Owner’s Notes for
Ardent
March 26
th
, 2021
13
Inflating the Dinghy
If the dinghy needs inflation, the foot pump is in the starboard cockpit locker. The dinghy has three (3) baffles, each with
an inflation valve located on the inside of the boat, plus an inflatable keel.
The foot pump is held closed with a locking clasp. Release the clasp, insert the inflation nozzle onto the valve and give a ¼
turn to lock it in place. Inflate the baffle or keel with the foot pump until it is firm. When done, carefully detach the inflation
hose. If the valve is still open, press it once to close it.
11.
Dodger and Bimini
Ardent
has a very large sturdy dodger that protects the crew from the weather when in the cockpit. It
has several stainless steel grab handles for safety.
o
Please Do not remove the dodger
-- it is very difficult to put back on.
o
SJS NOTE:
The dodger’s plastic “glass” is vulnerable to scratching from salt crystals, especially after
sailing into a challenging breeze. When salt spray on the glass dries in the wind, tiny salt
deposits are left behind and tend to obscure your vision. Please avoid directly touching
the glass with a damp rag or sponge. Salt does dissolve in water, but not as fast as you
might think. The salt crystals remain un-dissolved for several seconds. It’s like rubbing
the glass with sandpaper! To clean, please use generous amounts of fresh water (use
bucket & shower nozzle at starboard helm station) and “flood” the glass to dissolve the
salt crystals away. Better yet, wait until you’re at a dock where you can hose off the salt
crystals. If the dodger glass is really clear, you can thank previous guests for their
diligence. And we thank you too!
CAUTION -- We have found that most spray sunscreens react chemically with the
plexiglass and other boat surfaces.
Please inform your crew to spray sunscreen
downwind of the dodger and other boat surfaces.
And please don’t lean against the
dodger with sunscreen on your back and shoulders. Once that chemical reaction takes
place, the glass is ruined and must be replaced at significant cost.
•
Ardent
has a two-piece Bimini that covers the entire cockpit when both pieces are installed. In
combination with the dodger, it provides excellent shelter in less than pleasant conditions.
o
The aft section of the Bimini covers the helms and part of the aft cockpit.
This section should NOT be removed.
Please check the large black straps connected to the Bimini forward supports to ensure
they are sufficiently tensioned to keep the Bimini stable in all winds.
o
The forward section of the bimini (bimini to dodger connector piece) is relatively easy to
remove and can provide extra sunshine in the cockpit if desired. Unzip this section at the
support then slip it out of the groove on the arch. This canvas
WILL NOT FLOAT
so use care
when removing and installing. Please store dry and properly folded, on the shelf above the
hanging locker in the port aft cabin.
