MANUFACTURER: ADVANCED ELEMENTS, INC. CONCORD, CA USA 94524
MODEL AE1040 - AIRFUSION™ KAYAK
THIS BOAT COMPLIES WITH NMMA STANDARDS OF EFFECT
COMPLIANCE
WITH
ISO 6185-1
TYPE III, B
0123
ON THE DATE OF CERTIFICATION
1
NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURES ASSN.
AirFusion™ Kayak Capacity Label
WARNING: Do not exceed the certied maximum capacities under any circumstances.
Overloading will reduce freeboard and increase the likelihood of swamping, especially in heavy
seas. Overloading causes handling to become sluggish, making it dicult to react quickly.
2.2 Features
Performance: Aluminum frame and high pressure air chambers provide a hull speed comparable
to a hard-shell.
Quick set up: Compared to Frame and Skin Kayaks, high pressure air chambers reduce frame
parts for faster set-up time.
Durable: Heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin material for extreme puncture resistance.
Style: Because of the narrow beam, it paddles like a rigid hard-shell kayak.
Portability: No roof rack needed! Pack in the trunk of your car or y it to remote destinations.
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AirFusion™ Inatable Kayak Owner’s Manual
Zippered access to
below deck storage
compartment
Bungee deck
Adjustable foot
Rubber
molded
handle
Molded
end cap
brace/thwart
lacing
Hybrid frame
Bungee deck
lacing
design
Molded
end cap
Zipper lips
3. ASSEMBLY/INFLATING/DEFLATION INSTRUCTION
3.1 Assembly
Your kayak comes from the factory pre-assembled with the Bow and Stern Ribs, and Main
Ination Chambers in place.
The rest of the kayak components will be with the kayak, but not installed; these include:
1. Front and rear inatable thwarts: 1 each.
2. Foam Floor x 1
3. Seat x 1
4. Pole #1 x 1
5. Pole #2 x 1
6. Locking Sleeve #3 x 1
7. Pole #4 x 2
8. Pole #5 x 2
9. Pole #6 x 1
See Figure 1.
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Figure 1
1. Your AirFusion kayak comes direct from the factory with the Bow and Stern Ribs, as well as
the main ination tubes already installed. However, should you take your kayak apart, you
will need to place the Bow and Stern Ribs into each end of the kayak and secure the boom
of them into place using the Velcro loops at the boom position.
2. With the main tube chambers deated, insert each set into the outer cover, making sure the
valves are facing inwards. Make sure the large Velcro closed ends of the tube sleeves are
placed in the stern end of the kayak. Align the Velcro squares on the outer side of the tube
sleeves with the Velcro squares of the inner side walls of the outer cover. Additionally, be
sure to connect the large Velcro squares at each end of the tube sleeves.
See Figure 2.
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AirFusion™ Inatable Kayak Owner’s Manual
Main Inflation Chambers
Bow Rib
Stern Rib
Main Inflation Chambers
Outer Cover
Figure 2
3.2 Set Up
1. Familiarize yourself with the dierent assembly parts.
a. All of the assembly poles have a number marked on them at one end.
b. The Front Thwart or “air bag” has two webbing sleeves stitched on the sides. The front
end of the thwart (this is the portion that will face the bow of the kayak) is smaller than
the back end (the portion that you will brace your feet against).
c. The Rear Thwart or “air bag” is overall larger than the Front Thwart. The front end of
the thwart (this is the end that will face the stern of the kayak) is smaller than the
back end (the portion that will be directly behind your seat).
2. Assemble the frame poles by interlocking the shock corded ends together.
3. Install the Foam Floor. The Foam oor should be placed with the wider end at the cockpit.
You can use the front thwart alignment line, printed on the inside of the kayak, to align the
front end of the oor. Make sure that the Velcro loop on the hull of the kayak comes up
through the hole in the oor. See Figure 3.
Foam Floor
placement
Figure 3
4. Once the poles are assembled and the oor is installed, begin by inserting pole #1 into the
sleeve on the boom of the front thwart (leave deated) making sure that the numbered end
of the pole is at the back end of the Front Thwart. See Figure 4.
