FORAGER SETUP
12
Seating Installation
– The Forager features a full length inflatable self bailing floor
that is held in place and protected from damage with a nylon sleeve. The seat can
be installed with the main boat either inflated or deflated, but it is easer with the
seat deflated. The seat sleeve has a full length zipper that allows the seat to be
inserted and the have the sleeve zipped together.
Inflating –
The Explorer 42 features a lightweight single valve allows high pressure
oral inflation and quick deflation with a quick twist of the valve core. Turning the
valve core to the right will open the valve for deflation and turning the core to the
left will allow the one-way flap to engage for tempering. To inflate, insert the valve
adapter on the inflation bag into the valve and twist to the right to lock in place.
Use the inflation bag to capture air and compress it through the valve (see the
inflation bag video on our website for more details). As the boat fills up, you may
want to turn the valve core to the left (without disengaging the adapter) to close
the one way flap which will allow you to get more air in with the inflation bag.
When the boat is full, disconnect the valve adapter and proceed to tempering.
Tempering –
Unlike a spring valve used in larger rafts, our valve is designed with a
very light action 1-way flap to allow the boat to be orally tempered.
Note that the
light action 1-way flap will not engage until you have orally added some pressure
to the raft.
The amount of air pressure that you choose to use is personal, but we
recommend approximately 1.2-2.0 psi which is the max that a normal person can
orally add into the boat. Be careful not to exceed 2.0psi if you are using a pump.
After tempering, screw on the valve cap to prevent any leakage while boating.
NOTE – LEAVING YOUR ALPACKA RAFT IN THE SUN UNATTENDED CAN CAUSE
THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE CHAMBER TO RAPIDLY RISE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO
FAILURE OR PERMANENT DAMAGE. ALWAYS LET SOME AIR OUT YOUR BOAT AND
SEATS BEFORE TAKING A BREAK FROM THE WATER IN THE SUN.
Deflating –
To deflate, remove the valve cap and twist the valve core to the right.
Roll the boat from the bow to remove additional air. During the valve break in
period, you may need to hold the valve open (turned to the right) during
deflation. If you have a Cargo Fly, once the packraft has been de-tempered with
the valve you can open the Cargo Fly zipper to release the rest of the air.
Folding/Rolling –
There is no right or wrong way to roll or fold your boat for
transport. Do whatever fits best for your use and carrying method. We
recommend the following ways:
•
For a wide thinner roll, fold in half lengthwise and roll from the bow.;
•
For a narrower thicker roll, fold into thirds lengthwise and roll from the bow;
•
For a relatively square fold, try folding into quarters lengthwise and then
folding in 1-foot length sections from the bow and secure with a strap.
•
Removing the seat from the Forager and carrying as two packages will reduce
the packed size.
NOTE – One of the most important considerations in using your packraft is the
way it feels to you – how comfortably it fits and how easy it is to enter and exit.
Do not overtighten your thigh straps and backband as it could impair your ability
to exit the boat.
Securing Equipment –
The Forager features six stainless 1-inch D-Rings and a
series of strap plates with 1-inch wide slots for securing gear and equipment. The
D-Rings in the bow and stern are ideal for attaching handles and tow lines using 1-
inch webbing. For securing gear using the strap plates, we recommend first
installing a webbing or cord along the strap plates and then tying your gear off to
the webbing. This will prevent the strap plate materials from premature “sawing”
wear when you cinch your equipment.
