NRS expedition series User manual

Expedition and Otter Series Rafts
River and Kodiak Catarafts | MaverIK Kayaks
OWNER’S MANUAL

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Welcome to the family of NRS boat owners! Our skilled craftsmen have taken great pride in building your
boat; you can expect many years of enjoyable service from it. This manual has lots of information on how to
use and maintain the boat for maximum longevity. Please contact us at 800.635.5202 or [email protected]
with any questions, or if we can help you in any way. Have Fun, Boat Safe!
INFLATION
Inating Rafts:
To properly inate your NRS raft, valves need to be in the closed position. Push the valve stem in and turn
it clockwise so that the stem pops up, sealing the valve. Choose a chamber to inate rst. Fill the chamber
with air until it takes shape, lled out but not rm. Your goal is to get equal pressure on both sides of the
bafes that separate the chambers.
Work your way around the boat, turning each valve stem clockwise to seal the valve before lling each
chamber evenly. Then go around the boat again, using a hand pump to ll each chamber to full pressure.
If you have a pressure gauge, check to make sure that the pressure in the chambers does not exceed 2.5
pounds per square inch (psi). If you do not have a gauge, check the pressure by pressing down with your
thumb. The fabric should depress slightly. If there’s no “give”, it’s probably overinated. Please consider
obtaining a pressure gauge; maintaining optimum pressure in your boat’s chambers is essential to its best
performance and longevity. After the main chambers are full, inate the thwarts to 2.5 psi. If the raft’s oor
is a self-bailing style, inate the oor until you hear air escaping from the pressure relief (PR) valve. The PR
valve will regulate the pressure in the oor automatically.
As the outside air temperature and altitude change, the air pressure inside your raft will also change. You
may need to make adjustments to the pressure in the chambers throughout the day. Transporting an inated
boat on a hot day or when gaining altitude can lead to overination; check the pressure regularly. Cold air
and water temperatures will reduce the air pressure inside the raft. Always bring a hand pump along to
top-off the chambers when they need it. Later in the day, as the air temperature outside warms up, the
pressure inside the raft will increase. As this happens, you’ll need to release a small amount of air from each
chamber. Check the air pressure of your raft regularly throughout the day and adjust accordingly.
All NRS rafts are built to withstand substantially higher pressures than we recommend. However,
overination puts strain on the seams, shortening the life of your boat. An overinated raft is also in danger
of explosive decompression should it strike a sharp object with force. The NRS boat warranty (see page 10)
does not cover damage caused by explosive decompression.
Inating Catarafts:
NRS cataraft tubes have three chambers. To properly inate the tubes, begin with the center
chamber, lling it until it takes shape. Inate the two end chambers to a maximum of 2.5 psi each. Then
top-off the center chamber to 2.5 psi.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ination............................................................................................................. 2-3
Mounting Frames.............................................................................................. 3
Valves ............................................................................................................... 3-4
BAT Thwart System.......................................................................................... 4
Maintenance and Cleaning............................................................................... 4-5
Material Repair ................................................................................................. 5
Transport .......................................................................................................... 6
Storage............................................................................................................. 6
Limited Warranty .............................................................................................. 6

