Flexboat SR 550 User manual

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Owner’s Manual – SR 550
2
Index
01 - Introduction
02 - Flexboat history
03 - Builders Certificates
04 - Vessel Registration
05 - Owner responsibilities
06 - SR 550 features
6.1 - Versions
6.2 - Dimensions and specifications (all versions)
6.3 - SR 550 in details
07- Knowing the SR 550 SD
7.1- Specifications
7.2- Details SR 550 SD
7.3- Basic items
7.4- Mandatory items
7.5- Optional items
08 - Knowing the SR 550 OB
8.1- Specifications
8.2- Details SR 550 OB
8.3- Basic items
8.4- Mandatory items
8.5- Optional items
09 - Optional items details
10 - How to inflate your Flexboat
11 - Maximum capacity
12 - Engine ratings
13 - Maintenance and cleaning
13.1 - Hull and cockpit cleaning
13.2 - Tube cleaning
13.2.1 - Using the Hypalon cleaning Blue Kit
13.3 - Stainless steel cleaning
13.4 - Windshield cleaning
13.5 - Upholstery cleaning
13.6 - Fresh water tank cleaning
13.7 - Teak cleaning
13.8 - Cleaning products NOT TO BE USED on board
14 - Before navigation
14.1 - Complete checklist, still in land
14.2 - In-water checklist
14.3 - Engine starting checklist
15 - Onboard safety
16 - Anchoring your Flexboat
16.1 - Launching the anchor
16.2 - Retrieving the anchor
16.3 - Electronic assistance while anchoring
17 - Navigation tips
18 - Returning from your trip
19 - Fuel
19.1 - Fueling the boat
19.2 - Using the right fuels
20 - Engine care
21 - Trailers and craddles
21.1 - Classification
21.2 - Trailer laws
21.3 - Tying down the boat on its trailer
21.4 - Hitting the road with your Flexboat on a trailer

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21.5 - Safety driving tips
22 - Bimini top and storage cover
22.1 - Bimini and storage cover maintenance
22.2 - Bimini and storage cover cleaning
23 - Small repairs on the tubes
24 - Air valve replacement
25 - Final considerations
26 - Warranty
27 - Warranty card

Owner’s Manual – SR 550
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1 – Introduction
Congratulations! You have just purchased a FLEXBOAT.
A lightweight, versatile and dynamic vessel. Stability, safety and high capacity are just some of its strengths.
We only utilize the highest quality materials and components to build our boats. The tubes are built with the best
material imported from France, a fabric made of Hypalon, Neoprene and Polyester which is highly hermetic and
extremely resistant to abrasion, chemicals, sun rays, and wear & tear. The use of those materials guarantees Flexboat
inflatables its superior durability.
Boating means spending good moments in the water. To make sure you achieve this we strongly suggest you read
this manual. Here you will learn how to handle your boat and how to drive it in a safe way. You will also learn how to
take care of your boat, do some basic troubleshooting, how to properly maintain it. And you will also find information
about its warranty. Our goal is helping you getting the most of your Flexboat so you can enjoy it safely.
Our products are under constant development and improvement. All images, drawings, descriptions and specifications
in this manual reflect the most current models available.
Flexboat reserves the right to do changes to this Manual at any time as needed.
2 – Flexboat History
Late 1988 Jaime Jose Alves Silva, an entrepreneur from Rio de Janeiro, decided to settle in Sao Paulo after travelling
to Italy and France searching for technology and for the most advanced materials in order to start building the best
inflatable boats in Brazil.
FLEXBOAT CONSTRUCOES NAUTICAS LTDA was born in 1990 in its facility located in the city of Atibaia, 40 miles
from the city of Sao Paulo, on a 270,000 sq ft area right across the Fernao Dias Highway. The city of Atibaia was
chosen due to its prime location as a transportation hub and also because it is close to the main marine markets in
Brazil's south / southeast regions.
Since then 28 years have demanded lots of work and dedication. During this period FLEXBOAT has created a brand
name which is a reference of quality. It has turned into a synonym of inflatable boats.
Since its inception FLEXBOAT has been using Hypalon (special fabric based on rubber and neoprene, imported from
France) to build its tubes. This material and its incomparable features guarantees the boats will have the highest
safety standard. It makes sure the boats will last longer. When used in conjunction with other high quality raw
materials and components and when handled by a team of highly trained and qualified workers the final result is
FLEXBOAT, the best inflatable boat made in Brazil.
After starting building small inflatables up to 12 feet long Flexboat kept on expanding its product line until the release
of the SR 1000, the largest (33 ft) and most advanced inflatable build in Brazil. Until now more than 15,000 boats
were built and sold in Brazil, USA, Caribbean and Europe.
In 2005 FLEXBOAT started the development of boats focused on military use and since then we have become the
main vendor for Brazil armed forces. Federal Police, Navy, Firemen, First Responders, IBAMA and Ambient Police are
among FLEXBOAT customers.
FLEXBOAT is looking to the future and working onto increasing its product offering in the leisure market by offering
larger boats with a cabin, and other innovations, both for the Brazilian and International markets. In the military and
professional sectors, FLEXBOAT is developing a new line of products that will be second to none.
This is FLEXBOAT!
Best regards,
THE FLEXBOAT TEAM