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Front of thwart.
Face towards bow.
A
Push button
Pole #1
DETAIL A
Figure 4
5. Install pole #1 into the front end of the kayak connecting it with the boom portion of the
Bow Rib. The pole should be placed on top of the foam oor and the numbered end of the
pole should be at the cockpit of the kayak. See Figure 5.
Front zipper
access
Pole #1
Bow Rib
Figure 5
a. Tip: Connect pole #1 with the Bow Rib through the zipper on the deck at the front end
of the kayak.
6. Insert pole # 2 into the sleeve on the boom of the rear thwart (leave deated) making sure
that the numbered end of the pole is at the back end of the Rear Thwart. See Figure 6.
Front of thwart.
Face towards stern.
Pole #2
Figure 6
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AirFusion™ Inatable Kayak Owner’s Manual
7. Install pole #2 into the rear end of the kayak, connecting it with the boom portion of the
Stern Rib. The pole should be on top of the foam oor and the numbered end of the pole
should be at the cockpit of the kayak. See Figure 7.
Rear zipper
access
Stern Rib
Pole #2
Figure 7
a. Tip: Connect pole #2 with the Stern Rib through the zipper on the deck at the rear end
of the kayak.
8. Slide Locking Sleeve #3 over the end of pole #2 (at the cockpit position), making sure the hole
for the snap buon is facing the free end of pole #2. See Figure 8.
Figure 8
9. Connect poles #1 and #2 together by liing each pole upwards and joining the ends together
and then pushing them downwards, this will require a lile force and will push the Bow
and Stern Ribs into place, stretching the kayak out to its full length. Immediately aer poles
#1 and #2 are connected, slide Locking Sleeve #3 over pole #1 until the connection point of
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poles #1 and #2 is in the middle of Locking Sleeve #3. Align the hole on Locking Sleeve
#3 with the push buon located on pole # 1 and snap into place. Warning: Make sure to snap
Locking Sleeve #3 into place IMMEDIATLY to prevent poles #1 and #2 from springing
upwards and causing any injury to you or the kayak. Align and secure the completed pole
assembly using the two Velcro loops on the oor of the kayak; the front loop should be
showing through the small hole in the foam oor, this will also insure that your oor is in
alignment. See Figures 9 and 10.
Figure 9
Figure 10
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AirFusion™ Inatable Kayak Owner’s Manual
10. Moving to one side of the kayak, you will install poles #4 and #5. See Figure 11. Slide pole
#4 into the Velcro guide loops along the main ination chambers at the side of the kayak.
The two loops you will need for this pole are at the front end of the kayak, along the
side, and at the midpoint, also along the side.
a. Tip: Access the front guide loop through the front deck zipper.
Slide pole #5 along the main ination chambers towards the rear of the kayak and secure it
into place using the rear Velcro guide loop that is located along the side of the kayak at the
stern of the boat.
a. Tip: Access the rear guide loop through the rear deck zipper.
Aer positioning poles #4 and #5, connect the two ends, making sure that the holes on
the ends of each pole are aligned, and lock them together with the spring snap at the
end of pole #5. See Figure 11.
Once poles #4 and #5 are interlocked, align the joining seam of the two poles with the
arrows located on the tube sleeves in the cockpit area.
b. Tip: The alignment arrows on the tube sleeves are meant as a guideline for aligning
your poles. Do not be concerned if they are not perfectly aligned aer the kayak has
been inated.
11. Move to the other side of the kayak and repeat step #10. See Figure 11.
Figure 11
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12. Slide pole #6 into place by inserting it into the sleeve that runs along the underside of the
front deck. Slide pole #6 though this sleeve and connect it with the top portion of the bow rib.
See Figure 12.
Figure 12
a. Tip: Access the top portion of the bow rib to connect pole #6 by using the front deck
zipper.
