Feathercraft wisper Owner's Manual

THE LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE OF

YOUR ADVENTURE UNFOLDS

TM

Feathercraft Products Ltd. 4-1244 Cartwright Street on Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H 3R8

Toll Free: 1-888-681-8437 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] www.feathercraft.com [e-mail]

Wisper

FOLDING KAYAKS

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Contents

Wisper Folding Kayak ...........................................................Page 2

Specifications ........................................................................Page 3

Wisper Frame ........................................................................Page 4

Care and Maintenance ..........................................................Page 5

Wisper Assembly Instructions ...............................................Page 7

The Feathercraft Sea Sock......................................................Page 19

Using Strap on Skeg ..............................................................Page 20

Disassembly ..........................................................................Page 21

Feathercraft

Wisper

1

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Built in coaming Optional bow hatch

Feathercraft

Wisper

2

Comfortable sling seat

Removeable air sponsons inside
skin along gunwales

Hull reinforced on outside over
keel and chine bars

Strap-on skeg

Wisper Folding Kayak

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Feathercraft

Wisper

3

Seat: 420 denier rip-stop nylon with inflatable

air back and air bottom

Accessories: Included in every kayak:

Nylon Spray Skirt
Sea Sock
Adjustable Foot Brace
Medium Stern Hatch
Repair Kit
Pack Bag
Assembly Video
Illustrated Instructions
Strap-on Skeg

Options: Small Bow Hatch

Neo-nylon spray skirt
Calf plates

Specifications

Length: 4.75 m (15'7")
Beam: 57 cm (23.5")
Weight:

Standard Skin 17 kg (37.5 lbs)

Light Skin 15 kg (33 lbs)
Pack size: 95 x 47 x 25 cm (37.5 x 18.5 x 10")
Storage Volume: Medium
Frame: 5/8" Round

6063 - T832 Extruded Aluminum
Magnesium Tubing with clear

Anodized Coating
Crossribs: 1/2" High Density Polyethylene
Skin Material: Welded Urethane

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Feathercraft

Wisper

4

Wisper Frame

stern deck bar/lever bar

chines, gunwales and deckbars

through-bolted permanently

to keel plate (same for bow

and stern)

crossribs are 1/2" high

density polythylene

5 extension bars: chines, gunwales, keel

bracing bars

shockcorded tubing

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Care and Maintenance

The Frame

The tubular frame is very strong and corrosion resistant. We
recommend that the frame be disassembled after extensive use
(2 – 3 months). The inside and outside of the tubes should be
washed with fresh water. Try to keep the inserts and extension
bars free of sand and grit.

Included in your repair kit is a small dropper tube of Bo-Shield T-9.
This product is made by Boeing and is an excellent lubricant
and protectant for aluminum.

Aerosal containers of Bo-Shield can be found at marine hard­ware stores. We also have available 4 oz bottles of Bo-Shield.
However, please note, that the lid closure is not suitable for
shipping after the bottle has been opened. This container
would be good for your “at home” clean-up. We also have
available Super Lube. This is a teflon lubricant in gel form. This
product is also available from bike shops.

Apply the Bo-Shield lubricant to frame tube inserts, spring but­tons and sliding pieces prior to assembly. If you should leave
your boat assembled for a maximum of two months, this will
assist in preventing tubes seizing.

Other maintenance “musts”:

• every two months completely disassemble the kayak.

• wash the frame completely with fresh water.

• reapply lubricant and/or wipe down tubes with Bo-Shield T-9.

• after paddling, sponge out the inside of the kayak.
Do not allow water to pool along keel bar.

The Skin

The surfaces of the skin will not rot. They are stable in sunlight and
are very tear-resistant. On the hull, areas likely to be exposed
to abrasion have been reinforced. However, we recommend
care when approaching shore. Sharp rocks, and barnacles can
penetrate the skin. Avoid pulling a loaded boat over rocks
whenever possible.

For patching and repairs, a patch kit is included. For quick field
repair, duct tape works very well, and is a good addition to
your repair kit.

Feathercraft

Wisper

5

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Welded Sealskin

The Polytech deck and Duratek hull are urethane. Seams are
permanently sealed.

A patch kit is provided for deck, hull or sponson punctures.
The urethane glue will work for repairs to all of these fabrics.
For preparation and application, follow the instructions on the
adhesive container.

Sponsons

Due to the tight fit of the skin, the sponsons are under
considerable pressure and some seepage of air may occur. It is
advisable to periodically reinflate the sponsons. After paddling
on hot days, release air from sponsons.

To Repair/Replace Sponson

The sponsons can be completely removed from the sleeve
sewn to the inside of the skin. Turn the skin inside out. The
sponson chamber is open at bow and stern ends. Tie a long
string through the hole in the tab at the end of sponson. Pull
sponson through the center opening of the chamber (where
sponson hose is attached). To reinstall, pull the cord attached to
the new sponson back through the chamber. Ensure sponson is
not twisted in the chamber. Repeat with the opposite side.
Urethane glue and patches are included in the repair kit. Duct
tape works well on the sponsons.

