This is the complete manual for Havspaddeln Vidar, our inflatable fishing kayak. It shows you how to inflate the kayak to the right pressure, fit the seat, rod holder, fin 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 Vidar specifications

Package contents

• 1 × rod holder
• 2 × rod mounts (factory-fitted)
• 1 × adjustable kayak seat with steel frame
• 1 × 4-piece aluminium paddle
• 1 × motor mount (battery box not included)
• 1 × double-action hand pump
• 1 × large and 1 × small mesh pocket
• 1 × removable fin
• 2 × paddle holders
• 4 × carry handles
• 1 × elastic cargo cord
• 1 × repair kit (glue not included)
• 1 × large carry bag

Inflating the kayak

We recommend using the supplied hand pump. An electric or 12 V pump can also be used. Choose a clean, flat surface free of stones and sharp objects.

1. Unroll the kayak fully with the top side facing up.
2. Unscrew the three valve caps anticlockwise.
3. Make sure the valves are tight. Insert the wrench from the repair kit and turn it clockwise until the valve is secure. This prevents 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 outlet marked OUT, and the other end clockwise into the valve.
6. Inflate all three chambers to about half. Check that the floor is correctly positioned and centred.
7. If you are going to use a motor, insert the motor mount into the receivers at the stern now.
8. Inflate to full pressure: 5 PSI in the side tubes and 15 PSI in the floor. This locks the floor and motor mount in place.

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

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 – release some air so the kayak does not become over-inflated and damaged.

Fitting the seat, rod holder, mesh pockets, paddle and fin

Seat

Place the seat where you want it. Attach the seat strap to the D-ring and tighten it firmly.

Rod holder

Insert the rod holder into one of the two rod mounts and move the locking pin to the locked position. The holder rotates 360° – lift it out of the base and put it back in the position you want. Loosen the side knob to tilt it up to 90°.

Mesh pockets

The mesh pockets attach with hook-and-loop fasteners and are easy to remove when you clean the kayak.

Paddle

1. Join the paddle sections so that the spring button clicks into the pre-drilled holes.
2. Check that each spring button is securely in place.
3. To take apart: press the spring button into the shaft and pull the sections apart.

Fin

1. Slide the fin into the guide rail and make sure it faces the right way.
2. Lock the fin by inserting the locking pins until they click into place.

Using the motor mount

The motor mount is designed for small stern-mounted electric motors, max approx. 20 kg and approx. 20 kg of thrust. The kayak is not designed for petrol outboards or any motors other than transom-mounted electric motors. Always check the local rules where you plan to use it.

1. Insert the motor mount into the holders when the kayak is about 50% inflated. It locks automatically when the kayak is fully inflated.
2. Check that the mount is secure before clamping the motor onto the mounting plate.
3. Secure the battery with the straps at the stern. A water-repellent battery cover is recommended (not included).
4. Keep the motor tilted up until the water is deep enough for the propeller.

Always bring the paddle, even if you only plan to use the motor. Also make sure the battery will last the whole trip.

Deflating and packing

1. Remove all accessories from the kayak.
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 kayak easier to fold.
4. Roll up the kayak starting from the end opposite the valves, so the remaining air is pushed out.
5. Secure the rolled kayak with the strap so it does not unroll.
6. Pack the kayak and accessories into the carry bag.

Care and storage

• Do not over-inflate the kayak.
• Do not store the kayak inflated when it is not in use.
• Avoid leaving it in heat or direct sunlight for long periods.
• Rinse the kayak with fresh water as soon as possible after use and let it dry completely before packing it away.
• Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place to prevent mould and extend its life.

Repairing a puncture

The repair kit lets you fix minor punctures. Larger tears cannot be repaired – attempting it may make the kayak unsafe.

Finding the leak

If the kayak feels soft it may have a slow leak. Inflate it to normal pressure and slowly bring the surfaces into contact with water. Air bubbles show where the hole is. Mark the spot with a permanent marker and deflate the kayak.

How to repair

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

1. Draw the outline of the patch around the damage. Use the rectangular patch (8 × 12 cm) from the kit – it should be at least 5 cm larger than the damaged area.
2. Clean both the damaged area and the back of the patch with an alcohol-based degreaser. Let dry for about 5 minutes.
3. Apply three thin coats of glue to both the patch and the kayak. Dry each coat with a hair dryer until the glue feels tacky before applying the next.
4. Place the patch on the damage without pressing and adjust if needed. Then smooth it out from the centre outwards, for example with a spoon, to remove air bubbles. Remove excess glue with a solvent.
5. Let the glue dry for at least 12 hours.

Work in a well-ventilated area, avoid breathing in glue fumes and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep glue and solvents out of the reach of children. Glue is not included in the kit – you will find a complete repair kit for inflatable kayaks in our shop.

Safety on the water

Before you set off

• Always wear an approved life jacket.
• Check that all equipment is in good condition.
• Do not paddle alone or beyond your abilities.
• Check the weather, wind and waves. Do not go out if conditions seem unsafe.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• No alcohol or other drugs before or during paddling.

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
• A paddle leash in windy conditions
• A pump and repair kit
• 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 kayak.

Havspaddeln Vidar FAQ

The manual as a PDF

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Open the manual (PDF)

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