13. Once all of the poles have been installed into the kayak, align the front and rear thwarts with
the alignment lines printed on the interior oor of the kayak.
a. Tip: The front thwart alignment line is meant as a starting point for ination. You may
find that you want to move it forward or backward to adjust for proper foot bracing and
comfort. It is recommended that you inate it at the alignment line for your rst time,
and then you can deate and adjust the thwart as needed to t your height and
preference. Once you determine the position that best suites you, you can mark
the position of the front thwart with a permanent marker for future setups.
14. Aach the seat to the buckles located inside the cockpit area (the cockpit buckles are aached
to the underside of the deck of the kayak). There are 4 buckles in the cockpit area, as well as
on your seat. The large buckles on your seat aach to the larger buckles located at the front
end of the cockpit and the small buckles on your seat aach to the smaller buckles at the rear
of the cockpit.
NOTE: Make sure to align the back edge of the seat pad with the back edge of the foam
oor. The seat should not be positioned any further back. If you need more leg room, adjust
the placement of the front thwart, not the seat.
3.3 Understanding Your Valves
1. The AirFusion kayak uses the standard Boston valves and the Advanced Elements Twistlok
Valve. The following gures have details on how to operate these valves.
Inate
Deate
Figure 1. Inate/Deate Boston Valve
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AirFusion™ Inatable Kayak Owner’s Manual
Chambers(2)
Boston Valve
Boston Valve
Front Thwart
Chamber
Boston Valve
Rear Thwart
Chamber Boston
Valve
Coaming Chamber
Twist Valve
OPERATINGTHE“TWIST”VALVES
1
2
Figure 2. Inate/Deate Twist Valve
To begin inating your kayak, you will need a Bellows Foot Pump or a Double Action Hand
Pump. Never use compressors, CO2 or compressed air as they may damage your kayak.
TWIST TO OPEN / INFLATE / THEN CLOSE
PUMP HOSE
INSERT
TWIST VALVE
Diagram of Ination Chambers
3.4 Inating
IMPORTANT: Before inating, check to be sure that the kayak is completely assembled.
Inate your kayak in the following order. Failure to follow these instructions may cause
damage to your kayak. Do not over inate.
1. Locate the valves for the two boom side chambers. Make sure the valve body is screwed
in tightly. See Figure 1. Remove small cap and use the appropriate pump nozzle. If you
own an Advanced Elements pump you should have a screw on valve adaptor; if you do not
have this adaptor, you can obtain one by visiting our website at www. advancedelements.com.
This adaptor will aach to the valve; you must rst press t the adaptor to the valve and
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then screw the adaptor down to secure it. Inate the two boom side chambers partially,
approx 5 pumps.
2. Locate the valves for the two top side chambers. These valves operate the same as the boom
side chambers. Inate the two chambers partially, approx 5 pumps.
3. Once you have partially inated the main chambers, move to the rear thwart and inate it
until rm (2.0 psi ONLY). Do not over inate! As you are inating the rear thwart, make sure
the boom of the thwart is as even as possible with the oor of the kayak. Also, make sure
the main chambers are remaining alongside the thwart and not pressing under the thwart.
4. Move to the front thwart and inate it until rm (2.0 psi ONLY). Do not over inate! As you
are inating the front thwart, follow the same guidelines as the rear thwart.
5. Once the thwarts are fully inated and in position, return to the two boom side main
chambers and inate each until rm (4.5 psi ONLY). Do not over inate!
6. Move to the two top side main chambers and inate each until rm (4.5 psi ONLY). Do not
over inate!
a. Tip: A good way to gauge if your kayak is fully inated is to pick it up by the handle at
one end and give it a good bounce. If it exes quite a bit, or sags, it needs more air.
7. Inate Cockpit Coaming (1.0 psi ONLY). Do not over inate! See Figure 2.
8. Once all chambers are inated, use the yellow Velcro loop, located at the rear of the cockpit
on the underside of the kayak deck, to store the Rear Thwart ination hose. The ination hose
for the Front Thwart can be placed on top of the le Main Ination Chamber, in-between the
outer skin and tube, and held in place by using the yellow Velcro loop located in that area.
