO NOT USE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS OR ABRASIVES.

The best way to clean your kayak is by using a mixture of mild soap and warm water. We also recommend rinsing it with fresh water after each use to remove sand and saltwater deposits. Clean your kayak regularly to keep it looking like new. Some chemical substances contained in cleaning products and sunscreen lotions are likely to damage the finish of your kayak. Do not remove the foam blocks you find inside most Pelican kayaks as they are there for extra flotation.
Never try to paint your kayak. Paint will not adhere to the hull.
Caution must be used if you decide to use a pressure washer to clean your kayak.
Never use the pressure washer on the deck of your kayak as it could damage accessories and stickers.
Only use a pressure washer on the hull below the water line.
Always use widest setting on the jet spray.

HOW CAN YOU STORE YOUR KAYAK FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME

Clean your kayak.
Remove tight straps or ropes from the hull as this can deform your kayak over time.
Remove the drain plug and leave it out as this will regulate the air pressure inside the kayak. Place the kayak in an upright position (on its stern) to empty water that has accumulated as a result of condensation or seepage.
Store your kayak in a well-ventilated and shaded area. Direct sunlight for an extended period of time can damage it. Do not store your kayak in a bag or tarp for extended periods of time. Prolonged storage of a wet kayak in a wet bag or tarp may cause mold and osmotic blisters. Bags and tarps also collect heat and can potentially overheat your kayak.
Place your kayak on a flat surface. Avoid placing it on sawhorses for an extended period of time. Avoid placing it close to a heat source (e.g., stove, radiator, etc.) or hanging it by its carrying handles as this could deform the hull over time. Cover it with a cockpit cover if you store it outdoors.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Paddle sports can be dangerous and physically demanding. Read the following information carefully before using your kayak. Failure to follow these warnings and precautions could result in serious injury or death. When using a Pelican kayak, you are personally responsible to determine if you have the required skill level to handle the different water and wind conditions. You should use your best judgment as to when and where to use your kayak. All users of a Pelican kayak agree to assume all risks and accept all responsibilities for any damage or injury, including death, which may result from using or handling a kayak. We strongly recommend taking a course with an experienced kayaking instructor on proper paddling techniques, boating security and first aid before handling and using your kayak.

WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WATER LEVELS
Check weather conditions and water levels before heading out. Never use your kayak when weather or water conditions (wind, heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, choppy water or strong currents) can impact your ability to steer your kayak. Head to shore as soon as possible if you are already on the water.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)
Always wear a Coast Guard and/or government approved personal floating device (PFD). Before you start paddling, read the manufacturer's documentation about your PFD and familiarize yourself with how to properly wear it.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Never use or consume alcohol, drugs or any other mind altering substance that may affect your coordination, judgment or ability to safely and securely operate your kayak.
SOUND-SIGNALLING DEVICE
Always have a sound-signalling device with you. The Coast Guard (or other government bodies) requires that boaters be equipped with a sound-signalling device to alert other vessels to their presence. Attach it to your PFD if possible.
STANDING UP IN THE KAYAK
Never stand up in your kayak unless if it is specified in the features that you can stand up in it. Standing up may cause it to capsize. If it capsizes, we recommend staying with your kayak as it is far more dangerous to attempt to swim to shore.
ABILITY
Know your limits. Consult your physician before beginning your kayak training. Realistically assess your physical condition to determine how far and how long you can paddle or swim. If unsure, start your trip by paddling against the current so the return trip with the current is easier.
HYPOTHERMIA
Dress properly for weather conditions and wear a wetsuit if necessary. Kayak accidents in cold water are very dangerous. The loss of body heat due to immersion in cold water (hypothermia) can be fatal. Survival time in cold water can be as little as 15 to 20 minutes.
BE ACCOMPANIED
Always paddle with someone. It is preferable to be accompanied in case of an emergency or accident. You should also be aware of the level of physical ability and medical conditions of people paddling with you. Always let someone know about your plan to go paddling, including your destination, how long you will be gone, and how many people will be with you.
ALWAYS FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE BODY OF WATER YOU INTEND TO NAVIGATE
Scout unfamiliar water. Find out when boating is permitted, if there are any known hazardous conditions and where to get help quickly in the case of an emergency or accident. Check tidal changes and currents specific to your location. If you decide to go down rapids, scout them in advance and portage your kayak to avoid unfamiliar or dangerous areas if necessary.
REGULATIONS AND LAWS
Always follow Coast Guard regulations, boating and safety laws, and regulations and orders of various levels of government (including regional). Consult the Coast Guard and government authorities on the proper handling of a kayak and the required safety equipment such as lighting and sound alarms.
DRAIN PLUG
Make sure the drain plug is firmly in place before putting your kayak in the water.
Empty water that has accumulated due to condensation or seepage once in a while.
SLIPPERY WHEN WET
The kayak material is extremely slippery when wet. We recommend wearing slip resistant shoes to increase traction and staying in the center of the kayak.
SELF PROTECTION
Wear appropriate safety gear. Always remember that you are putting yourself at risk of serious injury or death when you go down rapids. You must take the appropriate safety precautions, inspect your equipment thoroughly, and wear appropriate safety gear. We recommend always wearing a personal floating device and a helmet. We also strongly recommend wearing protection on your arms, legs, etc. It is your responsibility to have the proper equipment and familiarize yourself with the body of water where you will use your kayak.
- NEVER let minors use this kayak without adult supervision.
- NEVER tow this kayak behind a boat.
- NEVER use this kayak as a personal floating device.
- NEVER exceed this kayak's maximum weight.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
Always ensure that the load on your kayak is evenly distributed to ensure optimal performance and to prevent accidental capsizing.

WHERE IS THE SERIAL NUMBER?
You can find the serial number on the back of your kayak along the outside of the hull on the right-hand corner. It includes the letters ZEP and is 12 characters long.
Example: ZEP12345A678

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