Alpacka raft Alpacka series User manual

ALPACKA RAFT OWNER’S MANUAL

#thisispackrafting

Alpacka Series

CONTENTS:Sheri Tingey and her son Thor built the first Alpacka Raft by

hand in their Chugiak, Alaska basement in October of 2000.

Their goal was to create alightweight backpackable raft that

could withstand the rigours of the Alaskan wilderness, like the

600-mile traverse of the Brooks Range that Thor and four

friends had completed that summer.From that very first raft,

Alpacka Raft has been the industry standard for design and

innovation, materials, quality, and Made in USA manufacturing.

From everyone at our factory in Mancos, Colorado, thank you

for choosing Alpacka Raft!

This owner’s manual and additional resources are available at

www.alpackaraft.com.

ALPACKA SERIES FEATURES

(Optional) Cargo Fly

Valve

Inflatable Back Rest

D-Ring for Backband

Standard Seat Handle

Stern

Grab Loops

Bow

Features Description:

•Bow –Front of the packraft

•Stern –Rear of the packraft.

•Standard Seat –Inflatable standard seat (See P. 5)

•Inflatable Back Rest –Lightweight inflatable back support, or

upgrade to backband (See P. 5)

•Valve –Lightweight valve allows high pressure oral inflation and

quick deflation with a quick twist of the valve core. Works with

inflation bag and tempering by mouth or pump.

•Handle –Allows easy carrying with left or right hand when inflated

•D-Rings –Stainless 1-inch Made in USA for attaching backband

•Strap Plates – 1-inch wide slot for threading webbing onto the boat.

•(Optional) Cargo Fly –Airtight Ti-Zip Superseal zipper allows internal

gear storage. Keeps gear dry and improves weight distribution and

stability. See P. 9.

Strap Plate

SAFETY WARNING

Packrafting can be dangerous and physically demanding. The user or purchaser of packrafts & accessory equipment should understand that participating in packrafting

might involve serious injury or death. You are responsible for your own actions and decisions. The fabric used to manufacture our packrafts is selected with lightweight and

packability being the most important factor. Lightweight raft fabric can easily be punctured and this risk must be a constant consideration during raft use. Individual

paddlers assume all responsibility for keeping their boats from being punctured or damaged by any of the obstacles and dangers present on rivers, lakes and oceans. The

individual paddler is responsible for deciding whether it is safe to float in or across a body of water or float down a river. The individual paddler is responsible for the safe

and appropriate use of accessory equipment, and for not using it in situations that the individual cannot control the boat safely. Do not float in any water in which you are

not prepared to swim. A punctured tube will result in an immediate immersion in the water and you must be prepared to deal with the resulting danger. Familiarize

yourself with your boat's capabilities and limitations. Due to the wide variability of water conditions and obstacles, Alpacka Raft makes no claims as to Alpacka rafts

suitability for or durability against specific bodies of water and physical obstacles.

The following safety standards are recognized by the National Paddling Sports Association, and we recommend all users of this product adhere to these standards:

•Get paddle sports instruction specific to this type of craft.

•Obtain certified first aid training and carry first aid and rescue/safety equipment.

•Always wear a nationally approved personal flotation device.

•Always wear a helmet where appropriate.

•Dress appropriately for weather conditions; cold water and/or cold weather can result in hypothermia.

•Check your equipment prior to each use for signs of wear or failure.

•Never paddle alone.

•Do not paddle in flood conditions.

•Be aware of appropriate river water levels, tidal changes, dangerous currents and weather changes.

•Scout unfamiliar waters; portage where appropriate.

•Do not exceed your paddling ability; be honest with yourself.

•Consult a physician prior to your paddle sports training.

•You must not use alcohol or mind altering drugs prior to using this product.

•Follow the manufacturer recommendations for use of this product.

•If additional outfitting is added to this craft, use manufacturer's approved materials only; do not impair entry or exit access.

•Read owners information package prior to using this product.

The user of this product acknowledges both an understanding and an assumption of the risk involved in paddle sports. Apacka Raft, LLC has no way to screen the

experience, judgment, or abilities of buyers. Therefore, we recommend that all users adhere rigorously to these safety guidelines.

