Alpacka raft Gnu User manual

ALPACKA RAFT OWNER’S MANUAL

#thisispackrafting

Cargo 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.

GNU FEATURES

Features Description:

•Bow –Front of the packraft

•Stern –Rear of the packraft.

•Grab Loops –For attaching grab lines and securing gear to raft.

•Valve –Lightweight valve allows high pressure inflation and quick

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

bag and tempering by mouth or pump.

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

gear storage. Keeps gear dry and improves weight distribution and

stability. See P. ___.

•C2 Seat –Inflatable center seat provides rigidity and support for kneeling like a

C2 style whitewater canoe. Knee protection recommended.

•C2 Seat Top Dump Valve – 3/4-inch screw valve for filling and deflating C2 seat

works with inflation bag.

•C2 Seat Top Off Nozzle – 1/4-inch nozzle for tempering C2 seat by mouth or

with hand pump.

•1-inc Triangle for Touring Seat –Allows touring seats (sold separately or

included in touring version) to be installed in sitting position.

Cargo Fly

(Optional)

Stern

Valve

1-inch Triangle for

Touring Seat C2 Seat Dump Valve Grab Loops

Bow

C2 Seat

C2 Seat Top Off Nozzle

EXPLORER 42 FEATURES

Features Description:

•Bow –Front of the packraft

•Stern –Rear of the packraft.

•Grab Loops –For attaching grab lines and securing gear to raft.

•Valve –Lightweight valve allows high pressure inflation and quick

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

bag and tempering by mouth or pump.

•3/4-Length Inflatable Seat –Improves floor rigidity and provides

space for rear paddler to wedge heels between the seat and tubes

for control and bracing. Also provides space for front paddler to sit.

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

backband for front paddler. Backband sold separately.

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

storage. Keeps gear dry and improves weight distribution and stability. See P.

___.

Cargo Fly

(Optional)

Stern

Valve Grab Loops

Bow

3/4-Length Inflatable Seat

Single D-Rings for Backband

FORAGER FEATURES

Features Description:

•Bow –Front of the packraft

•Stern –Rear of the packraft.

•Valve –Lightweight valve allows high pressure inflation and quick

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

bag and tempering by mouth or pump.

•Inflatable Self Bailing Floor – 7-inch thick inflatable floor is self

bailing and keeps paddlers and equipment out of the water. Also

adds rigidity and floatation to the packraft.

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

handles, frames, and cam straps.

•Lashing Strap Plates –Heavy duty 1050-denier coated fabric with 1-inch slots

on 1-inch spacing for lashing gear.

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

storage. Keeps gear dry and improves weight distribution and stability. See P.

___.

Cargo Fly

(Standard)

Stern

Valve Stainless D-Rings

Bow

Inflatable Self Bailing Floor

Lashing Strap Plates

Stainless

D-Rings

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.

GNU BASIC SETUP

Seating Systems Setup –The Gnu can be configured with either a C2 style seat that

allows the paddlers to kneel on either side like awhitewater C2 style canoe or a

Touring Seat that allows the paddling either from a kneeling position or asitting

position like aclassic touring canoe.The C2 Seat provides a lower center of gravity

and much better control in moving water than the Touring Seat, while the Touring

Seat offers better comfort for long days on the water.Specific Seat setup

instructions are provided on the following pages.

Inflating –The Gnu features a lightweight single valve allows high pressure oral

inflation and quick deflation with a quick 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.

•Removing the seat from the Gnu and carrying as two packages will reduce the

packed size.

NOTE –One of the most important considerations in using your packraft is the

way it feels to you –how comfortably it fits and how easy it is to enter and exit.

Do not overtighten your thigh straps and backband as it could impair your ability

to exit the boat.

GNU C2 OPEN SEATING SETUP

Overview - The Gnu's open C2 seating configuration features a single inflatable seat that runs lengthwise down the center

of the cockpit, which allows two paddlers to kneel in a straddling position over the seat with their knees wedged snugly

between the seat and the tubes. This seating configuration mimics the seating position in a C2 style whitewater canoe

and provides maximum edge control and paddling performance. NOTE -Knee protection is highly recommended for

shallow rocky rivers with the Gnu C2 Seat

Inflation and Deflation - The Gnu C2 Seat features a 3/4-inch diameter threaded dump and fill valve and a 1/4-inch top off

valve.To inflate, screw the inflation bag adapter into the dump valve and use the inflation bag to capture air and fill the

seat. Once the seat is mostly full, unscrew the inflation bag adapter and replace the cap.Top off to your desired air

pressure by mouth using the nozzle.To deflate, simply unscrew the cap on the dump and fill valve and roll up to squeeze

the air out. Note –As with our packrafts, do not leave atightly inflated seat unattended in the sun as it can burst from the

rapid increase in air pressure.