Feathercraft

Wisper

6

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Feathercraft

Wisper

7

*Chine and Gunwale bars are a two-piece extension bar,

and have been taken apart to fit into the pack bag.

Bracing bars

#3

Keel extension bar

Skin

Seat Sling with chine and gunwale
extension bars*

#4

#2

Stern deck bar / vertical lever bar

Bow deck bar / horizontal lever bar

Rim inserts

Bow section

Stern deck bar with double band of tape

Stern section

Seat

Foot brace platform

#1

Wisper Frame Parts

Bow deck bar with single band of tape

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1 SET OUT FRAME PARTS AS ILLUSTRATED ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE

2 BOW SECTION

• “Shake” out bow section. Shock corded tubes take shape.

• Attach bow deck bar with single band of black tape.

Feathercraft

Wisper

8

Bow deck bar

Keel

Gunwales

Chines

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3 ATTACH SMALL CROSSRIB #1 TO BOW SECTION

• Pin on small crossrib is inserted into hole in plastic block

on keel tube.

• Chine and gunwale tubes snap-fit onto crossrib with white

spacers on “cockpit” side of crossrib.

4 COMPLETE BOW SECTION

5 STERN SECTION

• Shake out stern section as you did the bow.

• Attach stern deck bar with double band of black tape.

6 ATTACH SMALL STERN CROSSRIB #4 AS YOU DID WITH THE BOW

Feathercraft

Wisper

9

Pin into block

Bow section complete

Attach stern deck bar

Snap chines, gunwales and deck bar
onto crossrib.

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7 UNFOLD SKIN. INSERT BOW AND STERN FRAME SECTIONS

• Feathercraft logo is located at the bow. There are three
velcro tab closures along the inside keel of the skin. Open
the velcro tabs. Slide the bow and stern sections into
the skin.

Center the frame along the inside keel strip, pushing
sections to the very ends. From the outside of the skin,
check the frame alignment along the keel strip. Secure
velcro closures around the keel tubes.

8 INSTALL KEEL EXTENSION BAR

• Keel extension bar has two bands of black tape on the
stern end, and one band of black tape on the bow end.

• Attach the stern end of the extension bar on to the stern
keel bar. Slide the bar apart, attaching the other end to the
bow keel bar.

Feathercraft

Wisper

10

Insert bow frame section

Stern Bow

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9 INSTALL CHINE AND GUNWALE BARS WITH SEAT SLING.

The seat sling will be suspended from the chine and
gunwale extension bars. These extension bars are all
the same. Have the extension bars inserted to the sewn
sleeves of the seat sling. Place the seat sling with the
extension bars into the kayak with the Safety label
towards the bow. Large lever hole in extension bars is
at the stern. Single black block goes towards bow.

(Note: When installing the extension bars, it is easier
to be situated on the opposite side from the part you
are installing.)

The bow and stern frame tubes will have begun to curve
to the shape of the skin. To allow the extension bars to
connect easily onto the tubes in the skin, bring the tubes
into a straight line to join together.

With the seat sling positioned in the cockpit, slide the
chine extension bars apart, connecting to bow and stern
chine bars. Do the same for the gunwale extension bars.
Complete opposite side.

Slide the seat sling towards the stern so you have easy
access to the spring buttons and lever hole.

Feathercraft

Wisper

11

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10 EXPAND EXTENSION BARS

• Once all extension bars are in place, using stern deck
bar/vertical lever and bow deck bar/horizontal lever,
expand the keel extension bar until you feel tension.
Spring button appears in hole.

Expand chine and gunwale extension bars with lever bars.
Position is approximately in the center hole and the skin
should feel tight.

Note: When assembled at the factory, the final position of
the spring button on the extension bars is the second hole
from the bow. On the thigh braces, it is the middle hole.
The spring button position can, and probably will, vary
slightly depending on the weight of the skin, as well as
over time. This is normal and acceptable.

(Remember to situate yourself across from the parts you
are installing.)

Feathercraft

Wisper

12

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11 INSTALLING LARGE CROSSRIBS

• Angle the crossrib towards the spacers on the keel,
chine, and gunwale tubes. Position the crossrib between
the spacers, pushing the rib onto the tube.

For the bow crossrib, there is a pin at the base of the
rib. Two black blocks are mounted on the keel bar. The
“twister” is mounted with one screw, and should be in
the open position. Insert the pin on the base of the
crossrib into stationary black block (with two rivets).
Close the “twister”.

Bow crossrib

Pin into block

Bow crossrib

Stern crossrib

Feathercraft

Wisper

13

pin

twist to close

block

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12 SECURE UNDER DECK BUCKLE WITH WEBBING AROUND

STERN CROSSRIB

13 INSTALL FOOT BRACE / PLATFORM

A: Side-squeeze buckles on the foot brace connect around
gunwale bars of bow frame section.

