Alpacka raft Ultralight series User manual

ALPACKARAFTOWNER’SMANUAL

#thisispackrafting

2019UltralightSeries

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 a lightweight backpackable raft that

could withstand the rigors of the Alaskan wilderness, like the 600‐mile traverse of the

Brooks Range that Thor and four friends had completed that summer. From thatveryfirst

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.

Valve

GrabLoop

ScoutSeat

Stern Bow

(Optional)CargoFly

SCOUTFEATURES

FeaturesDescription:

•Hull:9.2‐inchClassicHull

•Bow:Frontofthepackraft

•Stern: Rearofthepackraft.

•ScoutSeat: InflatableScout Seatattachestofloor.

•GrabLoops: Forattachinggrabline.1onstern.

•Valve:Lightweightinflationassistvalveallowsinflationand

deflationwitha1/4turnofthevalvecore.Workswithinflation

bagandtemperingbymouth.

•(Optional)CargoFly: AirtightTi‐ZipSupersealzipperallows

internalgearstorage.Keepsgeardryandimprovesweight

distributionandstability.NotcompatiblewithInternalDryBags.

CARIBOUFEATURES

FeaturesDescription:

•Hull:11.7‐InchClassicHullwithLateRiseBow

•Bow:Frontofthepackraft.

•Stern: Rearofthepackraft.

•ClassicSeat: InflatableClassicSeatattachestofloor.

•Handle:Allowseasydragginguponshoreorcarryingfromthe

front.

•GrabLoops: Forattachinggrablinesandgear.2onstern.

•Valve:Lightweightinflationassistvalveallowsinflationand

deflationwitha1/4turnofthevalvecore.Workswithinflation

bagandtemperingbymouth.

•(Optional)CargoFly: AirtightTi‐ZipSupersealzipperallows

internalgearstorage.Keepsgeardryandimprovesweight

distributionandstability.InternalDryBagssoldseparately,but

cannotbeclippedinplace.

•StrapPlates: 1‐inchwideslotforattachingstraps.4onbow

orientedtosecureabicycletothebow.

CargoFly

(Optional)

Valve

ClassicSeat

Stern

GrabLoop

Bow

Handle

StrapPlates

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.Alpacka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.

ULTRALIGHTSERIESBASICSETUP&INFLATION

Seat Installation: The Caribou includes a Classic Seat and the Scout Seat is

an optional upgrade on the Scout. Install the seat by inserting the oval

toggle attached to the floor of the boat through the plastic D‐ring attached

to the seat with the inflation nozzle facing up. Inflate the seat and push

into place before tempering to desired firmness.

Valve: Our Temper Assist Valve minimizes air loss while inflating and

improves your ability to increase the air pressure in your packraft. It is

not a true one‐way valve that other inflatables may have, which requires

a pump to engage the spring and allow air to pass through. The new valve

is a complement to our lightweight inflation bag and to the air capacity of

your lungs.

•Keep the valve clean and free of sand and other debris.

•Makesurethegasketisseatedinthevalvecap,anextragasketis

included in your basic repair kit.

•Colder weather may affect how the plastic flap engages.

•The valve itself does not fully seal, the valve cap with gasket will do

this.

•As your boat ages, the performance of the valve may or may not

decrease due to a buildup of sand or improper storage in the open

position

Inflation:

•To inflate, turn the blue dial counterclockwise to the closed position

and thread the inflation bag onto the valve.

•While using the inflation bag, the internal flap will close and prevent

air loss as you near capacity. The flap will not engage until there is

enough internal pressure to push against the flap. Remove the

inflationbagafteryouhaveaddedasmuchairasyoucanwithit.A

hiss of air may still escape at this point.

•Blow directly into the valve by mouth until you have added enough

pressure to make the tubes of your boat firm. Thread the valve cap

onto the valve to make an air tight seal. Before you launch, temper

your boat in the water and add air until the pressure stabilizes, this

may take a few times depending upon water temperature and the

volume of your boat.

•Todeflate,turnthebluedialclockwisetotheopenpositionto

release air.

•Store your boat with the valve in the counterclockwise closed

position. This will release the pressure on the flap and prevent it from

creating a memory from the open position.

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 a wide 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 a relatively square fold, try folding into quarters lengthwise and

then folding in 1‐foot length sections from the bow and secure with a

strap.

Bicycle Installation (Caribou Only): The Caribou bow is designed

specifically to carry a bicycle. It has 4 strap plates oriented to secure the

bike with ski straps with the top tube on the bow, the chainstay on the left

and the fork on the right. The wheels can be secured to the top of the bike

with additional straps. A Titan‐Straps custom bike tie down kit is available

as an upgrade on all Caribou models.

CARGOFLYCARE&MAINTENANCE

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

Youmustclean,dry,and

lubricateyourCargoFlyZipper

aftereverytripandoftenwhile

inthefield!

MAINTENANCE KIT: You will need a small

(about 3×3″) clean rag, zipper lubricant, and a

small brush. You can use old t‐shirts to make

new rags. Old toothbrushes make great cargo

fly brushes. Keep your kit with you in the field

and maintain often.