Care and Repair - The C2 Seat is made from adouble urethane coated 210-denier high count nylon. Repair is the same as

repairing a packraft tube, with Tyvek Tape, Patch-N-Go, and Aquaseal UV being the primary quick field patches and

standard Aquaseal for amore permanent patch. Replacement seats are available on our website at www.alpackaraft.com

Installation - The Gnu C2 Seat attaches to the Gnu via a series of aluminum hooks which connect to heavy duty loops

which are welded into the floor of the Gnu. There are also two 1-inch male quick release buckles at each end of the C2

Seat which connect to corresponding female quick release buckles on the boat.Installation is easiest with the Gnu inflated

and the C2 Seat inflated but not tempered.

Cargo Fly - The Gnu C2 Seat includes a Cargo Fly zipper on the underside, which allows for additional gear storage! In

order to access the Cargo Fly, you will need to deflate the seat and remove the metal hooks on the side where the Cargo

Fly zipper is installed.Follow the Cargo Fly instructions in this Owner’s Manual for keeping the Cargo Fly zipper properly

lubricated and cleaned.

GNU WHITEWATER DECK SETUP

Overview.The Gnu Whitewater Deck is atwo position spray deck that can be removed

with awater resistant zipper on the perimeter deck. The spray skirts and coaming poles

operate the same as our other whitewater decks, but they are a different size and are not

cross compatible.The Gnu Whitewater Deck is essential for running most whitewater in

the Gnu as it will keep the two paddlers dry and keep the boat maneuverable when going

through waves and rapids. The Gnu Whitewater Deck is recommended for use with the

Gnu C2 Seat, which provides the most control in whitewater.The Gnu Touring Seats will fit

under the Gnu Whitewater Deck, but are not recommended except for experienced

whitewater paddlers.

Fitting the Coaming.Each Gnu Whitewater Deck coaming is a 93.5-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 Skirts.The spray skirts 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.

GNU TOURING SEAT SETUP

1010

Overview - The Gnu's Touring Seat configuration features two inflatable seats that can either be positioned to allow a

paddler to kneel on an inflatable saddle that offers knee protection in the floor or to sit upright like a traditional touring

canoe. The Touring Seats are more comfortable than the C2 Seat for long days on the water, but do not have the same

level of edge control.

Inflation and Deflation -The Gnu Touring Seats are inflated and deflated with a 1/4-inch elbow valve.You can inflate

them with your mouth or asmall hand pump adapted with ashort section of 1/4-inch surgical tubing. Note –As with our

packrafts, do not leave atightly inflated seat unattended in the sun as it can burst from the rapid increase in air pressure.

Care and Repair - The Touring Seats are made from asingle urethane coated 210-denier ripstop nylon. Repair is similar to

repairing a packraft tube, with Tyvek Tape, Patch-N-Go, and Aquaseal UV being the primary quick field patches and

standard Aquaseal for amore permanent patch. Replacement seats are available on our website at www.alpackaraft.com

Kneeling Installation -To install the Touring Seats for kneeling, the wide flat side of the seat faces down and will push into

place on the floor.The seat is designed to be oriented so that the higher part of the “saddle” is towards the stern. The

paddler can kneel on either side of the saddle with their feet hanging off the back edge for acomfortable and cushioned

kneeling position. When inflated, the seat pushes outwards to stay in position and keep it from falling out when you are

out of the boat. The straps (for installing in sitting position) can be hooked into the floor attachments for the C2 seat for

extra security.

Sitting Installation -To install the Touring Seats for sitting, the wide flat side of the seat faces up and the “saddle” side

faces down. Position the seats so that the curve on the flat side that you are sitting on faces the stern. There are 4strap

plates on the seat which allow the seat to be secured by lashing 1-inch webbing straps to the two grab loops on the end of

the packraft and the two triangles in the center of the tubes. You can cinch the seat down tight for acomfortable seat like

aclassic touring canoe.

EXPLORER 42 SETUP

Seating Installation –The Explorer 42 features a 3/4-length seat, similar to our

Whitewater Series and Self Bailers, with a wider front portion for asecond person

to sit and full 2-inch incut along the sides to allow the rear paddler to drop their

feet for afoot brace and extra paddling control. The seat is installed valve side up

and held in place by asleeve welded to the floor of the packraft. Note – A standard

seat from our Alpacka Series will fit in the bow area in front of the Explorer 42 seat

for afull length inflatable floor.

Inflating –The Explorer 42 features a lightweight single valve allows high pressure

oral inflation and quick deflation with a quick 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