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Inating Inatable Kayaks:
To properly inate an NRS IK, inate both main tubes until they take shape. Then top them off to 2.5 psi.
Because of the small tube size, slight overination is acceptable to increase performance. Inate the oor until
the PR valve engages, allowing air to leak out. The PR valve will shut automatically when the oor air
pressure is correct. Last, inate the thwart to its full shape.
MOUNTING FRAMES
Raft Frames:
Carefully follow the frame assembly instructions. After the frame is assembled, place it on the raft so that it
rests on the side tubes’ top wear patch material. When the frame is positioned where you want it (generally in
the center, except in the case of stern frames), use NRS Heavy Duty Straps to cinch each corner to a D-ring
on the raft. Place straps on each side of the raft at opposite angles to keep the frame straight and centered.
Cataraft Frames:
Trial and error is the key to mounting your tubes on your cataraft frame, since correct positioning is largely
a matter of personal preference. Generally, for regular use, you want the weight and oarlock pivot located
on the center or slightly forward of center. For more extreme boating conditions, some rowers prefer to have
the weight further forward on the tube to avoid having a wave raise the bow so high that the boat ips. Day
trips with an oarsperson and one passenger generally call for the rower to be substantially forward of center.
Proper weight distribution and rower position will increase performance characteristics and prevent the boat
from “nosing in” or riding bow-high.
Start by positioning the frame on one tube so that the weight is distributed slightly forward. Then strap the
outside D-rings to the side-rails, cinching them until they are just tight. Next, strap the inside D-rings to the
lower rail. Cinch these down tight. This will pull the tube toward the frame and tighten the outside straps. Align
the other tube across from the rst and repeat these steps.
Although it is always recommended to create a series of “triangles” with the frame straps so that there is
offsetting tension holding the frame on the boat, it is particularly important to do so when attaching cat tubes
to their frame. The frame supplies all the structure and rigidity to the cataraft.
VALVES
Inate/Deate Valves:
All current NRS rafts, catarafts and IKs feature Leaeld C7 inate/deate valves. To
open the valve, rst remove the valve cap. Then press down on the spring-loaded
valve stem and turn it counter-clockwise. The valve stem will now be locked down in
the open position, allowing air to move freely in and out through the valve. To close the
valve, push down on the valve stem and turn clockwise. The stem will pop back up, sealing
the valve shut. In the closed position, you can still pump air into the chamber, but when you
remove the pump, the valve will not allow air to escape. When you’re done, screw the plastic valve cap back
on to keep water and dirt out of the inner valve.
Important Tip: When deating your fully inated boat, do not fully open only one chamber. This puts excessive
strain on the internal bafes and can lead to rupture of the bafes. Either work together with someone to
release the pressure in the chambers simultaneously, or release small amounts out of each chamber until
high pressure is relieved and individual valves can be fully opened safely.
Pressure Relief Valve:
All NRS self-bailing boats feature a Leaeld A6 pressure relief valve in their
inatable oors. This valve prevents the oor chamber from overination that
could damage the Y-beam construction. When the oor pressure exceeds 2.5
psi, the PR valve automatically opens to allow the excess pressure to escape.
When the oor pressure falls to an acceptable level, the PR valve automati-
cally shuts. Your repair kit contains a black rubber PR valve plug. Should your
PR valve ever fail to shut itself when you’re on the water, you can plug the valve to keep
all the air from escaping. When you get off the water, be sure to examine the valve and clean or replace it as
necessary.
Important Tip: When adding air to the oor during an on the water trip, rst depress the ination valve plunger
briey to blow out any water that has accumulated in the valve opening.

