1. Why don’t AIRE or Tributary boats have any rapid Class ratings?
AIRE does not rate any of our boats for a specific class of whitewater because the boat is not what determines the ability to safely float a rapid. Your skill, training, and experience as well as your equipment determine if you can safely navigate a rapid. All of our whitewater products can handle a lot more abuse than a human body. If you are unsure about a particular product, you can contact us to get a better idea of what boat would best suit your needs.
2. How do I inflate my boat?
Inflate your boat using a hand, foot or electric pump designed for use with inflatable boats. Please note that most AIRE boats consist of multiple air chambers. Inflate each air chamber so that no one chamber is fully inflated before all chambers are partially filled. This will minimize the stress on individual AIREcells and bulkheads
To inflate: Remove the valve cap from the valve. Depress the valve stem and turn it ¼ turn to the left, or clockwise. This positions the valve stem in the up or closed position. Having the valve stem in this position allows air to be pumped into the pontoon and will prevent air from escaping. Place the plastic valve adapter onto the end of the pump hose and then insert it into the valve. The Leafield valve adapter is slightly tapered on one end. This end is to be friction fit into the fill valve. Depending on the type of pump being used, a sleeve may be needed to connect the adapter to the pump hose.
Inflation sequence: Start by inflating the side tubes of the boat to half pressure. Next, inflate the floor to half pressure. Then top off the side tubes to full pressure and then finish inflating the floor. This will allow the air floor AIREcell to fill out the floor pocket completely. All air floor AIREcells in AIRE boats (except the Force and Force XL) have a pressure relief valve that will vent excess air when the floor is fully inflated.
3. What is the difference between AIRE and Tributary?
There are three main differences between Aire and Tributary: warranty, materials, and where the boats are made. Aire rafts have a 10 year no fault warranty. Our rafts are made by boaters, for boaters in Meridian, Idaho, USA. We offer the best warranty in the business because we use the best materials and the best manufacturing techniques. Tributary rafts use lighter materials and are made overseas. Because of this, we offer Tributaries with a 5 year warranty on manufacturer defects, 1 year warranty on Tomcats. Tributary rafts have less warranty but they also cost less.
4. What is the difference between the Tributary warranty and the AIRE warranty?
Aire rafts come with the best warranty; a 10 year no-fault guarantee. This means if anything happens to your boat, even if it is your fault (you rip out a d-ring, over inflate and explode an AIREcell), we will fix it for free. You will only be responsible for shipping to and from our repair facility. Tributaries have a 5 year warranty on manufacturer defects, meaning if something goes wrong on your boat in the next 5 years and it is our fault(a missed weld, an i-beam in the floor delaminates) we will replace the defective parts by shipping you new ones or fixing it at our repair facility. You will still be responsible for getting the boat to us.
If you are using your boat for a commercial application (rental, guide service, educational program, ect.), Your Aire warranty is reduced to a 5 year no-fault and Tributaries get a 1 year warranty on manufacturer defects.
Warranties will transfer to the new owner when you sell your boat. See the chart below to find what level of warranty your boat carries.
AIRE
10 year no-fault - Personal use
5 year no-fault - Commercial use
Tributary
5 years against manufacturing defects - Personal use
1 year against manufacturing defects - Commercial use
Tributary Tomcat
1 year against manufacturing defects - Personal or Commercial use
5. How do I know if my boat is fully inflated?
Be careful not to over inflate your boat! You can ruin your AIREcells, bulkheads and stitching.
You should be able to push in about a ½” or so with your thumb. If you can push in more than that you may want to add some more air to the boat. If you can’t push in at all there is too much air in the boat and some air needs to be let out.
You can also purchase a pressure gauge to accurately check your boat pressure.
6. How do I store my boat?
SHORT TERM STORAGE: Clean your boat and allow it to air dry, deflate and store partially inflated, about ¾ full (you should be able to pinch an inch of material). If you are tight on space, you can roll loosely by letting your boat deflate completely. Fold the side tubes in over the floor and begin to roll the boat from one end to the other. Use a cam strap or some rope wrapped around your rolled boat to keep it from coming unrolled.
LONG TERM STORAGE: Store your boat dry and clean. After use, rinse off any sand, leaves, algae, barnacles, salt, etc. that may be on your boat and allow it to air-dry for several days on soft pressure. You should be able to pinch an inch of material.
