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Defender Inflatables – Operation, Maintenance & Warranty Manual 

Page 4 of 16 

1.3  

National legislation 

Before you prepare for the water with your 

Defender Inflatable, check the local regulations and 

on any restrictions on the specific water you want to 

use. You might check for sailing restrictions, speed-

restriction, outboard engines restrictions, 

restrictions on the airborne sounds, etc. 

1.4 

General safety information 

 Safe Boating Suggestions. 

In order to safely enjoy the waterways, familiarize 

yourself with local and other governmental boating 

regulations and restrictions, and consider the 

following suggestions. 

 

Use flotation devices. Have an approved personal 

flotation device of suitable size for each person 

aboard (it is the law) and have it readily accessible. 

 

Do not overload your boat. Most boats are rated and 

certified for maximum load (weight) capacities 

(refer to your boat capacity plate). If in doubt, 

contact Defender for assistance. 

 

Perform safety checks and required maintenance. 

Follow a regular schedule and ensure that all repairs 

are properly made.   

Operate inflatable boat with tubes inflated to full 

pressure at all times.  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. 

 

Know and obey all nautical rules and laws of the 

waterways. 

 Make sure everyone in the boat is properly 

seated. Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on any 

part of the boat that was not intended for such use. 

This includes the transom, bow area or anywhere 

that an unexpected acceleration, sudden stopping, 

unexpected loss of boat control, or sudden boat 

movement could cause a person to be thrown 

overboard or into the boat. 

 Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs 

while boating (it is the law). Alcohol or drug use 

impairs your judgment and greatly reduces your 

ability to react quickly. 

Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one 

other person on board in the basics of starting and 

operating the outboard, and boat handling, in case 

the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard. 

 Passenger boarding. Stop the engine whenever 

passengers are boarding, unloading, or are near the 

back (stern) of the boat. Just shifting the outboard 

into neutral is not sufficient. 

Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by 

law to maintain a proper lookout by sight and 

hearing. The operator must have an unobstructed 

view particularly to the front. No passengers, load, 

or fishing seats should block the operators view 

when operating the boat above idle speed. 

 

Always properly connect both ends of the stop 

switch lanyard to the stop switch and the operator. 

 Never drive your boat directly behind a water 

skier in case the skier falls. As an example, your 

boat travelling at 40 km/h (25 MPH) will overtake a 

fallen skier 61 m (200 ft.) in front of you in 5 

seconds. 

Watch fallen skiers. When using your boat for 

water skiing or similar activities, always keep a 

fallen or down skier on the operator's side of the 

boat while returning to assist the skier. The operator 

should always have the down skier in sight and 

never back up to the skier or anyone in the water. 

Report accidents.

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

2. 

Assembly and disassembly 

2.0 Floorboard 

Defender Inflatable boats equipped with an 

inflatable or a non-inflatable floorboard must be 

operated with these floorboards properly installed 

before use. Using the boat without provided 

floorboard is unsafe, uncomfortable and it might 

result in damage to the boat. See section 2.4 for 

floorboard installation. 

Defender Inflatables – Operation, Maintenance & Warranty Manual 

Page 5 of 16 

2.1 

The air valves 

The air valves are specially designed for safe and 

comfortable use. 

The valves are designed flat to increase the comfort 

in the boat and to prevent damage to the boat. 

 

Operation of the air valve: 

 

The boat should be inflated with the air 

valves in the closed position (center stem 

sticking up)

 

To deflate the boat, open the air valves

 

Take off protective outside cap. The valve is 

closed when the center spring-loaded stem is 

protruding.  It is open when the spring-loaded 

stem is depressed and under load. 

 

To 

close

 the valve, push and turn the center 

spring-loaded stem with your finger ¼ 

clockwise

 until the center stem pops out. 

 

To 

open

 the valve, push the spring-loaded 

stem down, turn your finger ¼ turn 

counterclockwise

 until the stem is locked in 

the open position allowing air flow. 

Pump connection:  

Insert valve adapter into valve and push and twist 

slightly for snug friction fit 

 

Start pumping. 

 

Keep pumping until no more air can be put 

into the boat. 

 

When ready, remove the pump adapter from 

the valve. 

 

Be sure to put on the protective valve cap 

again. (for protection from dirt and damage). 

 

Check the valve to make sure no air is lost in the 

vicinity of the valve. 

If any air is lost: 

 

Take the valve key out of your repair kit. 

 

Put the valve key into the valve. 

 

Grab the back of valve (bunch the fabric) in 

one hand and turn the valve stem with the key 

in a clockwise position to tighten the valve. 

 

If this does not stop the air loss, turn 

counterclockwise to remove valve. 

 

Inspect the valve for damage, dirt, or grit. 

 

Reinsert valve into valve nut and tighten. 

 

If air leakage persists, contact Defender 

Industries for assistance; Tel: 800-628-8225. 

 

Often, we can troubleshoot valve issues over 

the phone or by shipping you a new air valve. 

 

Valves should be routinely removed and 

cleaned with fresh water to prolong their life. 

2.2 

Seats and benches 

If your boat is equipped with a separate seat and a 

“seat webbing” on the tubes, you can install the 

seat bench as in the following drawing.  

The seat must be installed 

before

 you fully inflate 

the boat. 

 

 

 

 
2.3 Inflation 

 NOTE

 

The proper inflation and deflation are essential 

for a long life of your boat. 

Remove any sharp objects from flat surface where 

boat will be assembled.  Roll out boat on floor. 

 

When the boat is unpacked, check if all parts 

are present. 