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Cleaning Inate/Deate Valves:
If the inner parts of your inate/deate valves become dirty, the seal may not shut completely against the
valve body, allowing air to escape. You can clean the inner valve parts to restore the airtight seal. Your repair
kit contains a at aluminum valve wrench that you can use to remove the valve from the raft. Threads on both
the ination and pressure relief valves are: clockwise to tighten, counter-clockwise to loosen. The outer half of
the valve unscrews from the inner half. When you remove the outer half of the valve, be sure not to lose the
inner half inside the chamber. With the outer half in your hand, push down and turn the valve stem counter-
clockwise. This lifts the rubber seal off the valve base. Use something like a cotton swab or water pressure
to remove any dirt and grime that has built up on the rubber seal. Hand-tighten the valve back into the valve
base. Inate the chamber fully, and then use the valve wrench to completely tighten the valve.
Cleaning the A6 PR Valve:
If the PR valve fails to shut itself after engaging, it’s probably because the valve seal has accumulated sand
or dirt. To remove the PR valve, start with the oor inated. Loosen the valve using the at aluminum valve
wrench that came in your boat’s repair kit. When you remove the valve from the valve hole, be sure not to
lose the threaded white plastic valve piece that’s inside the oor. Push up on the spring-loaded plunger to lift
the rubber seal off the valve base. Using something like a cotton swab, clean the underside of the rubber seal.
Hand-tighten the valve back into the valve base, then re-inate the oor and use the valve wrench to tighten
the valve the rest of the way.
Note: If the PR valve still does not hold air pressure, plug the valve using the rubber stopper included in your
repair kit. Call NRS Customer Service at 1-800-635-5202 if you need to order a replacement PR valve.
BATTEN ATTACHMENT THWART SYSTEM
Our innovative Batten Attachment Thwart (BAT) system allows you to easily install or remove the thwarts in
your raft. Simply align the slots on the end of the thwart between the attachment slots on the raft chambers,
and slide the batten through all three slots, locking the thwart in place. Thwarts will be easier to install and
remove when the raft and the thwart are both deated.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
Proper care and maintenance will improve your boat’s appearance and longevity. Clean and inspect the boat
after each use. We recommend you coat your raft with 303 Protectant (available through NRS or your local
dealer; item #38751.01) every few months during the season, and before long-term storage to protect against
UV damage and degradation.
You should take care to keep moisture from getting inside the air chambers. Water can enter the chambers
during in-the-eld repairs or if the valves are left open during wet weather. If you nd that moisture and mildew
have accumulated in your boat’s air chambers, the chambers must be aired out. Remove the valve of the
affected chamber and run the hose of an electric air pump through the valve hole. Turn the pump on and allow
the air to circulate into the chamber and out the valve hole for several hours until all the moisture is gone.
PENNEL ORCA®MATERIAL REPAIR
Our Pennel Orca material is “Hypalon-“coated. DuPont® invented Hypalon, but has now ceased making it
and has retired their Hypalon trademark. Pennel uses the exact same chemical compound in their top-quality
Orca material.
Raft repair adhesives and cleaners are toxic. When repairing your boat, always work in a well-ventilated area,
and use a good respirator if possible. Always use proper chemical protection for your skin and eyes.
You will need: our Pennel Orca patch material, medium-grit wet/dry sand paper, and contact adhesive suitable
for Hypalon or other rubber material (we recommend Clifton Hypalon Adhesive, available through NRS or
your local dealer; item #38701.01) and solvent cleaner (toluene, item #38754.01).
Note: Clifton Accelerator, item #38702.01.101, can be added to Clifton Hypalon Adhesive. It shortens the cure
time and strengthens the bond. It is recommended for air holding patches and items such as D-rings that are
subjected to heavy loading. We use this combination of adhesive and accelerator in the manufacture of your
boat.
Measure and cut a patch that will completely cover the area that requires repair. The patch should be bigger
than the repair area, extending an extra 2” or so past the edge of the tear or abrasion. Cut the patch so that
the corners are rounded. Lay the patch over the area to be repaired and trace the outline onto the boat
material. Remove the patch and use the sandpaper to buff the area inside the traced outline. Also buff the