B: Webbing from #2 crossrib attaches to tension lock.
Adjust distance for leg length with this buckle.

C: This tension lock adjusts the angle of the
bracing platform.

To load the bow of the kayak, unclip one side of the
platform at buckle A for easy access.

Inside of the skin

Gunwale Chine Keel

Feathercraft

Wisper

14

A

B

B

CC

A

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14 INSTALL BOW DECK BAR

• Connects to bow deck bar on bow frame section.

15 INSTALL STERN DECK BAR

• Connects to stern deck bar on stern frame section.

Feathercraft

Wisper

15

Rotate deck bar to lock

2

1

Insert deck bar through keyhole

Once connected, rotate deck bar to
lock in crossrib

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16 INSTALL RIM INSERTS

• Slide into pocket on underside of coaming rim.

17 INSTALL THIGH BRACES

• Slide oversleeve on thigh brace towards bow. Insert stern
end of tube (a) through hole in large stern crossrib. Insert
bow end (b) through hole in large bow crossrib. Slide over­sleeve towards stern till snug and spring button appears.

Feathercraft

Wisper

16

Rim insert

Stern

b

a

Thigh brace

Bow has white spacer.
Stern has oversleeve.

Gunwale bar
Thigh brace

Thigh brace is
secured with
web strap.

pull tightly

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18 INFLATE SPONSONS

• Turn the top of the valve to open. When inflating sponsons,
alternate sides to ensure the frame remains centered. The air
pressure from the sponsons can shift the frame within the
skin. Keep blowing until the skin is tight. Twist cap to
close. Tuck sponson tubes and valves out of the cockpit
area. Avoid stepping on the hose and valve, and try to
keep the valve free of sand.

Note: After paddling on hot days, release air
from sponsons.

Feathercraft

Wisper

17

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Feathercraft

Wisper

18

19 INSTALL SEAT

• Inflate air bladders in the seat back and bottom to suit
personal comfort. (Less air in bottom is usually better.)

20 COMPLETE HATCHES

• Attach hatch rim by folding the fabric sleeve sewn to
the deck over the rim. Roll down inner closure and
close with buckle. Place hatch cover over rim and secure
with B-lock.

• During disassembly, don’t forget to take the plastic rims
off. Don’t roll the skin up with the rims still in place.

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Feathercraft

Wisper

19

21 THE FEATHERCRAFT SEA SOCK

• Made from high-quality coated nylon, the sea sock is a
great safety item. The top of the sock fits tightly around
the cockpit coaming rim. Contoured to fit along the seat­back and bottom, the “foot” is loose through the cockpit,
creating a “pod”. The paddler then sits in the sock. Legs
and feet are not constricted. The spray skirt fits as usual. In
the event of a capsize, water will only enter the sock, and
not the whole boat. It’s also great for keeping the inside of
your kayak clean.

Tips on Usage and Installation

• The shiny side of the fabric faces in towards the
kayak frame.

• When facing the bow of the kayak, the Feathercraft label
should be on the right side.

• Center the seam on the rim of the sea sock with the center
point on the bow of the coaming.

• Once the Sea Sock is in place, sit in the sock, and “burp”
it by lifting the edges, releasing trapped air that causes the
sock to billow up.

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22 TIPS ON WHEN TO USE THE SKEG

• The Wisper is designed to work well without a rudder.
However, in some conditions you may find it easier to
paddle with the skeg installed. This is most likely to occur
when the boat is loaded and you are heading downwind.
Under these conditions the kayak may have a tendency
to “weathervane” or turn upwind. The skeg minimizes
this tendency.

Feathercraft

Wisper

20

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Disassembly

Let the air out of the sponsons. Remove rim inserts. Remove
deck bars. Remove bracing bars and large crossribs. Remove
Gunwale and Chine Extension bars using the lever bars to
release the spring buttons. Release the Keel Extension Bar last.
Follow the rest of the assembly steps in reverse order.

Packing the kayak in the bag

Put the seat cushion in the bag first. Arrange the white plastic
crossribs over the seat. Roll the kayak skin up tightly–fold the
ends to the center of the kayak; fold in half; roll tightly; secure
with webbing ties. Place the skin bundle in the middle of the
bag; put the bow and stern frame bundles on either side of
the skin. Take chine and gunwale extension bars apart, leaving
one half installed in the seat sling. Roll up the loose sections
together in the seat sling. Tuck all additional pieces (ie: sea
sock, repair kit) into any available space.

Lifting the Kayak

The kayak can be lifted with two people, one at either end; at
either side of the cockpit, holding the frame cockpit area; or
one person, lifting over the shoulders.

Avoid lifting a fully loaded kayak.

Storage

Once clean and dry, the kayak can be stored assembled or
disassembled in a shaded, dry place. When storing the kayak
disassembled, take extension bars apart.

Feathercraft

Wisper

21

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© Feathercraft Products Limited 2005
Printed in Canada, revised 5/2006
Recycled paper

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