3.5 Deation and Break Down
1. Unscrew the valve bodies to the Main Ination tubes and the Front and Rear Thwarts. See
Figure 1.
2. Open Twist Valve on Coaming.
3. Once the chambers are deated, you can use your pump to vacuum out any additional air for
improved folding.
4. Remove Poles #4 and #5 from each side of the kayak, and collapse each pole by pulling apart
and folding at the shock corded ends.
5. Remove Pole #6 from the deck sleeve and collapse by pulling apart and folding at the shock
corded end.
6. Take hold of Locking Sleeve #3 and depress the push buon on Pole #1. Slide Locking Sleeve
#3 onto Pole #2. CAUTION:Keep your hands on Poles # 1 and #2 to keep them from
springing upwards and causing any injury to you or the kayak.
7. Disconnect Poles #1 and #2 and pull Pole #2 out of the kayak. Pull Locking Sleeve #3 o of the
end of Pole #2 and remove Pole #2 from the Rear Thwart Sleeve.
8. Pull Pole #1 out of the kayak and remove it from the Front Thwart Sleeve.
a. Tip: To keep from losing Locking Sleeve #3, slide it onto Pole #1 and snap it into place
over the push buon.
9. Collapse each pole by pulling apart and folding at the shock corded ends.
NOTE: Leave Bow and Stern Ribs in place inside of the kayak.
10. Remove the foam oor.
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AirFusion™ Inatable Kayak Owner’s Manual
3.6 Folding
NOTICE: Reverse your pump to completely deate all chambers.
1. Completely deate all air chambers, remove the frame poles and thwarts, remove the seat,
foam oor, and thoroughly dry out the kayak.
2. Fold in half, down the center, lengthwise.
3. Fold the bow inward at the end point of the Bow Rib. You should
be able to feel the end of the Bow Rib through the outer cover.
4. Fold over at the tip of the
bow; this will bring the
folded edge of the kayak to
the middle of the cockpit.
5. Fold over once more at the inner
folded edge.
6. Fold the stern end inward.
7. Place into due bag.
8. Put remaining parts, Poles, Seat, Thwarts, and Foam Floor, into due bag.
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4. GUIDELINES FOR USAGE
Paddlesports can be very dangerous and physically demanding. The user of this product should
understand that participation in paddlesports may involve serious injury or death. Observe the
following safety standards whenever using this product. The user of this product acknowledges
both an understanding and an assumption of the risk involved in paddlesports.
Aer you have inated your kayak and before you put it in the water, inspect your equipment
for obvious signs of wear or failure. Review local rules and regulations and read again the
“CAUTION” statement.
Most areas have local laws and regulations about the use and equipment of small boats. Usually
a phone call to the local authorities will provide you with the needed information. Some areas
may require that you register and display a registration number on the front of your kayak.
Once you have been issued a number, it is best to ax it to the kayak by printing it on the
material with a permanent ink marker. If you are required to display a sticker or vinyl leers, an
inatable boat ID kit can be purchased at most marine stores.
Your kayak is designed to be paddled with a double bladed kayak paddle. Paddle with short
and even strokes. Keep the blade close to the kayak and the paddle almost vertical. Pull with
your lower hand and push with your upper hand. To reduce the amount of swaying at the
front of the kayak, ease o on the force of your stroke. Paddling with a backward stroke can
sometimes oer quick maneuverability.
ALWAYS practice safety and take the time to learn about the area where you are paddling. Get
ocial information about the local tides and currents before paddling there. Be careful that
you do not over estimate your strength, your endurance or your skill. Be careful never to under
estimate weather conditions. Be aware of the dangers before you begin. Be aware of your skill
level. Be sure you understand and accept the risk of these dangers. There are many paddling
clubs all over the world. These can be a great source of information on places to paddle, people
to paddle with and most importantly, continued safety practices.
5. PROPER CARE AND STORAGE
The easiest method for drying out your kayak is to lay it out to air dry while toweling out any
excess water from the inside. Although you should be able to completely dry your kayak
without removing the Main Ination Chambers and Bow and Stern Ribs: Follow these steps if
you need to remove excess water.