CLEANING: If you are having trouble getting

your zipper to close, it is most likely due to an

obstruction in the chain (i.e. the teeth).

Therefore, you need to keep your zipper

chain clean and free of sand, dirt, and debris.

Because lubricant attracts sand, we do not

recommend applying lubricant direct to the

chain. If your zipper needs cleaning, start

with a small brush and use warm soap and

water for more difficult cleaning.

LUBRICATION STEPS: Your zipper should

always run smooth and easy. If your zipper is

difficult to move or feels sticky, it needs

lubrication. Always make sure the zipper

chain is clean before lubricating.

1. With the zipper CLOSED apply a lube to

the rag and use the rag to work the lube

into the urethane laminated exterior of

the zipper. Do not apply lubricant directly

to the zipper teeth!

2. Continue to use the rag to until all

exterior surfaces of the closed zipper are

coated.

3. Wipe down the zipper until all excess

lubricant is removed. Excess lubricant

will attract dirt and sand.

4. Open the zipper and use the rag to

lightly lube the chain and sealing edges.

5. Apply a small amount of lube to the

docking end.

6. Open and close the zipper several times,

it should slide smoothly and close easily.

Repeat the above steps if necessary.

The goal is to regularly maintain a very thin

coat of lube along the length of the zipper

allowing the head to slide freely and dock

easily.

STORAGE: Aftereachuse,leavethezipperopenand

allow to dry thoroughly. Failure to dry will cause the

zipper to rot and crack, which is not covered by

warranty! If you need to travel home with a wet

packraft, leave the zipper on the outside where it can

breathe.

TROUBLESHOOTING:

•Separating Behind Zipper Head: If the zipper

separates behind the head, it will self heal by pulling

the zipper head behind the separation and reclosing.

You may need to follow the cleaning and lubrication

steps to make it reseal. If necessary, close the zipper

by hand through the problem area.

•Separating at Zipper Base: If the zipper separates at

the base, you will need to clean the area and

manually close the first 3cm of the zipper by hand

and then back the head over the closed area to reset.

•Leak at Zipper Base: Sometimes the zipper will close,

but leave a small gap at the zipper base due to an

obstruction in the teeth. You will need to separate

the zipper by hand at the base, clean the area, and

then reclose following the steps above.

WARRANTY & REPLACEMENT: Only the installation, not

the Ti‐Zip zipper, of the Cargo Fly is covered by our

Warranty Policy. We offer a reduced cost replacement

fee of $100 for all Cargo Fly zippers through our Repair

&RetrofitServices.

STORAGE|CARE|MAINTENANCE

AlpackaRaftsareLow‐FussandLow‐Maintenance

Our packrafts are 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 good shape from year to year.

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

IN THE FIELD: Other than Cargo Fly Zipper care, very little needs to be done to keep your packraft in good working order while in the

field.

Generally attaching your packraft to your back (or bicycle) in a way that it can fall off (this has happened) or is subject to excessive

abrasion.

AT HOME:

•Clean 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: If your boat is stored wet, it will damage the Cargo Fly zipper and can develop a strong cat urine odor which

can be very difficult to remove. In addition, a wet packraft can spread invasive species. We recommend hanging your boat to dry

after every trip before storing.

•Storing Your Packraft: After it is clean and dry, we recommend storing your packraft in a cool dry place with good air flow. Hanging,

loosely rolling or folding are good methods. We do not recommend storing your packraft in its stuffsack. To reduce UV aging, do not

store your packraft in direct sunlight.

•We recommend periodic Seaworthiness Checks: These should be done when pulling the boat out after a period 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.

REPAIRGUIDE

Always bring a repair 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: A strong, 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®: A strong 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: Patchfabricisincludedinyour

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 a field 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 a full 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 a full 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) a full 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 a full 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 thelifeofthe

product. This warranty only applies to the original owner and is not transferable. Original proof of purchase is required. Claims under this warrantymustbemade

directly to Alpacka Raft, Box 1091, Mancos, CO 81328. The customer’s sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty will be for Alpacka 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 a particular

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

•Cargo Fly Zippers:

•Cargo fly zippers require specialized care and maintenance to operate correctly. Failure to keep your Cargo Fly zipper properly maintained will voidyour

Cargo Fly installation warranty.

•Cargo Fly zippers are covered by a 1‐year warranty for defects in materials and workmanship solely with respect to the installation of the zipper. The Ti‐Zip

zipper is not covered by this warranty.

•We offer a reduced cost replacement fee of $100 for all Cargo Fly zippers through our Repair & Retrofit Services.

•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’s 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 to be lightweight at the

expense of durability and longevity under normal use.

•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.

•This warranty shall not cover damages resulting from commercial and rentaluse.

•Scout and Caribou tube fabrics are covered by a 5‐year warranty in materials and workmanship. After this warranty period expires, we will not warrantyany

defects in materials and workmanship on the Scout and Caribou tubes, but we may (in our sole discretion) offer a repair or replacement at a reduced cost.