 

Check if the valves are closed. This can be 

done by putting your finger in the valve, 

pushing the center spring-loaded stem, and 

turning ¼ turn. 

 

If the stem pops out, the valve is now closed 

and you are ready to inflate your boat. 

 

(To let air out of the boat you have to press the 

stem in and turn ¼ turn) 

 

 

Seat webbing for 

attaching the seat 

in the boat. 

This part 

is glued 

to the 

body of 

the boat. 

This part is 

attached to 

the back of 

the seat. 

The protective cap is 

attached to a retainer 

and has a bayonet-

like way of securing 

to the valve. 

This part is fitted 

in the air chamber. 

For deflating, push 

and turn the middle 

part. 

 

The valve 

adapter twists 

and locks onto 

the hose end. 

www.defender.com 

Page 5

Summary of Contents for 380

Page 1: ...Defender Inflatables Operation Maintenance Warranty Manual Defender RIB 265 300 Defender 380 430 470 Defender RIB 430 460 ...

Page 2: ...able 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...

Page 3: ...tion 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 f...

Page 4: ...wn overboard or into the boat Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating it is the law Alcohol or drug use impairs your judgment and greatly reduces your ability to react quickly Prepare other boat operators Instruct at least one other person on board in the basics of starting and operating the outboard and boat handling in case the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard Pa...

Page 5: ...ey in a clockwise position to tighten the valve If this does not stop the air loss turn counterclockwise to remove valve Inspect the valve for damage dirt or grit Reinsert valve into valve nut and tighten If air leakage persists contact Defender Industries for assistance Tel 800 628 8225 Often we can troubleshoot valve issues over the phone or by shipping you a new air valve Valves should be routi...

Page 6: ...ghtly secured as they the final seal in ensuring air tightness NOTE Never surpass these values Inflate the boat to 0 25 bar 3 6 PSI Inflate the keel to 0 40 bar 5 8 PSI Inflate the Air Floor to 0 76 bar 11 PSI 2 4 Floorboard installation Instructions to install the floorboards in the Defender aluminum floor models 380 430 470 Inflate the tube chambers enough to have some shape to the boat Make sur...

Page 7: ...egions 2 6 Deflation General information NOTE Boat should be clean and dry before rolling up for storage Remove any sand and debris that may cling to the fabric When deflating the boat deflate all chambers evenly this prevents damage to the baffles in the boat To deflate the boat Put your finger in the valve and turn turn See for operation of the valves section 2 2 the valves Release the air from ...

Page 8: ...nsafe speed may void your warranty 2 8 2 1 Towing of an inflatable NOTE IMPORTANT The bow lift handle should never be used for towing Use the port and starboard D rings for towing Towing this way makes the boat steady and secure behind the towing boat and helps to avoid damage to your Defender Inflatable boat Attach the towing ropes as in the following scheme Attach a line between the towing rings...

Page 9: ...ck of the seat or gunwale at planing speeds standing at planing speeds sitting on elevated fishing boat decks operating at planing speeds in shallow or obstacle infested waters releasing your grip on a steering wheel or tiller handle that is pulling in one direction drinking alcohol or consuming drugs or daring high speed boat maneuvers While activation of the lanyard stop switch will stop the eng...

Page 10: ...oard and readily accessible Check that the oars or paddles are in the boat in case of engine trouble Operator knows safe navigation boating and operating procedures A ring type life buoy or buoyant cushion designed to be thrown to a person in the water Arrange passengers and load in the boat so that the weight is distributed evenly and everyone is seated in a proper seat or on the floor Instruct a...

Page 11: ...for an instant This will bring the boat to a nearly instantaneous stop and can send the occupants flying forward The boat may also steer sharply to one side When accelerating with the boat the bow can make an upward movement This might limit the sight of the helmsman temporarily When the speed of the boat increases the boat will come on plane and return to a level position again If the wind blows ...

Page 12: ...ure Your Defender Inflatable boat is designed with more than one air chamber In the event of a puncture in one chamber the boat will retain at least 50 of its buoyancy Shift the load in the craft to the opposite side Secure the leaking chamber as necessary by tying up or holding up and immediately proceed to the nearest shore or mother ship whichever is nearest However be careful about shallows or...

Page 13: ...ard engine when people are swimming close to your boat The propeller can be extremely dangerous to anyone or anything in the water Stop the outboard motor immediately if you spot swimmers in the vicinity of your boat 4 Maintenance 4 0 General maintenance Cleaning agents Household cleaners should be used sparingly and not discharged into waterways Never mix cleaners and be sure to use plenty of ven...

Page 14: ...er the damaged area and trace with a pencil the outline of the patch If the fabric of your boat is CSM you have to buff roughen with sandpaper the patch area on the boat as well as the backside of the patch PVC need not be buffed for repair Use care when sanding the surface around the puncture and the patch Lightly scuff with the sandpaper evenly Avoid sanding so roughly that the thread of the fab...

Page 15: ...oat during storage 5 If you store your boat for a longer period do not keep the boat in the delivered factory carton The boat is folded tightly in the original shipping package which gives sharp folds in the material Roll or fold up the boat loosely and store it on a dry place away from rodents or pests that can damage the fabric To avoid damaging the boat during storage do not place heavy objects...

Page 16: ...preparing for racing or other competitive activity G Acts of God including but not limited to abnormal water wind or weather conditions etc H Damages or corrosion due to lack of maintenance or premature wearing resulting from improper assembly over under inflation etc I Operation of product in a manner that is contrary to this manual or in violation of federal or state laws III This warranty does ...

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