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backside of the patch. Only scratch off the shiny nish of the raft material. Do not sand down to the point
where the internal fabric threads are exposed. Use raft cleaner (toluene) to clean the repair area to remove
any grease or oils and to prep the surfaces for best glue adhesion.
Situate the repair so that the material is out of direct sunlight if possible. Avoid doing repairs when the
humidity is over 70%, if possible. Apply a thin, even coat of adhesive to both the back of the patch and the
repair area on the boat. Allow the glue to dry for 20 to 30 minutes, or longer if the conditions are cold or moist.
Apply a second thin layer of adhesive to both surfaces. Allow this coat to dry until it is tacky when you test
it with the back of your knuckle. Then, carefully lay the patch in position, and press down evenly. Once the
patch has made contact with the repair area, the glue will bond and you will not be able to adjust or re-position
the patch. Try to avoid allowing any wrinkles or folds to occur. Using a roller (or the edge of the glue container,
if nothing better is available), forcefully roll back and forth over the entire patch, putting as much pressure on
the patch as possible. Flatten any wrinkles or bubbles.
Allow the repair to cure for as long as possible. In an emergency, you could inate the boat after only an hour
or so, but this would put stress on the patch, possibly requiring the repair to be re-done later. If you must
inate the raft quickly after the repair, try to limit the air pressure in the patched chamber. Ideally, you should
allow the glue to cure for 8-12 hours.
Many difcult repairs are best performed by a professional raft repair center. Please call or e-mail NRS
Customer Service for more information about repair centers in your area. Our phone number is
1-800-635-5202, and our email address is [email protected].
TRANSPORT
If you are transporting your boat inated, remember to slightly deate the chambers. Temperature and altitude
changes affect the air pressure in the boat, especially in direct sunlight. Whether transporting your boat
inated or deated, make sure to inspect the load for any areas that could rub, abrade or puncture the
boat’s fabric. Remember that any sand or other debris left in the boat could cause wear on the fabric during
transport. Putting your deated boat in a boat bag for transport will help prevent wear and damage from
other gear.
STORAGE
If possible, let your boat dry thoroughly before deating it. Do not use a vacuum or deator to suck all the air
out of the chambers unless absolutely necessary. The ideal storage position is unfolded in a cool, dry location,
with a small amount of air left in the chambers. If space is limited, store the boat loosely rolled, with the valves
open, in a protective bag or cover. Keep the boat off dirt or concrete oors. Rodents have been known to
burrow into stored rafts, so take precautions to prevent this.

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CAUTION
Safety Warning
Paddlesports can be dangerous and physically demanding. Participating in paddlesports may cause serious
injury or death. Follow these safety standards when using this product.
• Get paddlesports instruction and First Aid training. Carry First Aid and rescue equipment.
• Always wear a Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device. Dress for cold water and weather as
appropriate to guard against hypothermia.
• Check your equipment prior to each use for signs of wear or failure.
• Never paddle alone. Scout unfamiliar waters. Portage where appropriate. Do not exceed your paddling
ability.
• Do not paddle in high water or ood conditions.
• Read owner’s information booklet prior to using this product.
The user of this product acknowledges both an understanding and an assumption of the risk involved in
paddlesports.
LIMITED WARRANTY
NRS inatables are guaranteed to the original owner of the board to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials for three years from the date of purchase under normal recreational, commercial
or rescue use. If, after inspection, we nd that the board failed due to a covered defect, it will be repaired or
replaced at our option without charge. No product lasts forever and we do not guarantee against wear, tear,
improper care, abuse, or neglect. Any structural change automatically voids this limited warranty. Except
expressly set forth herein, NRS disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to, the
implied warranties of merchantability and tness for a particular purpose. EXCLUSIONS FROM LIMITED
WARRANTY: Deterioration of a board increases dramatically when water is allowed to stand in the air
chambers. Since this condition can be remedied only by the owner’s care, any problems attributed to water
left in the air chambers are excluded from this limited warranty. As noted in this manual, explosive
decompression tears are also excluded from this limited warranty. Boats shipped outside the USA may incur
additional restrictions. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL NRS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

ACTIVATE WARRANTY BY RETURNING THIS CARD
You can also register your boat warranty online at: nrs.com/warranty.
Your responses will be used only by NRS to improve our products and services. All information will
be condential and for NRS use only.
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone Date of Purchase
Email
Boat Serial # (see ID plate on boat) WSI
Model Color
Name of Dealer
Dealer Address
1) How will your new NRS boat be used most?
Whitewater__ Fishing__ Other_________________________________
2) How many days a year do you boat? (check one)
1 - 10__ 10 - 20__ 20 - 30__ 30+__
3) What water sports do you participate in? Check all that apply.
_WW kayak _inatable kayak _canoeing _water ski
_raft _cataraft _sit-on-top kayak _SUP
_scuba dive _sea kayak _kayak shing _rec kayak
4) Where do you purchase paddlesports equipment?
5) We would like to hear your thoughts.

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