Owner’s Manual – SR 550
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3 – Quality you can trust
All our boats are subjected to quality tests before delivery to the customer, guaranteeing a superior level of quality.
4 – Vessel registration
You should register your boat according to the local laws and regulations. Please contact your nearest marine
authorities or your closest FLEXBOAT dealer if needed
5 – Owner responsibilities
The owner or user is responsible for acknowledging and following the requirements and procedures below:
•Coast Guard registration
•Insurance
•Warranty registration
•Warranty terms and conditions
•Correct usage and maintenance of the boat and its systems
•Safety equipment
•Passengers safety preparation and training
•Knowledge of the boats systems
•Knowledge of the sea conditions
•Safe practices
•No use of drugs and alcohol
•Environmental regulations
•Accident reports
•Operators license if needed

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6 – SR 550 features
The Flexboat SR 550 is a 19 ft long inflatable which was designed with the leisure markets in mind.The SR 550 has a
deep V fiberglass hull laminated with high quality gelcoat and other materials, and inflatable tubes fabricated with the
frech fabric based on Hypalon, Neoprene and Polyester.
It has 4 independent air chambers.
6.1 – Versions
There are two versions of the SR 550:
►SD (Sterndrive) SR 550 SD - for Sterndrive engines. Offering very quiet engines, this option offers
a free swim platform and a very stable boat. This engine is heavier that an Outboard engine.
►OB (Outboard) SR 550 OB - for Outboard engines. They are versatile and can easily be installed
or removed from the boat.
6.2 – Dimensions and specifications (all versions)
►Lenght overall outboard version: 19 ft 9 in (6.02 meters)
►Lenght overall sterndrive version: 19 ft 4 in (5.89 meters)
►Lenght overall (tubes): 18 ft 7 in (5.65 meters)
►Lenght (inside): 15 ft 9 in (4.81 meters)
►Beam (outside): 7 ft 9 in (2.36 meters)
►Beam (inside): 4 ft 3 in (1.30 meters)
►Molded depth: 2 ft 11 in (0.90 meters)
► Draft: 1 ft 3 in (0.37 meters)
►Water line: 15 ft 7 in (4.74 meters)
►Tube diameter (cone shaped): 1 ft 8 in at the stern and 1 ft 4 in at the bow
►Swim platform: 4 ft 1 in X 2 ft (1.24 X 0.60 meters)
Tubes protection while docking: 2 vulcanized rubber profiles applied all around the boat, along the sides
of the tubes acting as fenders to protect the tubes during docking and also working as spray deflectors
during navigation
6.3 – SR 550 in details
1
–
Bow anchor roller.
2 – Fuel deck fill and fresh water deck fill.
3 – Self draining system to avoid spilling
inside the boat during fueling.
4 – Stainless steel cleat
5 – Fuel tank vent

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Watertight
Watertight bow storage compartment with 34 gal capacity, ideal for items that should not get wet.
Fiberglass storage cover with stainless steel hinges and stainless steel latches, with actuators for
ease of use.
Seat cushion made with Hinterschaum injection process with no seam
1 – 13 gallon insulated dry storage compartment (cooler)
in front of the console
2 – Seat and backrest use cushions made with
Hinterschaum injection process with no seams.
3 – Removable backrest giving access to the back of the
instrument panel
4 – Stainless steel armrests
1
-
Compass
2 - Windshield
3 - Auxiliary fuel tank vent
4 - Stainless steel safety rail
5 - Steering wheel
6 - Instruments
7 - Engine controls
8 - Air vent
9 - Electronic panel
10 - 12V outlet
11 - CD / stereo
12 - VHF radio
13 - Glove box

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Console with glove box, fire extinguisher dedicated location, access door to the back side of
the instrument panel, acrylic windshield with stainless steel safety rail around, insulated dry
storage compartment (cooler) in front of the console, seat and backrest use cushions made
with Hinterschaum injection process with no seams.
Stainless steel structure seat with seat and backrest cuhions made with with Hinterschaum
injection process with no seams.
The seat can fold up with the help of an actuator so the boat can be driven either in seated or
standing position.

