NRS Freestone Drifter User manual

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Freestone Drifter
OWNER’S MANUAL

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on choosing an NRS inflatable drift boat for your on-the-water adventures.
This revolutionary fishing boat combines the time-tested design of a drift boat with the rugged
utility of a raft. It comes set up for the rower and two fishermen.
The Drifter is self-bailing as long as the payload is kept below approximately 900 to 1,000
pounds. Although oar length and type are a matter of personal preference, you’ll want at least
9' - 9½' oars. We’ve included a pair of Cobra Oarlocks, a fisherman’s favorite.
Your Drifter will provide you with many years of great experiences and fun. In this manual,
we’ll give you information and tips to help you protect your investment.
INFLATION
The drop-stitch technology used in this unique design utilizes tens of thousands of strong
threads that join the inner and outer materials. This allows for a recommended 8-9 psi air
pressure, which creates a rigid hull that gives the performance of a composite or aluminum
boat. For ease and convenience, we recommend you use some type of high-volume pump,
either hand or electric, to add the initial air volume. We’ve included a high-pressure hand
pump to use for final top-o inflation and to take along with you on the water.
To properly inflate the Drifter, the top-quality Leafield C7 valve needs to be in the closed
position. Push the valve stem in and turn it clockwise so that the stem pops up, sealing the
valve. Inflate the floor first, to full pressure. Frame assembly is easier when you inflate the side
walls until they are fully formed, but still soft. After the frame is installed, bring the side walls
up to 8-9 psi air pressure.
As the outside air temperature and altitude change, the air pressure inside your boat will also
change. You may need to make adjustments to the pressure in the chambers throughout the
day. Transporting the Drifter inflated on a hot day or when gaining altitude can lead to
overinflation. Cold air and water temperatures will reduce the air pressure inside the hull.
Always bring a hand pump along to top-o the chambers when they need it. Later in the day,
as the air temperature outside warms up, the pressure inside will increase. Check the air
pressure periodically and adjust accordingly.
The drop-stitch construction allows the Drifter to be inflated to substantially higher pressures
than we recommend. However, overinflation puts strain on the seams and can shorten the life
of your boat. Overinflation can also increase the danger of explosive decompression should it
strike an object with force. The NRS warranty (see page 6) does not cover damage caused by
explosive decompression.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.............................................................................................................................2
Inflation ....................................................................................................................................2-3
Frame .......................................................................................................................................3
Valves .......................................................................................................................................3
Maintenance and Cleaning.................................................................................................4
Hull Repair...............................................................................................................................4
Transport..................................................................................................................................5
Storage.....................................................................................................................................5
Safety Warning.......................................................................................................................6
Limited Warranty....................................................................................................................6

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When deflating a chamber, simply push the valve stem in and turn it counterclockwise to lock
it open. It’s best to close the valves when transporting the deflated boat uncovered in wet
conditions in order to keep moisture out of the chambers.
FRAME
Your Drifter’s frame is as innovative as the hull. In the center section, our patented LoPro™
system lets you move and adjust the foot bar and oar mounts.
We’ve included an assembly DVD and printed instructions. First, watch the DVD to familiarize
yourself with the work flow. Then, grab a buddy and put your Drifter together. Be sure to read
and closely follow the printed instructions; they contain detailed descriptions and assembly tips
not covered in the DVD.
If you’re rolling your Drifter up for transport or storage, it’s easy to take the frame out in three
sections. First, remove the dry box, then loosen the four U-bolts from the side rail ends, and lift
out the center section. You can remove the front and rear casting platform section by opening
the ClampIT Frame Attachments securing them.
VALVES
Leafield C7 Valves
To open the valve, first unscrew the valve cap, then press down on the spring-loaded valve
stem and turn it counterclockwise. The valve stem will now be locked 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 finished, screw the plastic valve cap back on to keep
water and dirt out of the inner valve.
Cleaning the Leafield C7 Valve
If the inner parts of your valve become dirty, the rubber seal may not seal fully against the valve
body, thus allowing air to escape. You can clean the inner valve parts to restore the airtight seal.
Your repair kit contains a flat aluminum valve wrench that you can use to remove the valve from
the boat. Threads are: clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen. It’s easier to loosen the
valve with the chamber inflated. The outer half of the valve unscrews from the inner half. When
you remove the outer half of the valve, take care not to lose the inner half inside the chamber.
With the outer half in your hand, push down and turn the valve stem counterclockwise. This lifts
the rubber seal o the valve base. Use a cotton swab, or
something similar, to remove any dirt and grime that has built up on the rubber seal.
Hand-tighten the outer valve piece back into the valve base. Inflate the chamber fully, and
then use the valve wrench to completely tighten the valve. Make sure none of the drop-stitch
threads interfere with sealing the inner and outer valve pieces.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
Proper care and maintenance will improve your Drifter’s appearance and longevity. Clean
and inspect the boat after each use. We recommend you coat your boat with 303 Aerospace
Protectant (available through NRS or your local dealer) every few months during the season,
and before long-term storage, to protect against UV damage and degradation.
Take care to keep moisture from getting inside the air chambers. Water can enter the
chambers during in-the-field repairs or if the valves are left open during wet weather. If you find
that moisture and mildew have accumulated in your boat’s air chambers, the chambers must
be aired out. Remove the valve of the aected chamber and pour out any liquid water. Run the
hose of an electric air pump or vacuum cleaner exhaust through the valve hole. Turn the unit on
and allow the air to circulate into the chamber and out through the valve hole for several hours
until all the moisture is gone.