1. Remove the Main Ination Chambers by separating them from the Velcro patches located
on the interior wall of the outer cover. Pull the Main Ination Chambers out of the outer
cover through the cockpit.
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AirFusion™ Inatable Kayak Owner’s Manual
2. Remove the Bow and Stern Ribs by rst undoing the Velcro retention loops located on the
interior hull of the kayak. You can then slide the ribs out through the deck zippers or through
the cockpit.
3. Once these parts are removed you can hose down and rinse the Main Ination tube covers
and the outer cover of the kayak and wash out or remove any loose gravel or debris.
4. Wipe down all components with a towel and lay out to dry.
5. Reassemble the main components of the kayak by using the following steps and pack away.
a. Place the Bow and Stern Ribs into each end of the kayak and secure the boom of them
into place using the Velcro loops at the boom position.
b. With the main tube chambers deated, insert each set into the outer skin, making sure
the valves are facing inwards. Make sure the large Velcro closed ends of the tube
sleeves are placed in the stern end of the kayak. Align the Velcro squares on the outer
side of the tube sleeves with the Velcro squares of the inner side walls of the outer skin.
Additionally, be sure to connect the large Velcro squares at each end of the tube sleeves.
6. REPAIRS
All kayaks come with a repair kit that includes glue and several patches. This should remain
with the kayak in the event that you may need it. If service is required for your kayak, please call
866-262-9076 for assistance.
6.1 Repairing Small Punctures and Cuts
1. Cut a rounded patch at least ¼” or ½” larger than the hole or cut.
2. Clean the area where the patch will be placed with water and/or mild soap.
3. Make sure all surfaces are dry.
4. In a well ventilated area, spread a thin layer of glue on both the patch and on the
damaged area. Let it sit for three to ve minutes or until tacky.
6.2 Repairing Pinholes
1. Inate the PVC tube. Locate the pinhole by sponging soapy water over the tube until
you see air bubbles. Mark the location of the pinhole.
2. Deate the tube and dry the aected area. Apply a drop of glue to the pinhole
3. Allow glue to dry completely.
4. Do not inate the kayak for at least twelve hours.
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7. TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
Does not hold air
while inating.
The kayak is sagging
or under inated.
The kayak will not hold
full pressure for more
than a couple of hours.
Kayak still loses air.
Water in the kayak.
The kayak dris to
one side.
SOLUTION
Check the Boston Valve and make sure that it is tightly screwed into the
valve body. See Figure 1 in section 3.3 of this manual.
Be sure that the right pump is being used. You need a bellows foot
pump or a double action hand pump. A 12-V electric does not supply
enough pressure to fully inate the kayak. The 12-V can be used to par-
tially inate the kayak but one of the other pumps is needed to top it o.
Make sure that the valve is screwed tightly into the valve body; refer to
Figure 1 in section 3.3 of this manual.
If you have checked all the previous possible reasons for the kayak
losing air, then there may be a pinhole or a puncture somewhere on the
tube. Pull tube from outer covers. Inate. If you cannot see or hear
where a leak may be, take a clean rag with soapy water and begin rub-
bing the tube. If a hole is present, bubbles will continually form. Repair
using repair kit. If it is a very small pinhole, a dab of the glue may be
sucient.
There will almost always be a lile water in the kayak. One reason is the
water drips o of the paddle and into the kayak. Another is some will
puddle up on the deck and leak through the zipper. You can also get a
spray skirt from our accessories list from a dealer. This will help keep
the inside of the kayak dry as well as you.
A kayak will always head in the direction of your last stroke. The longer
the kayak the less this is usually noticed. If it is driing in the opposite
direction, the kayak may not be inated properly or the center poles
and Bow and Stern Ribs may not be aligned. First, make sure the center
frame poles and Bow and Stern Ribs are aligned down the center of the
kayak. Use the Velcro guide loops located on the oor of the kayak to
keep the poles and ribs aligned. Secondly, refer to section 3.4 for proper
ination of the kayak.