ALPACKA SERIES BASIC SETUP

Seat Installation –All Alpacka Series models other than self bailers include a

standard inflatable seat and back rest. Install the inflatable back rest by threading

the two webbing tabs on the seat back through the strap plates in the stern and

back through the tri-glides on the webbing tabs. Install the seat by lacing the seat

tabs on either side of the seat to the corresponding tabs installed in the packraft

using the included cord and with the inflation nozzle facing up. Excess cord can be

left as is or trimmed and (carefully) singed to prevent fraying.

(Optional) Backband Installation –All 2017 Alpacka Series models include 1-inch

stainless D-Rings for installing an optional backband. The backband gives more

comfort and adjustability than the inflatable backrest. Install the backband by

looping the stabilizer straps through the strap plates and rethreading to the inner

ladder locks on the back of the backand. Then thread the main backband straps

through the two D-Rings from front to rear, then back through the aluminum

common loop and the outer ladder locks on the back of the backband. Adjust the

backband for fit and then tighten the stabilizer straps to hold in place.

Inflating –All 2017 Alpacka Series feature alightweight single valve allows high

pressure oral inflation and quick deflation with aquick twist of the valve core.

Turning the valve core to the right will open the valve for deflation and turning the

core to the left will allow the one-way flap to engage for tempering. To inflate,

insert the valve adapter on the inflation bag into the valve and twist to the right to

lock in place.Use the inflation bag to capture air and compress it through the

valve (see the inflation bag video on our website for more details). As the boat fills

up, you may want to turn the valve core to the left (without disengaging the

adapter) to close the one way flap which will allow you to get more air in with the

inflation bag. When the boat is full, disconnect the valve adapter and proceed to

tempering.

Tempering –Unlike a spring valve used in larger rafts, our valve is designed with a

very light action 1-way flap to allow the boat to be orally tempered. Note that the

light action 1-way flap will not engage until you have orally added some pressure

to the raft.The amount of air pressure that you choose to use is personal, but we

recommend approximately 1.2-2.0 psi which is the max that anormal person can

orally add into the boat. Be careful not to exceed 2.0psi if you are using a pump.

After tempering, screw on the valve cap to prevent any leakage while boating.

NOTE –LEAVING YOUR ALPACKA RAFT IN THE SUN UNATTENDED CAN CAUSE

THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE CHAMBER TO RAPIDLY RISE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO

FAILURE OR PERMANENT DAMAGE.ALWAYS LET SOME AIR OUT YOUR BOAT AND

SEATS BEFORE TAKING ABREAK FROM THE WATER IN THE SUN.

Deflating –To deflate, remove the valve cap and twist the valve core to the right.

Roll the boat from the bow to remove additional air. During the valve break in

period, you may need to hold the valve open (turned to the right) during

deflation.If you have aCargo Fly, once the packraft has been de-tempered with

the valve you can open the Cargo Fly zipper to release the rest of the air.

Folding/Rolling –There is no right or wrong way to roll or fold your boat for

transport. Do whatever fits best for your use and carrying method.We

recommend the following ways:

•For awide thinner roll, fold in half lengthwise and roll from the bow.;

•For a narrower thicker roll, fold into thirds lengthwise and roll from the bow;

•For arelatively square fold, try folding into quarters lengthwise and then

folding in 1-foot length sections from the bow and secure with astrap.

(Optional) Whitewater Foot Rest –All 2017 Alpacka Series models have ared 1-

inch grab loop installed on the floor near the bow, which allows for the installation

of our WW Foot Brace (sold separately). The WW Foot Brace will reduce the

cockpit length and improve handling performance in whitwater and when using

thigh straps.

ALPACKA SERIES CRUISER DECK FEATURES AND SETUP

Overview -The Cruiser Deck is our simplest and lightest deck and designed keep you drier and warmer than an open boat in

whitewater, wind, and rain.The Cruiser Deck attaches along the left boat tube and up the left side of the torso with Velcro,

which easily comes apart in the event of awet-exit.An inflatable pillow sheds water and keeps water from pooling in your

lap. The deck can be mostly removed when not needed, leaving only the zippered outline and a small panel in the bow.