Any residual water inside the urethane AIREcells will not damage the boat. Store the boat in a cool, dry place out of sunlight and away from exhaust fumes. Ideally, storing the boat inflated to shape but not to paddling/rowing pressure is the best. If you do not have the space necessary to store the boat softly inflated, roll up your boat and store it in an AIRE Boat Bag or heavy tarp or cloth, and keep it off the ground and away from mice and other rodents. (They like to chew on PVC for some reason.)
7. What is the difference between urethane and vinyl AIREcells?
Urethane AIREcells have more elasticity and are more resistant to tearing. Urethane will flex and form better to the outer shell than will vinyl. Also urethane doesn’t become brittle in colder temperatures like vinyl. Urethane is a superior material and is found in all AIRE boats and high end Tributary boats.
8. How do I know which valve I have on my boat?
The easiest way to figure out which valve you have is to look at the valve cap. Over the years Aire has used 4 different types of valves. The Leafield valves have AIRE on the valve caps themselves. The B-7 cap is dome-shaped with three ridges coming off the top. The C-7 Leafield cap is almost flat.
Aire has also used Halkey Roberts valves, which are the only ones to have writing on the rim. The easiest way to figure out which valve you have on these valve is to read the numbers on the outside rim of the valve (NS = new style). This will tell you if it a newer or older style valve.
Tributary also has a valve call the Summit Valve. It looks almost identical to the Halkey Roberts Valve. The Summit valves are a lighter gray and have plastic lanyard, or string, that attaches the cap to the valve.
9. What do I do if my boat has a slow leak?
Typically slow leaks come from the valve. The first thing that you want to do is to try to find the location of the hole or leak. You can spray soapy water in and around the valve, the soap will bubble at the source of the leak. If the leak is coming from around the collar the valve you will want to try tightening the valve. A quarter of a turn can make the difference. If it is coming from the inside of the valve, sand, dirt or debris may be caught in the plunger. Running a cue tip around the plunger of the valve can free any debris that is allowing air to escape out. You can also try popping the valve a couple of times while the boat is fully inflated to dislodge any debris.
10. How do I fix a leak?
If the location of the hole is known, access that area of the outer skin and AIREcell and dry the areas to be worked on. If the puncture, rip or tear is two inches long or less, make sure the area is dry, and seal it with the vinyl repair tape or Tear Aid patches. Using two pieces of the vinyl repair tape, which should be longer than the tear or puncture, to form a cross (one piece perpendicular to the other piece). Use a roller or another blunt object to press from the center of the tape to the edges to seal the vinyl repair tape to the AIREcells.
MAKE SURE THAT THE TAPE SEALS COMPLETELY AND IS WITHOUT BUBBLES.
If the puncture rip or tear is longer than two inches the outer skin should be sewn together, using the repair cord and repair needle, using the baseball stitch method. Once the baseball stitch has been completed, cover the stitches with duct tape on the inside. Place a patch of raft material outside of the PVC skin.
Permanent Field Repair using Glue.
If the location of the hole is known, access that area of the outer skin and AIREcell and dry the areas to be worked on. Cut a patch of fabric at least two inches larger in length and width than the puncture, hole, tear, or wear spot. Dry and clean the area to be patched (use MEK, alcohol, or Acetone). If you are repairing the AIREcell, rough up both the patch and the area to be patched with the sand paper.
Apply an even coat of glue to both the patch and the boat, and let dry completely (10-15 minutes). Apply a second coat of glue, and let dry 5 minutes or until tacky.
Place the patch over the hole or tear, and press together. Using a roller or another blunt object, apply pressure from the center of the patch and work towards the edges to get an air tight seal.
MAKE SURE THAT THE PATCH SEALS COMPLETELY AND HAS NO BUBBLES.
If the glue is too dry, dampen with a small amount of cleaner.
Let the glue cure at least one hour before inflating (overnight if possible is best).
Do not inflate to full pressure on the same day of the repair.
11. What should I use as a boat cleaner?
The best cleaner that you can use for your boat is mild soap and warm water. NRS offers an inflatable boat cleaner that works very well for grease and the tough dirt that won’t come off. If you are using 303 Protectant it should only be used a couple times a year. Using too much 303 will cause the plastic in the PVC to harden.
12. Should I include anything extra in my repair kit?
These are a few extra things that we recommend putting in your repair kit, scissors or knife for cutting patch fabric, small paintbrush for applying glue, roller for pressing patch to repair surface, MEK solvent, towel, duct tape, and an old toothbrush.