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PADDLING NOTES:
It is alway a good idea to keep nots of your paddling experiences. Your notes can serve as a reminder
of what to look out for, as well as what gear to bring along, and what conditions are like.
DATETIMELOCATIONNOTES
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NOTES:
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NOTES:
AirFusion™ Inatable Kayak Owner’s Manual
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NOTES:
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Note: If your state requires the licensing of this boat, please use the form below. If you need any assistance filling
out this form, please contact Advanced Elements Customer Service Department.
MANUFACTURER’S STATEMENT OF ORIGIN
FOR A VESSEL SOLD IN THE STATE OF_____________________________________
The undersigned manufacturer hereby certies that the new boat described below, the property of
said manufacturer, has been transferred this _________day of _____________________, 20_________on
Transferrer (Firm name) Sign Here ___________________________________________________________
Before me personally appeared _____________________________ who by me being duty sworn under
oath says the statements set forth above are true and correct. Subscribed and sworn to me before
this __________ day of _____________________________ 20 ___________.
___________________________________Notary Public Date commission expires_______________
(SEAL)
Page 26
Declaration of Conformity
(according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014)
Manufacturer’sName:Advanced Elements, Inc.
Manufacturer’sAddress: P.O. Box 5128
Concord, CA 94524
declares,thattheproduct:
ProductName:AirFusion™ Kayak
ModelNumber(s):AE1040
to which this declaration relates,meetstheessentialhealthandsafety
requirementsand is in conformity with the relevant EU Directives listed below:
General Product Safety Directive
using the relevant section of the following EU standards and other normative
documents:
EN / USI 6185-1 : 2006
ABYC H28-76
Date: January 1, 2011
Clay Haller, President
This product complies with European directives for recreational vessels as
published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Page 27
LIMITED WARRANTY
Advanced Elements, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of
one year from the date of purchase. Products that prove to be defective under conditions of normal and proper use
during the warranty period because of defective workmanship or faulty material will be replaced or repaired without
charge. For warranty service, contact Advanced Elements, Inc.
Advanced Elements, Inc shall inspect all warranty claims and in the event of a defect, repair or replace the defective
part or entire item, at its option. The purchaser must, before return of a defective product, obtain from Advanced
Elements, Inc, a return authorization number and return center address. Please write or call as listed below. Once an
authorization number is obtained, the purchaser must ship the product, POSTAGE PREPAID, to Advanced Elements,
Inc for repair. Do not ship to P.O. Box address as it may be sent back.
This warranty does NOT cover:
Products used for rental, for hire or in professionally guided tours and other uses not considered normal recreational
purposes; and punctures, cuts and abrasions sustained in normal use; and items involved in accidents; and items
damaged in white water mishaps, and other unreasonable uses or improper storage.
Advanced Elements, Inc shall within (30) days from receipt of an authorized return from purchaser, perform its responsibilities in conformance with this warranty.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FACE HEREOF. ADVANCED ELEMENTS SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
THIS WARRANTY IS INCLUSIVE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
Please complete and mail card to Advanced Elements within 10 days. It will register your product.
Mail to: Advanced Elements, Inc.
P.O. Box 5128, Concord, CA 94524
An: Warranty Department
Owner’s Name _______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________ Apt.____________
City _________________________________________ State _____________ Zip __________
Model __________________________Serial # (12 characters) XZE_____________________
Purchase Date _______________________________________
Store Name __________________________________________________________________
Store Address ________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________State ____________ Zip __________
Email __________________________________________________________
(located at rear of boat)
Thank you for responding to the following.......
1. How did you rst learn of this product?
m Dealer m Friend m Magazine m Radio m TV m Catalog m Other
2. What most inuenced your decision to purchase this product?
m Price m Features m Style m Quality m Other
Page 28
IMPORTANT!
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING.
AFTER READING THIS MANUAL, SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
If you would like a catalog of our latest products please
visit our website at
www.advancedelements.com
or call Toll Free 866-262-9076
PLEASE COMPLETE THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD AND RETURN TO ADVANCED ELEMENTS, INC.