Compared with the Whitewater Decks, the Cruiser Deck is much lighter and simpler with no extra parts to keep track of, but

is not nearly as dry when paddling in whitewater or taking waves over the bow.

Installation and Removal - The Cruiser Deck can be mostly removed for nice days when you don’t need splash protection.

The left side of the deck is secured with Velcro® while the right, front and rear of the deck are secured with awater resistant

zipper. The deck can be removed when the packraft is either inflated or deflated by pulling the Velcro® free and unzipping

the front and side/rear zippers. The zippered portion of the deck should be reinstalled when the packraft is deflated or soft,

and the Velcro® portion can be installed at any state of inflation.

Use -The inflatable pillow in the center of the deck should be inflated when in use to shed water off to the side and limit

pooling. To enter the deck, pull open the Velcro® closure, enter the boat, and reclose the Velcro® closure around your waist.

To exit the deck, open the Velcro® closure.In the event of a capsize, the Velcro® is designed to free itself as you exit the

packraft and there is a webbing loop attached to the left side of the boat that allows you to pull the Velcro® open if

necessary. We recommend that you always practice entering and exiting the deck before taking your packraft into any

hazardous conditions.WARNING: Do not add any additional closures (hooks, buttons, snaps, zippers, etc.) to the Velcro®

closure as these items can impair your ability to safely exit the packraft.

Care and Repair -The Cruiser Deck components require very little maintenance and there are no extra parts or pieces to

keep track of. The fabric in the Cruiser Deck is selected for its lightweight and will wear out more quickly than the packraft.

When it wears out or in the event that you accidentally damage the deck, we can fit anew replacement deck at the factory.

The Velcro® in the Cruiser Deck is a polyester base (which is necessary for awater and UV exposed use), which has a shorter

lifespan than a nylon based Velcro. When the loop nap of the Velcro® wears out, we can replace it at the factory.

ALPACKA SERIES WHITEWATER DECKS FEATURES AND SETUP

Overview.We offer both afixed and removable Whitewater Deck on the Alpacka

Series. The fixed version is our driest and warmest configuration and our

recommendation for cold climates with significant whitewater and any paddler that

wants to stay as dry and warm as possible. The Removable Whitewater Deck has the

same cockpit as the fixed Whitewater Deck, but the entire deck can be removed with

awater resistant zipper on the perimeter of the deck. The water resistant zipper is

drier and warmer than the Cruiser Deck, but it is not sealed and will let water into

the cockpit especially in significant waves and whitewater.All Whitewater Decks are

a three piece system that includes the deck, coaming, and spray skirt.

Fitting the Coaming.The Whitewater Deck coaming is a 98-inch long 1/4-inch I.D.

PEX pipe with an aluminum joint for connecting the coaming after threading onto

the cockpit rim.To attach the coaming, unzip the two water resistant zippers on the

cockpit rim and thread the coaming into the sleeve from the end without the

aluminum sleeve.You may have to push and pull the PEX to work it all the way

around the cockpit rim.Join the PEX with the aluminum joint and close the zippers

to lock the coaming in place. Due to shrinkage of the deck fabric, you may need to

trim the coaming pole to fit after afew weeks of use. Trim the end without the

aluminum joint about 1/2-inch at atime until the coaming fits snugly in the cockpit

rim when zipped closed.

Fitting the Spray Skirt.The spray skirt should be worn over your paddling clothing

and under your PFD. To attach the spray skirt, start at either the back or front and

work the opposite direction.It may take afew rounds of practice to get used to

fitting the last bit of the skirt over the cockpit rim.If it is still to tight, trim the

coaming pole as described above.

Care and Repair.You can order replacement spray skirts and coaming poles directly

from Alpacka Raft.You can also pick up replacement coaming at most hardware

stores.If you damage your deck, it will need to be repaired or replaced at the

factory.

