Defender Inflatables – Operation, Maintenance & Warranty Manual
Page 2 of 16
Page
Contents
1.
General
1.1 Introduction
3
1.2
Capacity plate
3
1.3
National legislation
4
1.4
General safety information
4
2.
Assembly and disassembly
2.0 Floorboard
5
2.1
The valves
5
2.2
Seats and benches
5
2.3 Inflation
5
2.3.1
Order of inflation
6
2.3.2
Inflation of chambers
6
2.4
Floorboard installation
6
2.5
Rowing equipment
7
2.6 Deflation
7
2.7
Folding the boat
7
2.8 Transportation
7
2.8.1
Lifting the boat out of the
water
7
2.8.2
Towing the boat
8
2.8.2.1 Towing of an inflatable
8
2.8.2.2 Towing of a RIB
8
Page
Contents
3.
Safety and operation information
3.0
Important safety information 9
3.1
Pre-operating checklist
10
3.2
Stability and buoyancy
10
3.2.1
Position of persons and
luggage 10
3.2.2 Rowing
10
3.2.3
Under engine power
10
3.3 Hazards
12
4.
Maintenance
4.0
General maintenance
13
4.1 Repairs
14
4.1.1
Small repairs
14
4.1.2
Air leak in tube by cut
14
4.2
(Winter) Storage
15
5. Environment
5.1
Discharge of pollutants
15
5.2
Discharge and disposal of
waste 15
5.3
Advisable speeds
15
5.4
Excessive noise
15
5.5
Exhaust emissions
15
6.
Warranty conditions
16
© Defender Industries, Inc.
42 Great Neck Road
Waterford, CT 06385 USA
Telephone 860-701-3400
E-Mail:
Website: www.Defender.com
Defender Inflatables – Operation, Maintenance & Warranty Manual
Page 3 of 16
1.
General
1.1 Introduction
This manual has been compiled to help you to
operate your craft with safety and pleasure. It
contains details about the inflatable boat, the
equipment supplied or fitted, its systems, and
information on its operation and maintenance.
Please read it carefully and familiarize yourself
with the craft before using it.
This owner's manual is not a course on boating
safety or seamanship. If this is your first craft, or if
you are changing to a type of craft you are not
familiar with, for your own comfort and safety,
please ensure that you obtain handling and
operating experience before “assuming command”
of the craft.
Ensure that the wind and sea conditions for your
anticipated use are not beyond the craft’s ability and
that you and your crew are able to handle the craft
in those conditions.
This owner's manual is not a detailed maintenance
or trouble-shooting guide. In the event of an issue
with your inflatable, please contact a Defender
representative.
Always use trained and competent technicians for
maintenance, fixing or modifications. Modifications
that may affect the safety characteristics of the craft
should be assessed, executed and documented by
experienced professionals. Defender Industries
cannot be held responsible for modifications that it
has not approved.
In some countries, an operator’s license is required,
or specific regulations are in force. Always
maintain your craft properly and make allowance
for the deterioration that will occur over time and as
a result of heavy use, misuse or negligence of the
craft.
Any craft, no matter how well built and strong, can
be severely damaged if not used properly. Improper
boat handling is also unsafe for other boaters.
Always adjust the speed and direction of the craft to
sea conditions.
The craft should have onboard the appropriate
USCG required safety equipment (lifejackets,
flares, navigation lights, etc.) according to the type
of craft, weather conditions, etc.
This equipment is mandatory in some countries.
The crew should be familiar with the use of all
safety equipment and emergency maneuvering
(man overboard recovery, towing, etc.), sailing
schools and clubs regularly organize drill sessions.
All persons should wear a suitable USCG approved
buoyancy device (life jacket/personal floatation
device) when operating the craft.
Always make sure your Defender Inflatable boat is
fully inflated. Failure to do so can be unsafe, will
affect performance, will shorten the life of your
boat and may void the warranty coverage of your
Defender Inflatable boat.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SECURE
PLACE AND HAND IT OVER TO THE NEW
OWNER IF YOU SELL THE CRAFT.
This manual uses the following alert to draw
your attention to special instructions that should
be followed.
NOTE
If this boat is used around the mother ship at
open sea, take the necessary precautions.
Don’t lose contact with the mother ship!
Always wear a lifejacket!
1.2
Capacity Plate
The CAPACITY plate is located on the inside of
the boat transom.
Information detailed on the capacity plate:
Model Number of your Defender Inflatable boat.
Capacity – Maximum rated persons / weight.
Maximum outboard power allowed.
Maximum outboard weight allowed.
www.defender.com
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