Field & Stream Blade Elite User manual

-Blade Elite Kayak Owner’s Manual -

Owner’s Manual and Warranty
Important Safety Notice
Compliance and Regulation
Getting Acquainted with your Kayak
Care and Maintenance
Warranty/Registration

Thank you for purchasing a Field and Stream Product! We hope it will provide you with enjoyment and
use for years to come. We stand behind our products and invite your comments and suggestions.
RETAIN THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
For your safety and benefit, read this manual carefully before using this product. Failure to follow the
instructions and safety precautions in this manual can result in serious injury or death or damage to
equipment.
How you can get service:
Please direct all warranty service inquiries as follows:
If in writing, Mail to: Field & Stream
C/O Field & Stream
345 Court Street
Coraopolis, PA 15108
Attention: Customer Service
If by telephone, call 1-877-846-9997
If by email [e-mail]

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
WARNING: Paddle sports can be inherently very dangerous and physically demanding. The user of
this product should understand that participating in paddle sports may result in serious injury or death.
Observe the following safety standards whenever using this product.
Read all instructions carefully prior to using this product
Minors should not use the boat without adult supervision
Consult your physician prior to beginning your paddle sport training
Get paddle sport instructions specific to this type of craft from a certified instructor
Obtain certified first aid training and carry first aid safety/rescue equipment
Always wear a nationally approved personal flotation device
Always wear a helmet on whitewater and ocean surf
For recreational use only
Do not exceed your paddling ability
Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Cold water and cold weather can result in
hypothermia
Check your equipment prior to each use for signs of wear or failure. Discontinue use immediately
if any defect or damage are found
It is recommended to endeavor the water in groups or a minimum of two people
Do not paddle in flooded conditions
Beware of appropriate river water levels, tidal changes, dangerous currents, and weather
changes. Check local tide and weather forecasts prior to paddling
Scout unfamiliar waters –portage where appropriate
Do not consume alcohol or mind altering drugs prior to using this product
This product is intended as a user propelled watercraft only
If additional outfitting is added to this craft, use manufacturer approved materials only. Do not
impair entry or exit access.
Always bring a bailer or bilge pump with you in case of emergency
Compliance and Regulation
Make sure all those aboard are wearing approved life jackets. Always ensure prior to launch
that life jackets are not in need of repair. Ensure you have basic emergency equipment on board
(warning horn, first aid kit, whistle, etc.).
Always abide by all Coast Guard regulations and State/Provincial registration, regulations,
ordinances, and rules concerning boating and boating safety. Check with the Coast Guard and
State/Provincial and local authorities concerning proper boat handling, registration, and the
proper equipment to be carried on board, such as lights and sound-producing devices.

Getting Acquainted with your Sit-In Kayak
Your kayak has a deck at the front (bow) and an open storage well in the rear (stern). It has a
closed cockpit defining the boat as a sit-in kayak.
Deck Rigging –The bungee lines on top of the deck are for securing gear. The paddle park
bungees allows you to secure your paddle to the side of the kayak.
Carry Handles –These are positioned at the bow and the stern of the kayak. The handles should
be used to carry and help load and unload the kayak. Carry handles should NOT be used to
support the kayak for storage.
Seat –This is a padded seat strapped onto the kayak. The back angle can be adjusted by using
the buckle adjusters in front of the seat position, and is designed with a comfort back to help
reduce strain during long paddles.
Foot Brace Position –The front foot braces can be adjusted. To adjust, unlock the foot braces
and slide along the track. Adjust so that you have a slight bend in your knees. You should be able
to brace against them.
Beverage Holder –Located in the center console in the cockpit.
Drain Plug –Always make sure the drain plug at the stern of the kayak is screwed tightly closed
when in use on the water.
Carrying Your Kayak (portaging) –Two people can carry the kayak with one using the bow
handle and the other using the stern handle. One person can carry the kayak by lifting the kayak
from the central positional cockpit rim or by hoisting the kayak on to your shoulder using the
central cockpit rim as a grip point. Never lift/carry the kayak by the deck bungees.
Car Topping –We recommend straps with buckles. We do not recommend string or ratcheting
tighteners. Strings may not be strong enough and ratcheting can cause pressure points and
deform the hull.
Open Well - This area is molded to be compatible with a 5-gallon bucket. The rear bungee can be
stretched to be placed on top of the bucket for secure storage. When using dry bags or dry
storage, be sure to secure to the rear well bungee cords.
Camera Mounts –Two flat, oval shaped camera mounts are located on the deck and the stern of
the boat. Be sure to use cameras and camera mounts that are waterproof and designed to be
used for water sports.
Front Dashboard –The area in the front of the cockpit is used to temporarily place/store items.
Use extreme caution when paddling or getting in/out of the kayak, as the dashboard does not
contain secure tie down points.
Comfort Back - Raised seating support helps reduce strain on lower back when out for a long
paddle.
Built in USA - Built in USA
6" Storage Hatch- Storage hatch to keep items secure while out on water.
Knee Pads - Knee pads help keep you comfortable while on longer paddles.
Flush Mount Rod Holders - Flexibility to allow user to be able to fish from the kayak without
adding additional components to the boat.

