Owners manual
About Tahe Kayaks One of the largest kayak manufacturers in Northern Europe, Tahe Kayaks was founded in 1989. Over time both the range and number of kayaks has increased. Product development and production takes place on the northern coast of Estonia, using the most advanced technology and best materials available. Tahe Kayaks is a strong and reliable company that does not compromise on a single detail. Many years of experience and operation means quality and loyal customers for whom we can create new innovative products with care and dedication.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE OF KAYAK AND WELCOME TO ONE OF THE FINEST LINES OF TAHE MARINE KAYAKS.
About the Manual We are sure that you know sea kayaking is a fun, enjoyable and very safe sport, however we want to make you fully aware of all of the safety information you may need. This manual contains ´´Warnings´´ and ´´Cautions´´ concerning the consequences of failing to maintain or inspect your kayak or failing to follow safe padding practices. Please do not be alarmed by the intense warnings and cautions notifications within this manual. We have condensed over 20 years of experience in manufacturing sea kayaks in to just a few pages. The combination of a safety alert symbol with the word “Warning” indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. The combination of a safety alert symbol and the word “Caution” indicates a potentially hazard-
ous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury, or damage to your kayak or a component. WARNING: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE REVIEWED AND UNDERSTOOD THE WARNINGS, INSTRUCTIONS AND THE CONTENT OF THIS MANUAL . FOR YOUR KAYAK. ALSO READ THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS LOCATED INSIDE YOUR KAYAK The following warnings and advice are intended as a guide and cannot, by the nature of the sport, be completely comprehensive. They are intended to help you make a more informed decision as to weather you should participate. All forms of sea kayaking can be dangerous and physically demanding in some situations. To enter exciting and challenging situations
in relative safety, the paddler should have relevant knowledge, skill, training and build experience in controlled situations. Not every kayak is built for every activity. Check with your Tahe Marine dealer to make sure you choose the right equipment. Tahe Marine also recommends that you conduct a thorough inspection before each paddle.
Backrest and seat – For back support the backrest can be adjusted forward and backward with strap that runs through the seat back and fastens with a pinch buckle. It is best to adjust your backrest and seat before setting out to paddle. Everyone is different and you may have to adjust these controls several times until you find the most comfortable position.
Fitting into your kayak Before going paddling, it is important that you take a few moments to make all necessary adjustments. Footrests – All Tahe Marine kayaks are equipped with SmartTrackTM adjustable foot pedals. Lift up the lever, slide the pedal to proper place and lock the lever down to secure it. The upper part of your feet should press evenly against the footrests with your knees slightly bent. You should not be seated too tightly.
General entry – To enter the kayak squat beside the cockpit, with the paddle behind the cockpit and grip the paddle shaft and the back of the cockpit rim with one hand, thumb to the stern and your fingers in the cockpit. Grasp the paddle shaft with the other hand midway between the cockpit and the far blade. Do not support all of your weight on the shaft at this point, as you may damage the paddle. Using the paddle as an outrigger against the shore, place your feet and legs inside the cockpit and slide your bottom into the
seat. Once you are safely in the seat, bring the paddle around in front of you, where you can keep an eye on it, and begin attaching your spray skirt. Attaching spray skirt – Start by putting the spray skirt over the back of the cockpit. Make sure that the sides are on correctly. It is important that the release tab or grab loop on the front of the skirt is not folded under, inside the boat. You need to be able to reach it easily for quick release.
Retractable carry handles – Available on most models, this easy to use system keeps your handles securely in place whether you are transporting the kayak on your car or paddling rough waves and wind. NEVER carry a heavily loaded boat with the carrying handles. Hold the kayak by the hull instead.
Modifications
Rubber hatches – All Tahe Marine models have rubber hatches for access to compartments. To remove the hatch cover, simply grasp the lip on one side and peel it back. When replacing the hatch cover, make sure the cover and rim are free of dirt. Make sure the hatch cover is seated all the way in order to form a proper seal.
Technological advances have made kayaks more complex, and the pace of innovation is increasing. In order to minimize the risk of injury any work carried out on your kayak should be performed by a Tahe Marine Dealer.
Floatation – It is essential that your kayak has adequate flotation at both ends when you go paddling. When the hatches are secured properly, the bow and stern compartments are sealed off and they provide the necessary internal flotation for your kayak.
Skeg – Some Tahe Marine models have skegs. The skeg is located under the hull near the stern of the craft. It is deployed by a cylinder on the right side of the cockpit. Although deploying the skeg decreases maneuverability, it is useful to improve tracking when needed. Carrying
b) If the kayak is fully loaded, do not rely on the carrying handles but put your hands under the hull. It is always easier to carry a partially loaded boat to and from the water, and load your heavier gear at the water’s edge. c) Kayak dollies are a great way to wheel your kayak around while reducing stress on your back – see your dealer for more information.
With one person If you are going to carry a kayak by yourself, be very careful not to lift with your back. Lift the kayak at the cockpit and slide the boat up onto your thighs. Then boost it onto one shoulder. With another person: a) If the kayak is empty, hold the toggle handles.
Transportation – Improper transportation of your kayak can easily cause damage. A quality roof rack with specialized kayak carriers is a small price to pay for protecting your boat and vehicle. A composite kayak is usually carried deck up and hull down because the hull is built stiffer than the deck. Avoid over tightening your ties.
WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED KAYAK ON A ROOF RACK. THE HULL MAY NOT SUPPORT THE EXTRA WEIGHT. Loading – When loading a kayak with gear, it is important to trim the boat properly. A good guideline to use is the seam of the kayak in relation to the surface of the water- try to keep it fairly level.
