2
3” deck screws, then mount the two 2x4s spaced apart and perpendicular to the flat surface of the inner 2x6 so as to
provide the sides of the box. It would be easier to fasten these 2x4s to the 2x6 before fastening that 2x6 to the dock.
Then mount the outer 2x6 to complete the box. Then onto the outer 2x6 of this block I mounted the KayaArm. With this
arrangement the aluminum angle and the wood shims provided are not needed.
CAUTION:
•
DO NOT DIVE OR JUMP OFF THE DOCK INTO THE WATER NEAR THE INSTALLED KayaArm. DOING SO MAY
CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
•
BE AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF THE PROJECTING ARM BESIDE THE DOCK AT AN INSTALLED KayaArm.
•
BE AWARE OF THE MAST AND MOUNTING BRACKET AFIXED TO THE SIDE OF THE DOCK AS OBJECTS NOT TO
BUMP INTO OR TRIP OVER.
•
IF THE DOCK SPACE AT THE KayaArm IS NEEDED FOR OTHER PURPOSES (E.G. SWIMMING OR MOTOR
BOATING) SLIDE THE TETHERED BENT ARM AND SHOE ASSEMBLY UP OUT OF THE TOP OF THE MAST AND
HANG IT OUT OF THE WAY IN THE WATER BESIDE THE DOCK.
4. Suggested Operating Instructions:
•
Arm height: By gripping and lifting on the chain (6) adjust and fix the arm height to the desired level relative to the water
surface. Generally the outboard end of the arm should be about at the water surface or a little above it. For floating docks
it may need to be a little higher. At no time should the arm be completely out of the water as this makes sliding off difficult
aside from putting excessive strain on the arm joint especially when sliding off the arm during launch.
•
For
entry and launch
maneuver the kayak into position over the arm (3) with the arm usually about 4
to 10” forward of
the cockpit although this depends on the shape of the cockpit. Alternatively, the arm should be about 1 to 2 ft. forward of
where you step into the kayak---the arm must not be under foot. Prior to step-in the kayak should still be mainly floating.
(If you have access to the internet see demo video clips on our YouTube page)
•
Place the paddle on the dock beside the kayak
•
With a steadying hand on the mast (1) step into the kayak. At this point the kayak should be in contact with and stabilized
by arm (3). HINT: If it is not stabilized get out and raise the arm in increments of one chain link until it is stabilized when
you step into the kayak.
•
Once standing on both feet in the stabilized kayak let go of the mast and with both hands on the gunnels, maneuver
yourself to the normal sitting position.
•
Pick up the paddle and push off with one hand from the dock in the reverse direction. HINT: Difficulty in pushing off may
be due to the arm height being too high.
•
The
return to dock and exit procedure
is the reverse of the above entry and launch procedure. This includes using only
the gunnels (not the mast) to bring yourself from a sitting to a standing position. Do not use the mast as a steadying post
until you are ready to step out.
•
If maneuvering from a sitting to a standing position is too difficult, try rotating your body (by gripping the gunnels and not
the mast or dock) to a kneeling position in the cockpit of the stabilized kayak and then move out onto the dock.
5. KayaArm arm covering:
Experience demonstrates that no covering on the arm works well for most Kayaks. For some hulls, (for example fiberglass,
Kevlar or composite hulls) to avoid hull marking a covering of inexpensive black polyethylene pipe is very effective.
The gentle “V” shape of the arm along with the black polyethylene cover tends to spread the load and thus a concern for
possible stiff hull damage has not been observed. But as a precaution in the case of stiff hulls the kayaker should be sure to
have the arm forward of the cockpit and not under foot when stepping into or out of the kayak.
A polyethylene cover over the arm can consist of the following:
•
Cut two pieces black utility grade polyethylene pipe 11
” in length. Pipe diameter 1.5” utility grade is easier to work with
than thicker grades.
•
Slit the two pipe pieces and slip them over the top surface of each wing of the arm. Use zip ties to hold in place.
6. KayaArm shoe covering:
As with the arm no covering on the shoe works well for most Kayaks. If needed (fiberglass, Kevlar or composite kayaks), a
12” long piece of slit ½” polyethylene water pipe (eg PEX) slipped over the shoe flange works well.
7. Two KayaArm Instructions (See photos at
https://kayaarm.com/
)
•
Kayak storage at dock:
o
Install two KayaArms at your dock about 5 ft. apart. Set one arm at normal use height and the other well below
the water surface.
o
HINT:
It is beneficial to apply waterproof grease (not WD40) on the back of the shoe, so it slides freely in
the channel
o
Once you have exited the kayak, and the kayak is resting on the front KayaArm, raise the back KayaArm from
well below water level to a few inches above water level.
o
Centre the kayak, so the weight will be evenly distributed between the two arms.
o
Raise the front KayaArm until the kayak is out of the water, and raise the back KayaArm until the kayak is sitting
level, and stored out of the water
o
Turn the kayak over. It is very important to make sure the kayak cannot fill with rainwater while stored on the
KayaArms, as this could damage the kayak and/or KayaArms.
o
Secure the kayak to the KayaArms with straps or heavy duty stretch cords (not provided) about 40” in length.
Summary of Contents for KayaArm
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