13. Please explain the difference between the E, D and R series rafts.
‘D’ series rafts evolved from the sporty design of the Puma series. The ‘D’ refers to the diminishing tubes of the bow and stern on this model, for instance the 143D model has 20” diameter side tubes that taper to 17” in the ends. The ‘D’ series design offers a maneuverable and responsive boat while being able to accommodate large loads.
Our “R” series rafts are the workhorses of the AIRE fleet. These boats are ideal for carrying people and cargo. ’R’ stands for round, meaning a traditional round boat design. ‘R’ series have a broader beam, larger diameter tubes, and long waterlines making them the most stable of all AIRE rafts.
‘E’ stands for the elliptical shape, and this series features a high rising, pointed bow and squared stern. The squared stern makes a nice platform for the paddle captain. Our ‘E’ series rafts rise 2” higher in the bow than our ‘R’ series rafts, and have a slightly narrower beam and smaller diameter tubes. These features cause the boats to ride high on the crest of waves for maximum thrills and maneuverability. The ‘E’ series are a favorite choice for outfitters on narrow, rocky, and technical rivers such as the Ocoee, Gauley and New.
14. What accessories do you recommend for inflatable kayaks?
There are a number of accessories that will work great with any of AIRE’s inflatable kayaks. Thighstraps and/or a footbrace kit are a must for any inflatable kayaker. They will give the added stability you need to run any serious stretch of whitewater. Another great item for the kayaks are the Cargo Holds. They come in three different sizes that will hold repair kits to larger pumps and dry bags. Aire also has a Waterproof Cargo Hold that straps right into the kayak. It provides a nice dry place to store extra clothes or a lunch.
15. Why is there water in the floor of my raft?
On the bottom of the floor pockets there are 5-8 drains that allow water in, called a ballast floor. The water in the bottom of the floor pocket adds some stability to the boat while running the big waves. The air floor is built slightly oversize, so any water that gets in through the zipper or the drains will be minimal. When you arrive at the take out, let your floor pocket drain for a minute so it will be a lot easier to carry.
16. What is the difference between a Sealed Floor Pocket raft and a regular floor pocket?
The purpose of a self-bailing floor is to get rid of the water inside of the boat as fast as possible to maintain the maneuverability of the boat. To achieve this, AIRE uses a unique system, the piano hinge system, to expedite the bailing by using lace strips on the floor pocket and raft collars that do not overlap. This creates a clear 360-degree channel for the water to escape through making it the fastest self-bailing floor on the market! For the past 15 years, AIRE’s standard self-bailing raft floor pockets have been and will continue to be built with a zipper along the outside edge of the floor pocket. On the bottom of this floor pocket are 5-8 drains that allow any water in the pocket to drain out. The air floor AIREcell is built oversized so that any water that gets in through the zipper or the drains will be minimal
The sealed floor pocket is a completely sealed pocket that maintains the AIREcell system. It has a welded perimeter seam and two waterproof zippers on the top of the floor pocket and the bow and the stern. This takes the some weight out of the boat while it is in the water and allows the boats to glide more easily across the water.
17. My AIRE cataraft has frame marks on it. Do I need chaff strips?
Because of AIRE’s two-layered system, it is not necessary to have chaff strips on AIRE boats. The outer layer will protect the bladder so that the frame does not cause the boat to leak. By using mild soap and water you can clean most of these marks off of the tubes. If that doesn’t work, try the Inflatable Boat Cleaner that NRS sells.
18. How do you determine your load capacities?
We rate our boats at conservative capacities; levels that will allow you to still maneuver your boat effectively while carrying a full load. The boats can carry a load heavier than the rated amount, however the more weight you add the more difficult the boat will be to maneuver.
19. What is a pressure relief valve?
A pressure relief valve is a spring-controlled valve that bleeds excess pressure from floors. All air floor AIREcells in AIRE boats besides the Force and Force XL have a pressure relief valve that will vent excess air when the floor is fully inflated. These valves are set to release air when the reach about 2.5 PSI. These valves prevent bladders from becoming over-inflated and bursting. The pressure relief valves are not adjustable.
20. What pump should I purchase for my boat?
There are many different pumps that will work with our boats, but the pumps that work best are pumps made for inflatable boats. It really all depends on what size of boat you have. With the smaller kayaks a simple double action hand pump will work perfectly. For the rafts and cats a high volume inflator (LVM) and/or a large diameter hand pump will work best. It’s always a good idea to carry a smaller pump down the river with you whenever possible.