ALPACKA SERIES SELF BAILER FEATURES AND SETUP

Overview - The Self Bailer configuration is ideal for warmer climates, quick entry and exit, whitewater performance, and

anyone that prefers a self bailing setup. Our self bailing design separates the inflatable self bailing floor into two pieces

with alightweight 3/4 length 7-inch thick seat in the rear that is protected by asleeve and a heavier duty baffled insert in

the front that keeps your feet up and out of the water.For amore high performance fit, we recommend swapping the foot

rest out for our Whitewater Foot Brace (sold separately).

Setup -The main 3/4 length 7-inch thick seat has an indent on each side that allows the seat to insert into the sleeve

installed on the floor of the raft.The sleeve also constrains the seat to provide a gap for water to drain out through the

holes in the self bailing floor.The touring foot rest is made of a heavier duty material and installs in front of the main seat

to elevate your feet above the water line. The touring foot rest can be secured to the seat sleeve by threading the

webbing tab on the foot rest through the strap plate in the front of the seat sleeve and threading it through the ladder

lock also attached to the foot rest.

(Optional) Whitewater Foot Brace -In lieu of the touring foot rest (shown), the self bailer is also compatible with our

Whitewater Foot Brace (sold separately). The Whitewater Foot Brace creates a short gap between the main seat and the

WW Foot Brace, which allows you to lower your heels into amore optimal center of gravity for paddling whitewater and

using thigh straps.However, this position will place your heels below the water line so you will want to wear a dry suit

with booties or some other protection and insulation when paddling in cold water.

Care and Repair - Our two piece self bailing floor is designed to keep weight to an absolute minimum by putting our most

durable materials in the foot rest where they will be getting the most abuse and lighter materials in the main seat which is

protected by the seat sleeve.In the event that you damage the foot rest, the main seat will still keep the self bailing floor

operable until you can perform a repair or purchase a replacement. Replacement seats are available on our website at

www.alpackaraft.com

CARGO FLY SETUP/CARE/MAINTENANCE

For additional information, see the Cargo Fly Care Instructions available at www.alpackaraft.com

Overview -The Cargo Fly is the

ultimate packraft gear storage

solution.The three piece

system utilizes an airtight and

watertight zipper installed in

the stern of the boat together

with two gear storage dry bags

which are clipped in place along

the inside of the raft tubes. The

system provides drier and more

secure gear storage, improved

paddling performance due to a

lower center of gravity, quicker

transitions from packrafting to

hiking, and the internal dry bags

act as additional balanced air

chambers for increased safety

(even over atwo-chamber

packraft) in the event of a

puncture.

Internal Dry Bags -The Cargo Fly

system includes two internal dry

bags:

•Ultralight Dry Bags – Included

standard on all Alpacka and

Cargo Series models and

optional on Whitewater Series

models. Feature a standard

roll-top style closure.Weight

9oz/pair.

•Standard Dry Bags – Included

standard on all Whitewater

Series models and optional on

all others.Feature an airtight

zipper closure and inflation

tube to act as additional air

chambers. Weight 18oz/pair.

Installation –Both ultralight and

standard dry bags (except Forager) can

be secured inside the side tubes with the

included 3/4-inch quick release buckles.

On initial setup, the male buckle will

need to be threaded onto the 3/4-inch

webbing tab installed about half way

down the side of each tube.

Packing – Internal dry bags should be

evenly weighted to balance the load on

either side of the packraft. Heavier items

can be packed towards the bow or stern

depending on the paddler’s preference.

Note –All hard and sharp items (pots,

fuel canisters, stoves, etc.) should be

packed in a padded case or wrapped in

clothing and placed to the top and inside

of the internal dry bags to prevent pinch

flatting your packraft in shallow rivers.

Care &Maintenance -Follow these simple steps

to keep your Cargo Fly TiZip SuperSeal® zipper in

good repair:

•Keep the zipper lubricated! Lubricate the

entire length of the zipper before the first

use, before and after any multi-day trip, and

anytime the zipper feels sticky or difficult to

move. Clean excess lubricant off with acloth.

