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It will also keep out the rain if stored outside. It is best to store
your boat clean and dry, especially in the bulkheaded compartments.
In areas with harsh winters, dry the kayak and protect it from snow
loads. Freezing water expands and can put stress on glue joints
and seams.
INSPECT YOUR DECK HARDWARE
It is a good idea to inspect your deck hardware occasionally.
Make sure all nuts are secure and there is not any unusual wear
in the deck where the bolt inserts.
Check the shock cord ends where they attach to the fittings and
check the shock cord itself for wear and abrasion.
The nylon that covers the shock cord is susceptible to UV damage
and will age with time. If this is so, it is easily replaced. It is critical
that the 4-point self-rescue bungies behind the cockpit are
maintained in good condition.
The grab loops at each end of the boat should be able to support
the weight of the boat. Check for wear on the rope. It can be easily
replaced.
CLEANING
Cleaning the interior
Rinsing out or washing the interior (particularly the cockpit)
to rid it of sand, food waste, beach scum and general debris is a
good idea after each use and will prevent the growth of mold or
other things that can "foul" the interior. Usually just a water rinse
is sufficient. An easy way to accomplish this is to set the kayak
upside down on sawhorses and hose the interior through the
cockpit. Excess water and dirt can simply run out of the cockpit.
Use a damp cloth to wipe out the insides of your bulk headed
compartments. Check the foot pedals for freedom of movement.
If necessary, remove them and wash the sand or mud from the
rails with a hose to prevent abrasion and sticking.
Keep the hatch cover and rim free of sand or other material that
could prevent a good seal.
Cleaning the exterior
A water rinse is often sufficient. Waterborne scum can
be removed with soap. Use Mr Clean Magic Eraser sponges or
a mild solvent like alcohol or naphtha to remove stubborn stains.
NEVER USE ACETONE on Carbonlite 2000.
You can polish your boat as often as you like although
a few times a year is all that's necessary. Use a fiberglass wax
or plastic polish to bring back the color and luster and remove
minor scratches.
Rough edges may be sanded with fine sand paper.
Inspect your kayak for extra deep cuts or other damage after use
and make appropriate repairs so its performance is never
jeopardized when you need it.
RUDDER and SKEG
The Navigator Rudder is used on the Whisper and Shasta.
The rudder is self-centering as it retracts and comes to rest
properly lined up on the aft deck. A bungee cord pulls the rudder
blade aft when you release the retraction line. After the bungee
cord has done its job, the weight of the outboard end of the blade
makes it pivot and drop into the water. The bungee is knotted at
one end and held by a plastic crimp that joins it to the deployment
line on the other.
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