This is the complete manual for Havspaddeln Idun, our inflatable boat for two people. It shows you how to inflate the boat to the right pressure, fit the seat panels, oars and motor mount, and how to deflate, look after and repair it. If you want to print the manual, the PDF is at the bottom of the page.

Havspaddeln Idun specifications

Package contents

• 2 × aluminium seat panels
• 2 × two-piece aluminium oars
• 1 × double-action hand pump
• 2 × oar holders
• 2 × side grab ropes
• 1 × bow tow rope
• 1 × large backpack
• 1 × repair kit

The boat has an inflatable drop-stitch deck. The motor mount is sold separately.

Inflating the boat

We recommend using the included hand pump. An electric or 12 V pump also works, but do not over-inflate – this can damage the boat. Choose a clean, flat surface free of stones, gravel and sharp objects.

1. Unroll the boat fully so that it lies flat with the deck facing up.
2. Unscrew the three valve caps anticlockwise.
3. Make sure the valve core is tight. Insert the valve wrench from the repair kit and turn it clockwise until it is secure. This prevents air leaks.
4. Set the valve button to the upper position (inflation). Press the button all the way down to switch between inflation and deflation.
5. Screw the pump hose clockwise onto the pump connection labelled INFLATE, and the other end clockwise onto the valve.
6. Inflate all air chambers to about half the recommended pressure. Check that the deck is centred in the boat.
7. If you are going to use a motor, insert the motor mount into the brackets at the stern now.
8. Inflate to full pressure: 5 PSI in the side chambers and 15 PSI in the deck. This locks the deck and motor mount in place.

Tip: The pressure gauge shows no reading until the boat reaches about 5 PSI. By then it already feels fairly firm and pumping becomes noticeably harder.

Warning: Never loosen the valve core with the valve wrench while the boat is inflated. This may cause serious injury.

Pressure in cold and warm weather

Air pressure changes with temperature. In cold weather the air contracts and you may need to add a little air. In warm weather the air expands – let some air out so the boat is not over-inflated and damaged.

Fitting the seat panels, oar holders and oars

Seat panels

Insert the aluminium seat panels from the left and right side and slide them towards the centre until they are centred and level.

Oar holders

Insert the oars into the oar holders on both sides of the boat and tighten the nuts so the oars are secure. When not in use, the oars can be stored in the oar holders.

Oars

1. Line up the oar sections so that the spring button lines up with the pre-drilled holes.
2. Check that the spring button clicks firmly into place.
3. To take apart: press the spring button into the shaft and pull the sections apart.

Fitting the motor mount

The motor mount is not included but is available as an extra.

1. Inflate the boat to about half the recommended pressure.
2. Insert the motor mount into the stern.
3. Inflate to full pressure. Check that the mount is fully inserted and secure before fitting the motor.

Important: Do not fit the motor mount after the boat is fully inflated. It will then be difficult to insert it completely, which may damage the boat.

Deflating and packing

1. Remove the motor mount, oar holders and other accessories.
2. Open all the valves (button in the lower position) to let the air out.
3. Use the pump in deflation mode to remove the last of the air – this makes the boat easier to fold.
4. Roll up the boat from the end furthest from the main valves, so the remaining air is pushed out.
5. Pack the boat and all accessories into the backpack.

Care and storage

• Do not inflate beyond the recommended pressure.
• Do not store the boat inflated.
• Do not leave it in prolonged heat or direct sunlight when not in use.
• Rinse the boat with fresh water as soon as possible after use and let it dry completely before storage.
• Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place to prevent mould and extend its life.

Repairing a puncture

The repair patches let you fix minor punctures. Larger tears cannot be repaired safely – attempting it may make the boat unsafe.

Finding the leak

If the boat is losing air, it may have a small puncture. Inflate it to normal pressure and slowly turn it so that all surfaces come into contact with water. Air bubbles show where the hole is. Mark the spot with a permanent marker and deflate the boat.

How to repair

The surface must be completely dry. Ideally repair at 18–25 °C and below 50% humidity – not in rain or direct sunlight.

1. Mark where the patch will go. Use the rectangular patch (8 × 12 cm) – it should be at least 5 cm larger than the damage on all sides.
2. Clean the damaged area and the back of the patch with an alcohol-based degreaser. Let dry for 5 minutes.
3. Apply three thin coats of glue to both the patch and the damaged area. Warm each coat with a hair dryer until the glue feels tacky before applying the next.
4. Place the patch over the damage without pressing and adjust if needed. Then press it down from the centre outwards with, for example, a spoon. Remove excess glue with solvent.
5. Let the glue cure for 12 hours.

Work in a well-ventilated area, do not breathe in the fumes and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep glue and solvent out of the reach of children. If you need more material, we sell a repair kit for inflatable boats and kayaks.

Safety on the water

Before you set off

• Always wear an approved life jacket.
• Check that all equipment is in good condition.
• Do not go out alone or beyond your skill level.
• Check the weather, wind and waves. Do not go out if conditions seem unsafe.
• Distribute the weight so the boat lies level from bow to stern and side to side.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• No alcohol or other drugs before or during your trip.

Bring

• A mobile phone in a waterproof case – ideally also a waterproof VHF radio
• Drinking water, sun protection, a hat and sunglasses, and clothing for the weather
• First aid and rescue equipment

Rules of the water and staying visible

• Keep to the right (starboard) in channels and give way to sailing boats.
• Keep clear of larger vessels and cross channels quickly.
• Wear bright colours, stay together in a group and keep close to the shore when possible.
• Between sunset and sunrise a white torch is the minimum requirement. An all-round white navigation light is recommended.
• Watch out for rocks, logs, jetties and posts – they can puncture the boat.

Havspaddeln Idun FAQ

The manual as a PDF

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Open the manual (PDF)

Questions about your boat? Call us on +46 8 740 05 05 or email info@langholmenkajak.se.