•Keep the zipper clean and free of dirt and

sand in the field.Load and unload your boat

in the field in aclean area and keep your

zipper closed when not in use. Clean sand

and dirt contamination with asmall brush

and or by blowing on the area to prevent the

zipper from separating.

•Dry your zipper after every trip.Allow your

boat to dry with the zipper open after every

trip. The coating on the zipper can degrade if

stored damp, which will cause the zipper to

leak.

STORAGE/CARE/MAINTENANCE

Alpacka rafts are low-fuss, low maintenance boats.They're designed for people who are hard on gear. Part of our goal has been to build boats that

don't need a lot of attention either on the river or off it.Your boat will endure a lot of abuse.Very little is needed to keep your boat in "fighting trim"

from year to year. However, simple preventative care will lengthen its life and keep it beautiful.

•Store your packraft out of direct sunlight.We use the highest UV resistant urethane coatings available. These coatings will stay color fast far

longer than cheaper packrafts that “look” like our boats, but use amuch cheaper lower UV resistant coatings.Storing your packraft out of direct

sunlight will prolong its life and reduce UV aging.

•Wash your packraft.Washing with mild dish soap helps keep your boat clean and prevent the spread of invasive species across waterways.

•Air dry your packraft. A wet packraft can spread invasive species. In addition, if your boat is stored wet, it will start to smell like cat urine and this

smell can be very difficult to remove.

•Clean, dry, and lubricate your Cargo Fly zipper.See the Cargo Fly Care Instructions for more details.

•We recommend periodic Seaworthiness Checks.These should be done when pulling the boat out after aperiod of storage, after any non-design

use (ex: using it as a tarp or gear-sled), or after any event that might have damaged the boat.

•Do not use “UV-Protectant” or similar sprays on your packraft. These sprays create a hard outer coating that prevents repair materials and glue

from sticking to the packraft.If you do accidentally use a UV protectant spray on your boat, it will wear off after use but you will have trouble with

repairs or gluing any attachments to the boat until it does wear off.

•Long term storage.Before long-term storage, wash the raft with fresh water.Get any sand, mud, and debris out of the floor area, where it tends to

collect.Air-dry the raft, making sure it's totally dry before storing it away.Fold the raft loosely so air can circulate around it.The boat's fabric

breathes and resists moisture build-up from condensation better when it's exposed to the surrounding air. Ideally, keep the boat in acool, dry

place.

REPAIR GUIDE

Always bring arepair kit and know how to use it.-Almost all field repair is

about knowing how the repair materials you have work and thinking through

the repair that you need to perform. Most repair mistakes are made by not

knowing the repair materials or rushing the repair. Be patient and use an

extra pair of hands if available!

Common Repair Materials:

•Alcohol Wipes:Used to clean and prep surfaces before repair.

•Patch-N-Go:Astrong, easy, and effective repair tape.Great for most

tube and floor repairs.

•Tyvek® Tape:The easiest field repair material on the market. Be sure to

remove Tyvek® Tape repairs soon as the tape will bond to the boat fabric

if left for long periods.

•Tenacious Tape®:Astrong repair tape for the uncoated side of raft and

spray-deck fabrics and pinholes on the packraft.

•Gorilla Tape®:For backing the inside of tube repairs and quick spray-

deck repairs, or a temporary tube or floor repair.

•Aquaseal®: Aquaseal is an air-curing adhesive sealant. It's great for

patching small holes, reinforcing stitches, sealing seams, and much

more. Minimum 8-hour cure or 2-hours with Cotol accelerant.

•Aquaseal®UV:Instant curing version Aquaseal, but less durable.

•Carmo PVC-PUR SEAL® Glue:Great for valve repair as well as bonding

fabrics together.

•Urethane tube and floor fabric:Patch fabric is included in your repair

kit.These can be cut to shape and glued on with Carmo glue in the field

for long lasting repairs.

•Clifton 1-part – This is not afield repair material, but is an ideal glue for

performing home repairs and attaching additional tie downs to your

packraft.

