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Cleaning the C7 Inflate/Deflate Valves:
If the inner parts of your inflate/deflate valves become dirty, the seal may not shut
completely against the valve body, allowing air to escape. You can clean the inner
valve parts to restore the airtight seal. First, try cleaning the valve in place by locking
it open and using a cotton swab to remove any grime or debris. If this doesn’t fix the
problem, then remove the valve for a more complete cleaning. Your repair kit contains an
aluminum valve wrench that you can use to remove the valve from the boat. Threads on the
valves are: clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen. The outer half of the valve unscrews from the
inner half. It’s easier to loosen the outer half when the chamber is inflated. When you remove the outer half of
the valve, take care not to lose the inner half inside the chamber. With the outer half in your hand, push down
and turn the valve stem counterclockwise. This lifts the rubber seal off the valve base. Use a cotton swab to
remove any dirt and grime that has built up on the rubber seal. Hand tighten the outer half back into the valve
base. Inflate the chamber fully, and then use the valve wrench to completely tighten the valve.
BAT THWART SYSTEM
Our innovative Batten Attachment Thwart (BAT) system allows you to easily install or remove the thwarts in
your raft. Simply align the slot on the end of the thwart between the attachment slots on the raft chambers and
slide the batten through all three slots, locking the thwart in place. Thwarts will be easier to install and remove
when both raft and thwart are deflated.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
Proper care and maintenance will improve your boat’s appearance and longevity. Clean and inspect the boat
after each use. We recommend you coat your boat with 303 Protectant (available through NRS or your local
dealer) every few months during the season to protect against UV damage and degradation.
You should take care to keep moisture from getting inside the air chambers. Water can enter the chambers
during in-the-field repairs or if the valves are left open during wet weather. If you find that moisture and mildew
have accumulated in your boat’s air chambers, the chambers must be aired out. Remove the valve of the
affected chamber. Pour out any liquid water, then run the hose of an electric air pump or vacuum exhaust
through the valve hole. Allow dry air to circulate into the chamber and out the valve hole until all the moisture
is gone.
OUTLAW MATERIAL REPAIR
Boat repair adhesives and cleaners are toxic. When repairing your boat, always work in a well-ventilated area
and use a good respirator if possible. Always use proper chemical protection for your skin and eyes.
You will need: our Outlaw patch material, medium-grit wet/dry sandpaper and contact adhesive suitable for
Outlaw material (we recommend Clifton Urethane Adhesive, available through NRS or your local dealer) and
solvent cleaner (methyl ethyl ketone, or MEK, available through NRS or your local dealer).
Important Tip: For best results, perform repairs out of direct sunlight and avoid doing repairs when the
humidity exceeds 70%.
Measure and cut a patch to cover the area that requires repair. The patch should be bigger than the repair
area, extending an extra 2” or so past the edge of the tear or abrasion. Round the corners of the patch. Lay
the patch over the area to be repaired and trace the outline onto the boat material. Use the sandpaper to
buff the area inside the traced outline and the backside of the patch. Only scratch off the shiny finish of the
material; do not sand down to the point where the internal fabric threads are exposed. Use MEK to clean the
surfaces to remove any grease or oils and to prep the surfaces for best glue adhesion.
Apply a thin, even coat of adhesive to both the back of the patch and the repair area on the boat. Wait 3 to 5
minutes before bonding the patch to the boat, to allow solvent vapors to evaporate.
Carefully align the patch and press both surfaces together. Remember, this is a contact adhesive, so once the
two surfaces touch you’ll have difficulty realigning the patch. Apply pressure to the entire glued surface using
a roller. Roll over the patch in multiple directions, working from the inside to the outside of the patch. This step
is important because it forces air bubbles out and helps the two pieces of material bond. Use a lint-free towel
and MEK to wipe up excess glue.