21. How do I determine the correct length of paddle for my inflatable kayak?
The paddler’s height and the width of the kayak are what determine the correct size of the paddle. A 230cm paddle normally works best for people ranging from 5’-6’3” in AIRE kayaks. This will give you enough leverage to make every stroke count. 220cm is the shortest paddle that a person would want use with an AIRE inflatable kayak
22. How do I determine the correct length of oar for my raft or cataraft?
Formula based on 30% inside, 70% outside oar stands, distance oar stand to oar stand, meaning that if your oar stands are 60” apart then you would want around 28” (leave about four inches of space for rowing) on the inside and 96” on the outside for a total of 96”, or 8 oars.
For heavier loads on the bigger cats and rafts, 10’ oars are the most common. For the Ocelot and the Wildcat oars can range from 9’-10’, depending on the load and the type of river. On the Puma series rafts 8’-9’ oars will work. For the larger rafts it would be best to stick with the 9’-10’ oars. There are also 1’ extenders can also be added to oars for those trips where they are needed.
23. What is the difference between a Super Lynx and a Sea Tiger?
These boat are very similar, but there are a few key differences. The Sea Tiger is 4’ longer, but 3” narrower than the Super Lynx. The Sea Tiger also has a rudder in the back that can be steered using foot pedals inside the boat. The Sea Tiger is specifically designed for flat-water paddling. The Super Lynx was designed for low level whitewater and flat-water.
24. How can I personalize my boat with lettering or a logo?
For the past couple of years AIRE has been using stencils and vinyl paint to customize boats for customers and outfitters. While this works well, we have found a permanent way to logo and letter the boats. We still will use the stencil but use a urethane paint to do all of the logos and lettering. The urethane logo will hold up to all of the sun and the water that you can throw at it. Most logos run about $150-$200 per boat. This includes all labor and materials.
25. How can I get back into my inflatable kayak after I have flipped?
The best thing you can do to prepare for flipping in your kayak is to practice flipping on purpose in non-moving water. All of our inflatable kayaks that come with a Cheetah chair have a flip strap that is attached with buckles near the top of the seat. This strap should be routed underneath your kayak so if you flip you can pull on this strap to aide in getting your kayak right side up. If your kayak does not have a flip strap then you can run a cam strap around your kayak behind the seat and/or on each end of your kayak to help you get a hold of your boat and flip it back upright. BE SURE TO NOT CREATE A FOOT/ARM ENTRAPMENT WITH A FLIP STRAP. When flipping your kayak with the flip strap make sure to position it downstream of you. This will make it easier to climb in and is safer.
26. What is the correct size of bag for my kayak?
All of the one and two man boats will fit in the Small Kayak Bag. The Traveler, Sea Tiger and the Super lynx will all fit in the Large Boat Bag.
27. What is the correct size of bag for my raft?
The Small Raft Bag will fit any raft up to 13’ long. The Large Raft Bag will hold rafts from 14’-16’ long.
28. What if I purchase a new AIREcell for a trip and do not use it?
If you are going to an extended/remote trip and want to take an extra bladder in case of emergencies, Aire has a policy of allowing unused AIREcells to be returned for a full refund after you return from your trip.
29. What is the relationship between AIRE and Outcast Sporting Gear?
Aire is a sister company to Outcast. AIRE was started in 1989 building only whitewater boats and accessories. Seven years later, the fishing division of Aire, Outcast Sporting Gear was formed, making AIRE Inc. one of top inflatable boat manufacturers in the world.
30. How can I improve the tracking on my inflatable kayak?
One of the best ways to improve tracking on the inflatable kayaks is to add a skeg on the bottom. This helps with the tracking especially on those windy days. The skeg assembly kit can be purchased from an authorized AIRE dealer.
31. What should I do when I need my boat repaired?
When you find your boat needing repaired you need to call AIRE at 800-247-3432 to get a Return Authorization #. An AIRE service representative will take your address and phone #. They will issue you a RA # that is to be written on the outside of the box before it is shipped. There should also be a note included on the inside of the box. The note should include return shipping information and a reason why the boat is being returned.
We have factory authorized repair stations across the US which are listed in our catalogs.
32. Why does AIRE use a 2-layered system on all of its boats?
Aire uses the 2-Layer system so that the outer shell of the boat isn’t holding the air. This system does add a little weight, but the safety and durability that it adds is unmatched. The normal wear and tear on the boat won’t cause it to leak. The 2-layer system also allow for very easy and quick repairs. Most repairs done on the internal bladders won’t require glue, thus saving you time and getting you back on the river.