Pinholes and Small Tube (<1”) Tears

•Clean and dry the affected area.

•Effective repair materials are Tyvek Tape, Tenacious Tape, Patch-N-Go,

Aquaseal UV, and Aquaseal

•Our preferred method is either (a) Aquaseal UV;or (b) Tyvek Tape to

get you back on the water and a replace with Aquaseal overnight.

Medium (1”-3”) Tube Tears

•Clean and dry the affected area.

•Effective field repair materials are Tyvek Tape, Patch-N-Go, Aquaseal, or

afull fabric patch with Carmo PVC-PUR

•Our preferred field method is either (a) Tyvek Tape to get you back on

the water and a replace with Aquaseal overnight;or (b) Patch-N-Go.

Large (3+”) Tube Tears

•Clean and dry the affected area. Back with Tenacious or Gorilla tape.

•Effective field repair materials are Tyvek Tape, Patch-N-Go, Aquaseal, or

afull fabric patch with Carmo PVC-PUR

•Our preferred field method is either (a) Tyvek Tape to get you back on

the water and replace with a full patch when you get finished with your

trip; (b) Patch-N-Go;or (c) afull fabric patch with Carmo PUR-PVC.

Floor Damage

•Clean and dry the affected area.

•Effective field repair materials are Tyvek Tape, Patch-N-Go, Aquaseal, or

afull fabric patch with Carmo PVC-PUR

Uncoated Fabrics (Seats and Dry Suits

•Clean and dry the affected area.

•Effective field repair materials are Aquaseal, Tenacious Tape, and

Aquaseal UV.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Except as otherwise set forth herein, Alpacka Raft, LLC warrants its products to be free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.

This warranty only applies to the original owner and is not transferable. Original proof of purchase is required. Claims under this warranty must be made directly to Alpacka

Raft, Box 1091, Mancos, CO 81328. The customer's sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty will be for Alpack Raft, LLC to repair or replace the defective

product, at Alpacka Raft, LLC's sole discretion.Except as described herein, Alpacka Raft, LLC makes no other warranties, guaranties, or representations of any type (express

or implied), and all warranties (including any implied warranties of reasonable care, merchantability, or fitness for aparticular purpose) are hereby disclaimed.

Local law

This warranty statement gives the customer specific legal rights. The customer may also have other rights which vary from state to state (USA), from province to province

(Canada), and from country to country elsewhere in the world.To the extent that this warranty statement is inconsistent with the local law, this warranty shall be deemed

modified to be consistent with such law, under such local law, certain disclaimers and limitations of this warranty statement may apply to the customer.

Limitations of Liability

To the extent allowed by applicable law, except for the obligations specifically set forth in this warranty statement, in no event shall Alpacka Raft, LLC or its third party

suppliers be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages.

Limitations of Warranty

This warranty does not apply to products that have been modified or altered, except for modifications specifically authorized in writing by the manufacturer and performed

to the manufacturer's specifications.

This warranty does not apply to damage to the product caused by accident, improper care, abuse of the product, noncompliance with manufacturers specifications of usage

or any other circumstances in which the product has been subjected to uses, forces or loads beyond its design.

This warranty does not apply when the hull number or production code has been deliberately altered, defaced or removed.

This warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, including but not limited to wear and tear to seams, tubes, and floors. Wear and tear parts are subject to damage as a

result of normal use, failure to maintain according to Alpacka Raft, LLC recommendations and/or usage in conditions or applications other than recommended.

Spray decks, seats, and all attachment points are covered by a 1-year warranty in materials and workmanship. These items are designed are designed to be lightweight at the

expense of durability and longevity under normal use.

Cargo Fly zippers are covered by a 2 year warranty.After 2years, we charge a $75 zipper replacement fee.Cargo Fly zippers require special care and maintenance. Failure to

comply with the Cargo Fly zipper care instructions included with your boat will void this warranty.

This warranty shall not cover damages caused by the use of parts of different manufacturers.

This warranty shall not cover damages caused by the use of parts that are not compatible, suitable and/or authorized by Alpacka Raft for use with Alpacka Raft's products.