Falcon Inflatables 390 User manual

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Owner’s!Manual!
APPLICABLE EXPORT MODELS
390 / 450 / 520 / 575 / 650 / 700 / 760
VERSION 2017/1

Contents'
Introduction 2
Prologue 3
Packing list 4
Basic Deck Layout 4
Inflating the tube 4
Before use 7
Deck water drainage 7
Mooring 8
After use 8
Cleaning & maintenance 8
Preparing for storage 9
Warranty Information 10
Fibreglass hull repairs 13
Tube repairs 14

- 2 -
Introduction'
Congratulations with the purchase of your new Falcon Rigid Hull Inflatable
Boat (RIB).
The Falcon range of RIB’s have been developed and tested over a period of 30
years, often in the most severe conditions, to ensure that you will enjoy safe
and trouble-free operation for many years. No expense has been spared to
research, develop and continuously evolve the Falcon range – which is why you
can now be proud of owning one of the best quality Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats
available.
Falcon RIBS are manufactured according to strict International Quality and
Safety Standards, using only the highest quality materials and latest
manufacturing processes available.
To ensure good performance we strongly recommend that the maintenance
recommendations and operating instructions outlined in this manual are
adhered to at all times.
Please read this manual carefully, and familiarise yourself with the boat before
using it. If this is your first powerboat or RIB, we suggest that you obtain
training and handling/operating experience on this type of vessel before
assuming command of the craft, for your own safety.
Please note that in most Countries a Certificate of Competence issued by the
relevant marine Authority is required by law to operate a boat.

- 3 -
Prologue'
Falcon Inflatables have been manufacturing inflatable boats since 1985. Over
the course of 30 years our boats have continuously evolved as a result of
valuable experience and customer feedback, gained through extensive racing,
recreational, government and commercial use all over the world. This
feedback is constantly engineered back into the product range – this is why
Falcon RIB’s will always offer the latest practical design features, the most
efficient hull designs, modern and highly durable construction, and built-in
safety features.
Every Falcon boat undergoes strict quality control checks throughout the
manufacturing process, to ensure the highest quality and durability. Whether
your needs are leisure or commercial, you can rest assured that a Falcon RIB
will give you years of trouble-free operation.
Please note that the environment in which boats are used includes strong
currents and ever-changing sea conditions, it is therefore necessary to adjust
the speed at which the boat is operated to suit the conditions.
Driving your boat too fast in rough conditions could cause injury to the crew,
or damage the boat hull or associated equipment. In addition, always ensure
that the driver of the boat is attached to a safety cut-out mechanism (“kill
switch”) that will stop the motor in the event of him being thrown overboard.

- 4 -
Packing'list'
The following items have been included with your new boat:
1 x Inflation pump with bayonet-type valve connector
1 x Repair kit (fabric & instructions)
1 x Selection of hull and deck hatch drain plugs
Basic'deck'layout'
Actual specifications may differ depending on your model. Accurate drawings available by
request.
Inflating'the'tube'
The inflatable tube (pontoon) of your Falcon Inflatable boat is divided into
either 4 (450 model) or 6 (520, 575, 650, 700, 760 models) individual air
compartments by means of conically shaped baffles (dividers). The baffles can
change shape to allow adjacent chamber pressure to be reduced when a
rupture in a chamber occurs – it is therefore quite normal for adjacent
chambers to appear slightly deflated if a chamber is deflated.

- 5 -
The pump supplied includes a bayonet-type fitting, which fits into the inflation
valves located along the inside of the tube, above the deck.
The correct inflating procedure is as follows:
1) First inflate each chamber (starting from both the rear ends of the
boat) only to the point where each chamber forms a normal inflated
shape, but is still soft.
2) Repeat the procedure (starting from the two rear chambers again)
only this time inflating each chamber to 0.25-0.27 bar (normal
operating pressure).
3) The internal chamber dividers (also referred to as baffles) will indicate
a pressure difference between adjacent chambers by creating an
indent on the outer tube surface – equalize the pressure to rectify.
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Recommended operating pressure:
0.25 to 0.3 bar (3.6 to 4.3 psi)
Please note:
The use of air compressors or high pressure air cylinders to inflate your boat
should be undertaken with great care to avoid damage to the inflatable
tubes and the baffles. Overpressure in a compartment with a deflated
adjacent compartment may rupture a baffle.
To better understand the variation of pressure relative to a rise or drop in
ambient temperature, please study the table below:

- 6 -
DEGREES
CENTIGRADE
BAR
PRESSURE
5
0.21
0.13
0.05
0
10
0.25
0.17
0.09
0.01
15
0.29
0.21
0.13
0.05
20
0.33
0.25
0.17
0.09
25
0.37
0.29
0.21
0.13
30
0.41
0.33
0.25
0.17
35
0.45
0.37
0.29
0.21
40
0.49
0.41
0.33
0.25
45
0.53
0.45
0.37
0.29
Thermo-bonded welded seam construction combined with modern fabrics
allows the tubes of your Falcon Inflatable to have a longer useable life than
traditional glued seams ( note that traditional neoprene rubber “Hypalon”
fabric cannot be welded ); In addition your welded tube seams are also far
more tolerant to temperature and altitude related pressure increases. With a
much increased seam strength, the need to adjust the pressure during normal
(20 degrees centigrade or less) rises in temperature is eliminated.
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Do however take care to never operate the boat with the tubes in an
under-inflated state (less than 0.25bar). Under-inflated operation can cause
cyclic vibration eventually leading to fabric de-lamination of the pontoon
areas which are in contact with the water.
If unsure, rather add more air – the supplied pump is unable to achieve a
pressure of more than 10% of the tube’s recommended operating pressure. A
large drop in ambient temperature will contract the amount of air and
resultantly reduce pressure. Also note that the pressure in the tubes will drop
if the boat is launched into colder water, therefore please recheck the
pressure after launching the boat.
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The same applies to a rise or drop in altitude; moving from low to a high
altitude will allow pressure to increase, and vice versa.

- 7 -
Falcon does not make use of automatic pressure release valves, as they reduce
reliability of the tubes – thermo-bonded seam construction allows a tolerance
level far greater than glued seams, and exceeds the requirements for normal
operational conditions, thus it is not required to constantly adjust tube
pressures to compensate for small temperature variations.
Before'use'
1) Check, adjust and equalize pressure in the tube to 0.25-0.3 bar. Refer
to chapter “Inflating the tube” above.
2) Ensure that all hull drain plugs are secured in position.
3) Ensure that all deck hatch drain plugs are secured in position.
4) Check that all loose equipment aboard are stowed or secured.
5) Be sure you have enough fuel for your boating trip + reserve
6) Ensure that your boat complies with local safety regulations, and that
the required documentation and safety equipment are on board and
serviceable
7) Ensure that your inflation pump and repair kit is on board.
8) For outboard motor operation, please refer to the manual supplied
with the motor.
Deck'water-drainage'
Water on deck will drain out of the self-draining scuppers on the transom when
the boat is in motion. Debris washed off the deck could become lodged within
the scuppers, in which case they may allow a small amount of water onto the
deck when the boat is at rest. To rectify, clean the scuppers (located on the
outside of the transom) via the opening on the underside.

- 8 -
Mooring'
When placed on a mooring for a period of time, a boat cover is recommended,
and all hatch drain plugs should be installed to avoid rainwater draining into
the hull via unsealed hatches. It is also advisable to install an automatic bilge
pump to prevent the build-up of rainwater inside the boat.
Please note that inflatable boats are not designed for long-term mooring,
algae and other contaminants in the water will damage the pontoon fabric.
After'use'
Salt residue is any boat’s worst enemy. Where possible, it is highly
recommended to rinse the hull and deck, tubes, outboard motor and all
exposed metal parts with fresh water to remove the salt. The motor and trailer
will also require flushing, please refer to the outboard motor manual for motor
flushing requirements
Cleaning'&'maintenance'
Position the boat in a nose-high attitude, to allow wash water to drain from
the hull and deck. Remove all drain plugs, and wash with a mild soap and water
solution (for example dishwashing liquid or car shampoo). Do not use
ammonia-based products, engine degreasers or harsh chemicals, as this can
damage the hull and tubes.
To remove stubborn marks and stains, special chemical solutions are available,
but should be used with care. Please refer to your dealer, a boat shop, or
contact Falcon Inflatables for more information.
The fabric does not require to be polished – repeated use of silicone or wax
based products can result in a build-up which bonds to the fabric, making it
near impossible to effect successful repairs, if ever needed.

- 9 -
A periodical inspection of the hull and deck surface, as well as the tube for
damage, is recommended.
Preparing'for'storage'
1) Clean the boat and motor, and let dry before moving into storage.
2) Remove all drain plugs.
3) Open all access hatches to allow water vapours to evaporate.
4) Ensure that no wet gear is left in the boat, for example life jackets.
5) Disconnect the battery.
6) Trim the outboard motor down to allow water to drain from its
exhaust.
7) Store the boat under –roof in a cool dry place, alternatively use a
quality boat cover to protect the boat from harsh UV and the
elements, as prolonged uncovered storage will degrade the pontoon
and upholstery fabric prematurely