Owner’s Manual – SR 550
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7 – Knowing the SR 550 SD
7.1 – Specifications
Maximum capacity: 1 captain + 6 passengers.
Maximum cargo capacity: 3,525 lbs (1,600 kg)
Stainless steel fuel tank with 2 baffles and 37 gallons capacity (140 liters)
Fuel level indicator gauge
Rotomolded fresh water tank with 9 gal (35 liters) capacity
Water level indicator gauge
Total weight (no engine, no accessorioes, no fuel, no water): 1,300 lbs (590 kg)
4 independent air chambers.

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7.2 – Details SR 550 SD
1
-
Large anchor locker with dedicated stainless steel
mooring ring to tie the anchor line. There is room enough
to store a 12 lbs anchor with 350 ft of 3/8 line.
2 - 34 gallon capacity watertight box in the bow with
fiberglass cover, stainless steel hinges and latch. Seat
and backrest with injected Hinterschaum cushions.
3 - 13 gallon capacity insulated box (cooler) in front of the
console
4 - Large engine compartment with room to accomodate the
sterndrive engine and accessories. It also offers room to
store small objects.
1
-
Captain seat
2 - Access to fuel tank
3 - Drain
4 - Three bilge vents
5 - Stainless steel grab handle
6 - Stainless steel latches
7 - Cup holders
8 - Seat that can be raised with
the help of actuators
9 - 2 stainless steel cleats
10 – Backrest
11 - Stainless steel ladder

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Transom plate plug with lanyard Sterndrive engine
7.3 - Basic items
Stainless steel bow rooler in the bow.
Transom plate plug.
Stainless steel fuel tank with 2 baffles and 37 gallons capacity (140 liters)
Fuel deck fill located in the bow deck, with vent, and with self draining system in case of spilling
1 stainless steel cleat in the bow and 2 in the stern.
Stainless steel structure seat for captain with seat amd backrest cuhions made with Hintershaum
injection process with no seams. The seat can fold up with the help of an actuator so the boat can be
driven either in seated or standing up position.
Stern seat and backrest using cushions made with Hintershaum injection process with no seams.
Stainless steel ladder on the swim platform.
Fresh water kit consisting of rotomolded fresh water tank with 9 gal (35 liters) capacity, pressurized 1.6
gph pump, bow deck fill plate, shower, hoses, etc.
Repair kit.
2 paddles.
Inflating pump.
Swim platform
2 bilge vents
Freshwater shower
Stainless steel ladder
Stainless steel grab handle

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7.4 - Mandatory items
Engine and control station. Recommended engine: 1 Sterndrive up to 150 HP
Steering wheel
Power steering
Compass
Bilge pump
Fire extinguisher
Battery
Electronic panel
1 battery main switch
Engine instruments
Fuel filter
7.5 - Optional items
Marine carpet
Teak floor
Stainless steel arch with room for several accessories
Anchor kit
Ski pylon
Storage cover
Bimini top
Stainless steel towing kit
8 – Knowing the SR 550 OB

Owner’s Manual – SR 550
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8.1 – Specifications
•Maximum capacity: 1 captain + 6 passengers
•Maximum cargo capacity: 3,525lb (1,600 Kg)
•Fuel level indicator gauge
•Rotomolded fresh water tank with 9 gal (35 liters) capacity
•Water level indicator gauge
•Total weight (no engine, no accessorioes, no fuel, no water): 1,300 lbs (590 kg)
•4 independent air chambers.
8.2 – Details SR 550 OB