Care and Maintenance
Empty any water inside and let the kayak ventilate.
Short Term Storage - Boats manufactured using polyethylene plastics are durable, sturdy, and
highly impact resistant, but due to the nature of plastic, proper storage is important. The kayak
should be stored on its side or vertically. Your boat can also be stored upside down. When
storing upside down, it is recommended that the load be supported evenly throughout its
length.
Long Term Storage –Follow short-term guidelines. Clean your kayak and look for wear. If
possible, store your kayak out of direct sunlight. Do not store your boat long term by leaving a
tarp directly over it. This will create an “oven effect” that can damage or deform the hull. A tarp
suspended over the boat will protect the boat from ultraviolet sunlight.
Carry handles should NOT be used to support the kayak for storage. Hanging your boat from the
grab loops or handles will cause deformation, and can lead to the failure of grab loops and rope
handle anchor points.
Cleaning –Wash with mild soap and water. To brighten exterior surfaces, use a vinyl protectant
product. Do not use car wax on any surface.
Light Hull Minor Deformation –Leave your boat in bright sunlight for 48 hours. In time, it should
return to normal. If the hull is still deformed after 48 hours in bright sunlight, discontinue use
and consult a reputable dealer or repair show for any maintenance or repairs. Leaving hull in
direct sunlight for more than 48 hours may damage the kayak.
Check your equipment prior to each use for signs of wear or failure. Discontinue use immediately
if any defect or damage are found. Consult with a reputable dealer or repair shop for any
maintenance or repairs. After repair, be sure to fully inspect and test the kayak in shallow water
or with a hose to ensure all dents/holes/scratches have been successfully fixed.

Two Year Limited Warranty
Congratulations on your purchase of this fine Field and Stream product! We take great pride in the level
of craftsmanship and quality materials we use in building Field and Stream products. As a result, you can
have confidence that all your Field and Stream products will perform when and where you need them
the most, in the field.
What this warranty covers
This Field and Stream product manufactured by American Sports Licensing Inc., is warranted to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of your original
purchase. Field and Stream will, at its option, repair and replace any original part of this product that is
found to be defective under the terms of this warranty. This warranty is only valid for the original retail
purchaser of this product and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is
required to obtain warranty performance.
What this warranty does not cover
This warranty does not cover damage to abuse, misuse, normal wear, or excessive wear and tear caused
by owner neglect, including failure to perform routine maintenance, accidents, malfunctions caused by
unauthorized alterations, improper installation, use of unauthorized parts or attachments, lost parts, or
if used for commercial or rental purposes and acts of nature. This includes expendable items, including
by way of example only and not by way of limitation: batteries, light bulbs, fuses, zippers, tires, belts,
shoe soles, fabric, or other items that experience wear as a result of normal use. This warranty also does
not cover a change in appearance of boat due to wear, exposure, or other environmental conditions,
such as improper storage such as storage in water, freezing, prolonged sun exposure, high winds, or
warping of hull/deck from long-term storage. Coverage does not extend to any lost, damaged, or
broken accessories used or installed on this boat (electronics, action camera mounts, dry storage
devices, etc.).
This limited warranty does not cover any consequential or incidental damages of any kind, including
transportation to get warranty, loss of time, and loss of use. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Period of Coverage
This limited warranty lasts for a period of two years from the date of your original purchase. Any implied
warranty arising under state law is limited in duration to the period of this limited warranty. Some states
do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts. Limitations may not apply to you.

How you can get service
Please direct all warranty service inquiries as follows:
If in writing, Mail to: Field & Stream
C/O Field & Stream
345 Court Street
Coraopolis, PA 15108
Attention: Customer Service
If by telephone, call 1-877-846-9997
If by email [e-mail]
How state law applies
This limited warranty gives you specific legal right, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
The Field and Stream trademark is owned by American Sports Licensing Inc., and is not associated with
Field and Stream Licenses Company, LLC Field & Stream Magazine.