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HULL REPAIR
Your patch kit contains PVC boat material and Clifton Urethane Adhesive. You’ll also need
some type of cleaning solvent. PVC Cleaner (methyl ethyl ketone or MEK) is recommended;
however, acetone or alcohol can be substituted. Adhesive and solvent have some toxic
ingredients. Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and minimize breathing vapors.
Measure and cut a patch to cover the area that requires repair. The patch should be larger
than the repair area, extending an extra 2” or so past the edge of the tear or abrasion.
Rounded patch corners are less likely to catch and lift up. Lay the patch over the area to be
repaired and trace the outline onto the boat material. Use the solvent to clean the surfaces,
to remove any grease or oils and to prep the surfaces for best glue adhesion. Be sure to push
any exposed drop-stitch threads back inside the hull, so they don’t interfere with the repair.
Do the repair out of direct sunlight when possible. Doing repairs when the humidity is over
70% may result in poor adhesion. Apply a thin, even coat of adhesive to both the back of the
patch and the repair area on the boat. Wait 3 to 5 minutes, and then apply another thin coat.
Before bonding the patch to the boat, wait another 3 to 5 minutes to allow solvent vapors to
evaporate. Make sure the edges of a tear are in close contact. This is a contact adhesive, so
once the surfaces touch you’ll have diculty separating them.
Carefully align the patch and press both surfaces together in a rolling motion. Apply pressure
to the entire glued surface using the roller. Vigorously roll over the patch in multiple directions,
working from the inside to the outside of the patch. This step is very important because it
forces air bubbles out and helps the two surfaces bond. Use a lint-free towel and MEK to wipe
up excess glue.
Allow the repair to cure for as long as possible. In an emergency, you could inflate the boat
after only an hour or so, but this will put stress on the patch, possibly requiring the repair to be
re-done later. If you must inflate the boat quickly after the repair, limit the air pressure in the
patched chamber. Ideally, you should allow the glue to cure for 8-12 hours, and full cure can
take up to 24 hours, depending on conditions.
We’ve included strips of Tear-Aid Type B Patch material in your repair kit. It provides a quick
field-repair option. Clean the area with the included alcohol wipes, press the Tear-Aid on and
use the roller to assure good adhesion. Limit the air pressure in the aected chamber. Type
B is at approximately 50% adhesion strength when applied and takes 24 hours to reach full
strength.
Many dicult repairs are best performed by a professional repair center. Please call or email
NRS Customer Service for more information about repair centers in your area. Our phone
number is 800.635.5202, and our email address is [email protected]. You can also see a list of
authorized NRS repair facilities on our website at www.nrs.com.
TRANSPORT
If you are transporting your boat inflated, remember to slightly deflate the chambers.
Temperature and altitude changes aect the air pressure in the boat, especially in direct

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sunlight. Whether transporting your boat inflated or deflated, 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
deflated boat in the boat bag for transport will help prevent wear and damage from other
gear.
STORAGE
Let the Drifter dry thoroughly before deflating it. Do not use a vacuum or deflator 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 o dirt or concrete floors. Rodents have been known to burrow into stored boats, so
take precautions to prevent this.
If you keep your Drifter on a trailer, cover it when not in use to protect it from sun damage.
Also reduce inflation pressure to prevent accidental overinflation.
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 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. Do not impair entry
or exit.
• Never boat alone. Scout unfamiliar waters. Portage where appropriate. Do not exceed
your boating ability.
• Do not boat in high water or flood 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.

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LIMITED WARRANTY
The Drifter is guaranteed to the original owner of the boat to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials for five years from the date of purchase under normal recreational
use. If, after inspection, we find that the boat 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 fitness for a particular purpose. EXCLUSIONS FROM LIMITED WARRANTY: Deterioration
of a boat increases dramatically when water is allowed to stand in the chambers. Since this
condition can be remedied only by the owner’s care, any problems attributed to water left
in the 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

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