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1 - Air valve
8 - Stern seat on top of stern storage
compartment. It is raised with the help of gas
actuators
2 - Captain seat 9 - Backrest
3 - Fuel tank access 10 - 2 stainless steel cleats
4 - Porta copo (2 pç) 11 - 2 air vents
5 - Speaker (optional) 12 - Freshwater shower
6 - Stainless steel grab handle 13 - Stern grab handle
7 - Drain 14 - Stainless steel ladder
8.3 – Basic items
•Stainless steel bow rooler in the bow.
•Transom plate plug.
•Stainless steel fuel tank with 2 baffles and 37 gallons capacity (140 liters)
•Fuel deck fill located in the bow deck, with vent, and with self draining system in case of spilling
•1 stainless steel cleat in the bow and 2 in the stern.
•Stainless steel structure seat for captain with seat amd backrest cuhions made with Hintershaum
injection process with no seams. The seat can fold up with the help of an actuator so the boat can be
driven either in seated or standing up position.
•Stern seat and backrest using cushions made with Hintershaum injection process with no seams.
•Stainless steel ladder on the swim platform.
•Fresh water kit consisting of rotomolded fresh water tank with 9 gal (35 liters) capacity, pressurized
1.6 gph pump, bow deck fill plate, shower, hoses, etc.
•Repair kit.
•2 padles.
•Inflating pump.
1 – Large anchor locker with dedicated stainless steel
mooring ring to tie the anchor line. There is room
enough to store a 12 lbs anchor with 350 ft of 3/8
line.
2 – 34 gallon capacity watertight box in the bow with
fiberglass cover, stainless steel hinges and latch.
Seat and backrest with injected Hinterschaum
cushions.
3 – 13 gallon capacity insulated box (cooler) in front of
the console
4 – Large engine compartment with room to
accomodate the batteries, engine oil tank, and
accessories. It also offers room to store small
objects.

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8.4 – Mandatory items
Engine and control station. Recommended engine: 1 outboard from 115 HP to 150 HP.
Steering wheel.
Power steering
Compass.
Bilge pump.
Fire extinguisher.
Battery.
Electronic panel.
1 battery main switch.
Engine instruments.
Fuel filter.
8.5 - Optional items
•Marine carpet.
•Teak floor.
•Auxiliary engine
•Bracket for auxiliary engine
•Stainless steel arch with room for several accessories.
•Anchor kit.
•Ski pylon.
•Storage cover.
•Bimini top.
•Stainless steel towing kit.
9 - Optional items details
Ski pylon (optional)

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"Targa" style arch (optional)
The targa kit consists of:
•1 stainless steel Targa style arch
•1 flagpole with light at the top
•1 twin compressed air horn
•2 navigation lights
•2 spotlights
1 – VHF antenna
2 – Antenna bracket
3 – Horn
4 – flagpole with light at the top
5 – 2 spotlights
6 – Stainless steel Targa
7 – Navigation lights
OTHER OPTIONALS
GPS Nautical chart Life ring

Owner’s Manual – SR 550
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Throw line Color Fishfinder Black & white fishfinder
Life vest VHF radio VHF antenna
Folding antenna bracket Stereo / CD player
Stereo antenna
ANCHOR KIT

Owner’s Manual – SR 550
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10 – Inflating your Flexboat
All FLEXBOAT boats are equipped with a pump.
The air valves have a device that when pressed releases the air in the tubes. If this device is pressed and turned
clockwise ¼ turn, the valve will remain open and the tube will empty in seconds. If you just want to decrease the
amount of air inside the tubes, just press it (without turning it) as often as needed.
Along with the pump, you will find an adapter that should be screwed to the air valve and fitted into the pump hose so
that there is no air loss when inflating.
First inflate all the air chambers a little, without much pressure, just to shape the boat. Then, complete the air in the
chambers until they are stiff and without wrinkles.
The air pressure of the chambers should be kept at 3 psi. In practice, the tubes are correctly inflated when by pressing
them with the fingers they don't yield more than ¼ of an inch. (6 mm)
Remember that the action of the sun increases the air pressure in the tubes. If you intend to leave your inflatable out
of the water and exposed to the sun for too long you should relieve the air pressure slightly by squeezing the central
part of the air valve a few times. This problem does not occur when you are boating, as the contact with the water
cools the tubes.
11 – Capacity
FLEXBOAT boats have an identification plate indicating the maximum capacity of persons and cargo possible to be
transported under normal conditions. The nameplate is located on the hull near the transom
Weight above recommended violates regulations. Do not carry more weight or passengers than what is on the
nameplate. The number of seats is not necessarily the indication of the number of people that the boat can safely
carry.
Weight above recommended, improper loading and inadequate weight distribution are significant causes of accidents.
Always use extra caution in rough waters.
12 – Engine ratings
We recommend that you do not install motors with higher horsepower than what is stated on the nameplate affixed to
the product. Inflatable boats are light thus require less engine power to do the same job as other types of heavier
vessels. Bigger than reasonable motorization in inflatables reduces stability and steerability.
Motorization higher than recommended may cause:

Owner’s Manual – SR 550
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Accidents
Hurt the certification and construction standards.
Put too much weight in the stern which will raise the bow.
Greater difficulty in finding the right the distribution.
Damages to the transom.
13 – Maintenance and cleaning of your Flexboat
13.1 – Hull and deck cleaning (Fiberglass parts)
The main care is with the gelcoat, a type of polyester based paint that forms the outer layer of the boat,
waterproofs and protects the hull. Washing the hull with fresh water whenever possible helps to conserve it.
Once a year, it is recomended to wash the entire hull with water and mild detergent (dishwasher is a safe
option) or with mild soap, dry it thoroughly and apply a layer of high-quality wax on the entire surface of the
hull. Afterwards, just polish it with a dry cloth.
Remove stains using detergent diluted with water. Never use petrol, acetone or any solvent based on Acetone
or Toluol. If the boat stays in the water, it is important to remove it periodically to clean the hull below the
waterline.
Barnacles should be removed with a wooden scraper or plastic spatula, so as not to damage the gelcoat or
the bottom paint. The inside of the boat also needs to be aired and cleaned frequently, especially if there are
mattresses, carpets, rugs, and other accessories that could become moldy.
WARNING
SLIPPERY SURFACES:
- Gel Coat surfaces are slippery when wet. Take extreme care when walking on a wet
surface.
- Be careful while applying the wax. Make sure your paths are not slippery.
FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD: Cleaning products may be flammable, explosive and / or
cause personal injury. Read the cleaning instructions carefully before use.
13.2 – Tube cleaning
►Wash inflatable tubes with clean fresh water and neutral detergent. Use a soft brush to remove stains.
►Clean the valves regularly with neutral detergent and a small brush. Do not use silicone, grease or
petroleum based products.
►If you purchase and use the Hypalon BLUE KIT for cleaning Hypalon, you will ensure the color and
extend the life of your Flexboat over many years.
►Make sure the boat is completely dry before covering it during storage.
►Do not use plastic tarps as they do not breathe. The recommended ones are the acrylic tarpaulins.

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13.2.1 Using the BLUE KIT to clean the Hypalon
In order to ensure the efficiency of the cleaning kit, we recommend that you follow the instructions
carefully and use appropriate safety equipment when handling the product.
STEP 1 - NEW MAGIC Cleaner (For frequent cleaning)
1. Spray the product on surfaces of 2 ft X 2 ft
2. Wipe with a soft brush or sponge
3. Rinse with clean water
4. Wipe dry with a soft cloth
COMMENTS:
For boats that are new or in very good condition, or in case of frequent cleaning we recommend
to dilute the product up to 1 X 1 with water.
STEP 2 - SHMUFFEX Deep Cleaner (for deep cleaning and disrupting the action of
microorganisms)
1. Spray the product directly on the surface to be cleaned.
2. Wait for the action of the active ingredient for at least one hour, do not brush.
3. Rinse with clean water
4. Wipe dry with a soft cloth
COMMENTS:
Avoid prolonged contact with metal surfaces.
STEP 3 - GUMEMP100 Sealant (To seal and create a protective film)
1. Spray the product evenly
2. Wipe with a cloth moistened with the product and allow to dry.
3. Wipe again with a clean, dry cloth.
COMMENTS:
The drying time may vary according to temperature. Any surface should be dry before using the
product.
13.3 – Stainless steel hardware cleaning
Your Flexboat has several STAINLESS STEEL parts that require special care to prevent CORROSION.
There are places in the ocean where the water is cleaner and there are places where the water is not so
clean, and there are places in the ocena where water is saltier, and places where salt is not present. The
cleaner and saltier the water is where you are using your boat, the more corrosion problems you will
have.
Some people believe stainless steel does not rust. It does. All stainless steels have some carbon content
in its composition. Corrosion on any steel will mostly depend on the carbon level, the presence of
contamination in the water, and electrolysis.
Flexboat uses first-class raw materials in its products but even the best quality stainless steel is subject to
corrosion. Simple contact with a tool made of regular steel or with a stainless steel part or bolt from
another manufacturer may contaminate and generate undesirable rust spots.
It is normal for electrons to "leal" through the cracks (where stainless steel parts make contact with
fiberglass), and that is where the electrolysis usually begins (corrosion).
Flexboat has been researching and using techniques to avoid or reduce this process for years. However,
to date we can state that only frequent cleaning with fresh water and soap can keep the corrosion