ADVANCEDFRAME™, ADVANCEDFRAME EXPEDITION™, ADVANCEDFRAME CONVERTIBLE™
Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of valves does the AdvancedFrame™ have? (Click here for info)
The main chambers use the new Advanced Elements Spring™ Valve. This is a high-end military style, plunger valve (Push in and twist 90 degrees to activate the spring-loaded check valve for inflating, or push-in and twist to lock open for deflating). You will notice the stem of the valve move outward, or lock inward. When inflating the stem should be in the outward position (or valve closed position). The pump pressure will bypass the closed valve then when you stop pumping no air will come out. Inflate the first chamber until it starts to fill out. Then close that valve, and proceed to the second gray valve. Inflate the second valve until the tube body fills out and feels firm. The other chambers are the Twistlok™ valves. Twist open to inflate then simply hold the pump hose on the end of the orange nozzle and pump. When the chamber is full twist closed.
How does the bow and stern improve the performance of the kayak?
The unique bow and stern improve performance by doing the following. The bow is narrow and sharp as well as raised (Greenlander style). This reduces the resistance through the water and keeps the waves from breaking on the deck. The stern closes the water behind the boat and acts like a skeg to keep the kayak traveling straight.
Rigid Bow and Stern Internal View
Do I need to make a plywood floor for my kayak?
NO, absolutely not. When the AdvancedFrame™ is inflated properly the skin is tight, and the air chambers are firm. The AdvancedFrame™ requires no additional stiffener. The only reason that a board would be needed would be if the kayak was not inflated properly. You must use a foot pump or hand pump to inflate to the needed pressure, an electric mattress inflator will not generate enough pressure.
What is the deflated and packed size of the AdvancedFrame™ kayak?
The dimensions of the deflated AdvancedFrame™ kayak are 30 x 17 x 10 inches.
The dimensions of the deflated AdvancedFrame Expedition™ kayak are 32 x 20 x 10 inches.
The dimensions of the deflated AdvancedFrame Convertible™ kayak are 36 x 21 x 11 inches.
How much do the kayaks weigh?
They weigh 34 lbs, 42 lbs and 56 lbs.
Is there a way to increase the foot room?
Yes, if you need more space for your feet, simply let the air out of the floor chamber, then fold the rear of the floor over on itself (by 6" or 8") and slide the floor toward the rear of the boat. Then re-inflate the floor. This adds about 4" of toe room.
Can I fit a spray skirt on the seating compartment coaming?
Yes, the coaming around the seating area can be used to attach a spray skirt, however it is not a rigid coaming so it would not be sufficient for Eskimo rolls, but it will keep excess water out of the boat and keep the warmth in on winter day. We have one specially designed for it. It is now available for purchase on our website or through our toll free number, and various retailers.
What other accessories do you recommend?
These are a few other accessories that we would suggest if you don't already have them.
a. Bellows style foot pump (to take with you).
b. A good quality paddling PFD (lifejacket) designed for kayaking.
c. Roll-top dry bag 1 or 2 (for stowing gear on deck or behind your seat).
d. A 4-part take-down paddle (so it will fit in your kayak duffel bag).
e. A paddling jacket is a nice thing to have on cold wet days.
f. Safety whistle and strobe light. Always play it safe.
g. An external frame pack for packing your kayak into a back country lake.
How do you clean the kayak?
Hose it down with freshwater, and let it air dry before packing away for extended periods. Use a sponge to soak up any excess water and grit that may have made its way into the boat.
How long does it take to set up?
On average it takes about 5 minutes when inflating with a foot pump. It will obviously take longer than that the first time you setup as you will want to get familiar with the components and assembly described in the owner's manual.
Is there storage room inside the kayak for additional gear?
Yes, one of the nice features about this kayak is that there is actually room behind the seat to bring extra gear along on your adventure. There is also deck space to lash down any safety gear (spare paddle, etc.).
How easily can the boat be punctured?
We use top quality reinforced PVC, and Hi-density fabrics. In order to puncture the main chamber from the bottom you would need to pierce through (3) three layers of material.
Do I need a UV fabric protector?
If you would like to use a spray protector, we would recommend UV TECH from McNett. This is the best on the market, and their tests do show that it extends the life of fabrics that are used in sunlight for extended periods.
How should I store my boat?
When storing for an extended period of time, we recommend storing your kayak deflated in a cool dry area, out of direct sunlight.
How well does the AdvancedFrame™ track in a straight line?
The AdvancedFrame™ kayak is designed to move thru the water like rigid and folding boats, instead of on top of the water like most inflatables. This greatly enhances the tracking, especially on powerful strokes.
What type of conditions you can expect to use the AdvancedFrame™ kayak in?
The AdvancedFrame™ is designed to be a day touring type boat, for flat or open water. The bow and stern have a rigid semi-frame that gives it a hard edge. This greatly improves the tracking over traditional inflatables. The AdvancedFrame™ is fine for class 1 and 2 rivers, and durable enough for class 3, however it is really designed to paddle in a straight line, and therefore not recommended for rivers above class 3. When choosing a kayak for class 3 whitewater or greater, you really want a boat with a very rounded hull that will not grip on to the current, especially in eddys. Unfortunately kayaks with very rounded hulls will not paddle very straight on flat water.
ALSO SEE UNIVERSAL FAQ'S LISTED BELOW
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