33. What are the main differences between a foam floor and an air floor?
The main difference between the foam floor and the air floor is how well they transport. Both of these floors give the rafts and kayaks the rigidity needed to run the big whitewater and they both weigh about the same. The biggest difference is how small the boat can be rolled up and transported. The air floors can be deflated, left in the boat and rolled up. The foam floors have to be removed from the boat every time the boat needs to be rolled up and then reinstalled when the boat is blown up.
34. What should I do if my zipper car is stuck on my boat?
Do not force the zipper car as excessive damage can occur to zipper and car. Use any combination of soap and water and an old toothbrush to clean and clear the zipper of any and all debris. Also try pulling the zipper car by the body instead of the tab.
35. What should I do if I see my boat pucker while inflating?
The airecell might be misaligned. Deflate the tube(s), and as they are being inflated to operating pressure, punch or kick the tube(s) to free the airecell as it inflates. If this does not fix the problem, deflate the boat, remove the split ring, open the zipper and adjust the airecell so that it fills the disfigured area. Once the adjustment is completed, carefully close the zipper, replace the split ring and re-inflate the boat
36. How come my floor becomes soft while on the water?
The cooling effect of the water will soften the floor from its initial pressure. Top off the floor again until the relief valve is activated. You should not need to top off the floor for the rest of the day.
37. What is the difference between a Force and a Force XL?
The Force XL is slightly faster and more stable then the Force, because of the extra 9” in length, which accommodates longer legs and heavier paddlers.
38. Please explain the differences b/w the Puma, Super Puma, and the Super Duper Puma?
The Puma series boats are great for both fishing and whitewater. The narrow beam allows these rafts to descend smaller rivers and creeks. The higher-rocker provides an exhilarating ride on whitewater like no other boat. The Puma is 11’6” long, 5’6” wide and can comfortably hold 3-4 people. The Super Puma, a larger version of the Puma has emerged as the most popular raft sold by Aire. It is 13’ long, 5’8” wide and can carry as many as 6 paddlers down the river. The newest addition of the Puma series is the Super Duper. It sports more interior room and a greater load capacity than Super Puma. The Super Duper is 14’ long, 5’11” wide and hauls as many as 8 paddlers.
39. What is the difference between AIRE Inflatable Kayaks and hardshell kayaks?
• Inflatable kayaks offer more stability than most hardshell kayaks.
• Inflatable kayaks can be rolled but if you flip and swim you can get back in a IK without having to take it to shore.
• IKs have no cockpit and no deck therefore greatly reducing the chances of entrapment.
• IKs can deflated and rolled for easy transportation and storage.
• Iks typically have more room for gear storage.
• The trade off between an inflatable and a hard shell kayak is that the inflatable boat will be a bit slower and a bit tougher to maneuver
40. What is the difference b/w a non-bailing raft and a bailing raft?
The self-bailing floor is similar to a large air mattress. The floor floats on top of the water and allow the water that comes into the boat flow back into the river with a series of holes or drains around the perimeter of the air floor. These holes are placed in such a way so that water cannot come up from the bottom of the boat. Non-bailing rafts are sealed and require passengers inside the raft to bail the water out of the bottom of the raft when water splashes over the top.
41. What is denier and ounces when comparing fabric between different boat manufactures?
Denier is “A unit of fineness of a thread weighing one gram for each 9000 meters (100 denier is finer than 150 denier thread). The higher the denier, the thicker the threads, which make for a tougher material.
Ounces refer to the PVC coating in ounces per square yard. So if the material is 43oz. that means there is 43oz. of PVC material in one square yard. AIRE boats have 70% of the PVC coating on the outside surface and the remainder on the inside surface.
42. How do I lace in the floor on my boat?
The ends of the lacing ropes need to be heated enough to stiffen about 3-4 inches of rope for ease of threading the rope through the lacing loops. This can be accomplished by using a butane torch, stove, matches, or a lighter. The ropes should be soaked in soapy water for at least 5 minutes before lacing to reduce friction. The boat should be upside down and inflated to soft pressure, just enough to hold shape. The thwarts can be inflated and placed between the collar to support the floor while lacing. Determine which end of the boat to locate the floor valve (the E series rafts will have the floor valve in the bow) then, center the floor pocket on the partially inflated collar.
