Pelican CANOE - THERMOFORMED Manual

WELCOME TO THE PELICAN FAMILY!

This canoe was made according to rigorous quality standards and according to our know-how perfected since 1968. Take the time to read this manual and familiarize yourself with your canoe to fully enjoy this product. We know that a Pelican canoe offers a unique value and that you will be fully satisfied with it. We also know that you will create memorable paddling stories worth sharing.

MODEL:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
DEALER NAME:
REGISTRATION NO.:
PROVINCE/STATE:
MODEL NO.:
SERIAL NO. (ZEP):

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

YOUR NEW CANOE

Take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the key components of your canoe.
NOTE
Some model may be equipped with more or less components.
EVERYONE USING THIS CANOE 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 canoe.

MATERIALS/MANUFACTURING

Your canoe is made of Ram-X™. 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-X™ is a superior material that was developed and registered in 1978. It quickly became the benchmark of quality in the industry thanks to its shock resistance and ability to regain its initial shape following an impact. Widely hailed by consumers, Ram-X™ is a step above other materials used in the industry.

TRANSPORTATION

The carrying handles at both ends help in the transportation of the canoe by hand. These handles should not be used to fasten the canoe to a vehicule.

• Make sure the canoe is firmly tied down, whether on a vehicle or trailer.
• Before setting out, make sure all accessories have been removed and packed into the vehicle to avoid damaging or losing them.

PRELAUNCH CHECKLIST

• Always wear a proper personal flotation device (PFD).
• Emergency paddle(s) or oar(s) are on board.
• Always have an emergency safety kit on hand as required by applicable laws (whistle, etc.)
• Motor(s) and battery are in good order (if applicable).
• If using a gasoline outboard motor, always attach it to the canoe with a canoe motor mount (if applicable).
• All weight is properly distributed.
• Always have one buoyant heaving line at least 15m (49'3'') long and one bailer or manual bilge pump (or bilge-pumping arrangements).

LAUNCHING YOUR CANOE

• All straps or tie-downs have been removed.
• You step into the center of the boat when boarding, to assure that the boat remains stable.
• Never board by stepping onto the gunnel.

TRIM ADJUSTMENTS (IF APPLICABLE, SQUARE BACK CANOES ONLY)

• Different load conditions may require different trim angle settings. When the drive unit (propeller) is closest to the transom, it will tend to push the bow down when power is applied. If the bow digs excessively into the water, shift some of the weight to the stern and / or move the propeller further away from the transom. On the contrary, if the propeller is too far from the transom, the bow will rise excessively when power is applied. In this case, move some weight forward in the canoe and / or bring the propeller closer to the transom.
• Performance depends on the balance between proper weight distribution, trim angle and engine horsepower.

MOORING/DOCKING

• Always moor boat away from rocks or sharp objects.
• Make sure that the motor is raised before mooring (if applicable).
• Always moor your boat in water that is deep enough so that the bottom hull does not get damaged.
• Never moor boat against a dock without proper protection (bumpers) for the sides of the hull.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

The best way to clean your canoe is to wash it with lukewarm water and mild soap. Do not use harsh abrasives. Regular cleaning will keep your canoe looking like new. Never attempt to paint the canoe because it will not stick to the hull. If the aluminum gunnels oxidize from exposure, occasionally clean them with a good aluminum cleaner / polish.

• Caution must be used if you decide to use a pressure washer to clean your canoe.
• Never use the pressure washer inside your canoe 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.

STORAGE

• The best way to store your canoe is to simply set it on a flat surface. Never store it on sawhorses.
• If outdoors, cover it with a tarpaulin.
• Do not leave straps or ropes tightly wound around the hull for any extended period of time, especially in warmer weather.
• The hull surface, much as the exterior finish of a car, will better retain its appearance if not exposed to the sun while in long-term storage.

Gravel and small rocks tend to accumulate beneath the keelson. Unless removed, these small rocks can wear a hole in the hull. As often as possible, turn the boat on its side and while pushing the bottom away from keelson wash out any rocks or gravel.

SQUARE BACK CANOES

Some water may accumulate between the hull and liner due to paddling, or rain. This is not a defect. To drain, tip the canoe on its bow.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

We suggest that you read the information below before using the boat. Failure to follow the warnings / precautions below may lead to serious injury or death. Paddle sports can be dangerous and physically demanding. Participating in paddle sports may put you at risk of serious injury or death. You should receive qualified instructions to learn proper paddling techniques, water safety, and first aid before going boating.

1. 
   WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WATER LEVELS
   Check the weather and water conditions before you go boating. Your boat is designed to be used only in sheltered waters, lakes, and slow moving streams. It is not designed for whitewater use. Never go paddling in severe winds, rain, thunderstorms, choppy waters, strong currents, flood waters, or where tides will seriously affect your ability to steer the boat or return to shore.
2. 
   PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)
   Before going paddling, read the PFD manufacturer's information pamphlet regarding the PFD and thoroughly familiarize yourself with how the PFD is to be worn.
3. 
   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 canoe.
4. 
   SOUND-SIGNALLING DEVICE
   The Coast Guard requires boaters to have a means of signaling other boaters of their presence. You should keep a sound device in the boat with you at all times. If possible, attach the sound device to your Personal Flotation Device.
5. 
   STANDING UP IN THE CANOE
   Standing up in the canoe may cause it to capsize. If the boat should capsize, please note that, in most cases, it is far more dangerous to attempt to swim to shore than to stay with the boat.
6. 
   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.
7. 
   HYPOTHERMIA
   Dress properly for weather conditions and wear a wetsuit if necessary. Canoe 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.
8. 
   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.
9. 
   ALWAYS FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE BODY OF WATER YOU INTEND TO NAVIGATE
   Learn what hours boating is permitted, whether there are any known hazardous conditions and where you can get help quickly in case of emergency or accident
10. 
    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 canoe and the required safety equipment such as lighting and sound alarms.
11. 
    SLIPPERY WHEN WET
    The canoe material is extremely slippery when wet. We recommend wearing slip resistant shoes to increase traction and staying in the center of the canoe.
12. 
    MOTOR (IF APPLICABLE)
    Never use a motor larger than rated on capacity tag displayed on the boat. Follow instructions that come with motor. Handle gasoline with extreme care. Avoid sudden maneuvers which could cause loss of control, and capsizing, or passengers to fall from the boat.
13. 
    WEIGHT CAPACITY
    Review the passenger and weight capacity limitations. Ensure the loading will be within these limits. Proper distribution of weight is necessary to ensure proper balance (trim) and performance. Each boat has capacity tag clearly displayed on the craft.
14. 
    EMERGENCY PADDLE(S)
    Always bring an emergency paddle or oar on board.
15. 
    NEVER let minors use this canoe without adult supervision.