The starting point for the lacing is optional, but it is paramount that the floor pocket is correctly aligned with the collar. This can be checked by matching the angle changes of the floor pocket perimeter with the welded seams of the collar at the bow and stern of the raft. Pick a starting point on either side of the raft.
Begin by tying a knot in the center of one of the ropes; this prevents the rope from being pulled completely through the initial lace loop when tightening the rope. Alternate threading the rope through floor and collar lace loops. The pattern should be every other lace loop on both the floor and the collar. Snug the rope up every 4 or 5 lace loops. WHEN PULLING THE SLACK TIGHT, ONLY PULL PARALLEL WITH THE LACE LOOPS, NEVER AT AN ANGLE!! THE ROPE MAY CUT AND DAMAGE THE LACE LOOP. The rope should be laced half of the distance around the collar. Now remove the knot where the lacing was started and continue the same alternating pattern in the opposite direction. Pull all of the slack out of the ropes and tie a series of half hitches to secure the ropes. The ends of the rope can be melted together to secure the knot. Stuff the knotted end back through the lacing so it will not be exposed on the bottom of the raft.
The complete process is then repeated for the remaining rope and lace loops. Depending on the amount of use, it is recommended to tighten the lacing periodically.
43. How come AIRE uses different weights of PVC for different boats?
The reason why AIRE uses different PVC for different boast is to keep the boat light and agile. The kayaks aren’t going to be carrying near the weight that a raft would, therefore they don’t need as thick of fabric. The rafts are going to be riding lower in the water and are usually going to be carrying more weight. The rafts use the thickest fabric that AIRE carries. AIRE also puts a lighter fabric on the top part of the boat to save some weight. The top of the boat doesn’t have near the exposure to the rocks and other sharp items that the bottom of the boat does.
44. Does AIRE have inflatable kayaks that are good at both touring and whitewater applications?
AIRE has two different styles of boats that will work well for both touring and whitewater applications. The Strike I and II both are designed as hybrid for the two different applications. They have smaller diameter tubes and a lower bow and stern rise compared to the Lynx I & II, and Tributary Tomcats. That allows this boat to glide easily across the water and be less affected by the wind. The Super Lynx is also designed for both of these applications, and has the capacity for longer expedition style, whitewater trips and touring trips across long bodies of flat-water.
45. How do I install the thwarts on my AIRE raft?
• Thread the webbing end of the cam strap through the lower D-ring. Make sure that the tab on each cam strap faces away from the side tube or it may cause the strap to loosen.
• Thread the webbing end through the cam buckle space (not the jaws) next to the sewn loop.
• Thread the webbing end through the same D-ring and then pull the strap snug. (This is to hold the cam buckle in place so that it doesn’t move when you tighten the strap.)
• Thread the webbing end of the strap through the upper D-ring.
• The webbing end should then be laced through the floor lacing, making sure to go around both ropes in the floor lacing
• Insert webbing into the jaws of the cam buckle.
• Repeat steps 1 through 6 for each end of thwarts.
• Make sure the thwarts are snug to the floor. Do not make the straps excessively tight; otherwise you may risk doing damage to the lace loops. (This may require some adjustment by inflating the boat completely and checking the snugness of the thwarts and deflating again and adjusting if necessary.)
Long-term cam strap installation
• Locate the lowest D-ring on the thwart. Thread the fabric end of the cam strap through the D-ring. Make sure the cam buckle is facing up. Make sure that the tab on each cam strap faces away from the side tube or it may cause the strap to loosen.
• Thread the fabric end of the cam strap through the laces on the floor directly below the first D-ring. Make sure to go around both laces in the floor.
• Thread the cam strap through the upper D-ring
• Loop the webbing end of the cam strap around both laces in the floor. Make sure to loop the cam strap around the laces in the floor that are not exactly below the highest D-ring. Use the laces that are a little farther over.
• Insert webbing into the jaws of the cam buckle
• Repeat the following steps for each end of the thwarts.
• Make sure the thwarts are snug to the floor. Do not make the straps excessively tight; otherwise you may risk doing damage to the lace loops. (This may require some adjustment by inflating the boat completely and checking the snugness of the thwarts and deflating again and adjusting if necessary.
46. How do I install the thwarts on my Tributary raft?
The thwarts are constructed with knuckles on each end that will correspond with matching knuckles on the collar. When properly installed these knuckles should be fully engaged (not skipping any knuckles) and secured with the supplied pin.
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