Storage – Protecting your kayak from exposure to sunlight when stored will significantly lengthen its useful life. If it is outside, it can be covered with a tarp or simply stored in a shady place. When storing your boat on a rack or cradles, support it under or near the bulkheads. Kayak Maintenance How to repair leaks in your kayak?
Service Cleaning - Rinsing out or washing the interior (particularly the cockpit) to rid it of sand, food waste, beach scum and general debris is a good idea after each use and will prevent the growth of mold or other things that can “foul” the interior. Usually just a water rinse works well.
Unless your kayak has a crack, leaks primary occur in the following areas: seams, ends, hatch rims, bulkheads, skeg housings or fittings. Tahe Marine kayaks are all water tested before leaving the factory. However over time leaks can developed from various sorts of stresses including freezing and thawing etc. Most leaks are easy to fix, if you can find them.
Since a leak rarely means a structural problem, simple sealants are quite adequate for stopping them. Once you have identified a leak, press a very small amount of sealant into the area with a your finger or a rag. Be sure to wipe off the excess, you just want to seal the cavity where water is entering. It is preferable to do the sealing on the inside if you can reach the problem area. Otherwise apply the seal to the outside or both sides.
sandpaper until the shine is removed. Clean the area with acetone or lacquer thinner (Acetone is highly flammable and should be handled with care).
Gelcoat repair
Apply the mixture immediately and spread it into the repair area leaving it slightly raised above the surface. Remove any excess outside of the repair area with a knife or acetone. Let it dry for 2 to 4 hours to allow for full shrinkage (Note: best results are achieved if the repair is covered with cellophane or wax paper while still wet).
Scratches or chips in the hull of a composite kayak can be easily repaired. Gelcoats are available through your dealer or directly from Tahe Kayaks. Remove loose gelcoat and bevel the edges of the scratches with utility knife. Sand the area in and around scratch using 220 grit
Place enough gel on a piece of cardboard and add the hardener at 4 to 5 drops per tablespoon of gel. Mix thoroughly for about one minute using a stir stick (The hardener is a skin irritant and extremely dangerous if it comes in contact with your eyes.)
Wet sand the repair with P320 or P400 sandpaper backed with a block of wood until the repair is almost level with the surrounding area. Apply water liberally and finish the area with P600 sandpaper. Avoid sanding the surrounding area until you are ready to use P600 sandpaper. Polish the area with a mild rubbing compound. You can use an electric polishing machine for a higher gloss. For the final gloss, use a quality automotive or marine wax. Color fading may make a perfect match difficult. If it is necessary to repair a large area of gelcoat, you may want to contact your dealer about the best way to proceed with boat repairs.
If your boat receives structural damage take it to a professional to do the repair or to get advice on specific damage. WARNING: NEVER MODIFY YOUR KAYAK IN ANYWAY. DO NOT SAND, DRILL, FILL OR REMOVE PARTS. AN IMPROPERLY MODIFIED KAYAK COULD FAIL AND CAUSE YOU TO LOOSE CONTROL. CAUTION: ANY MODIFICATION TO YOUR KAYAK OR COMPONENTS MEANS THAT YOUR KAYAK NO LONGER MEETS OUR SPECIFICATIONS AND THEREFORE VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY.
Before you go We would like to welcome you to sea kayaking with a word of caution. It can be a safe and rewarding activity if common sense prevails and certain precautions are taken. Before you put in for a day’s paddle, check that you have the following: DO YOU HAVE? • A nationally approved and correctly sized, Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with you? ... Wear it. • A whistle? • A floating line at least 15 meters long (50 ft)? • A Bailer pump abroad, properly secured? • Navigation lights or a waterproof flashlight when visibility is poor?
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An easily accessible spare paddle? A paddle float? A compass? A flare pack in your pocket? A chart and tide tables? A knife? A tow rope? A first aid kit? Food and drink? Appropriate clothing for the weather? Does someone know your route and when you should return? Additional communications? Cell phone, VHF radio Check that your hatch covers are fastened correctly? If your kayak doesn’t have waterproof compartments, do you have flotation bags? Are they secured?
Precautionary notes
Fog
Make sure you are familiar with how to deal with the following situations, which can occur in open water. Consult local experts or available literature for additional information on these important subjects.
Fog can result in sudden and total disorientation. You will need a compass, but you may gain some orientations from sounds of beach surf, bells, foghorns, etc., as well as from a steady wave and wind direction. TOPOGRAPHY Topography affects wind and water conditions in shallows, beach surf, headlands, cliffs and river mouths.
WEATHER Wind Avoid paddling when whitecaps are visible until you thoroughly appreciate their effect. Wind can 1) upset a kayak 2) make it difficult to turn 3) create unmanageable waves, 4) prevent you from holding a course and 5) slow you down or stop you.
Shallows: Waves steepen and break on beaches and shoals. Avoid those areas when waves are large or strong currents are forced to flow over them. Surf: Waves steepen and break on beaches and shoals. Generally, try to avoid landing on surf with a loaded kayak. Avoid surf on rocky beaches.
Headlands: Conditions are frequently more difficult off headlands with increased wind (funneling), accelerated current and rebounding waves. Cliffs: Cliffs limit landing sites and can cause chaotic rebound wave conditions. River mouths: Difficult wave conditions occur when a river outflow runs against the waves.
Enjoy the Spirit of Tahe Kayaks. Manuals and Books: The Essential Sea Kayaker, by David Seidman The Coastal Kayaker, by Randel Washburne Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring, by John Dowd Sea Kayaker´s Savvy Paddler, by Doug Alderson The Bombproof Roll and Beyond, by Paul Dutky
Finally
Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation, by David Burch
The basis of safe sea kayaking is sound judgment, self responsibility and technical competence. Join a club, take a class, read books and/or consult local experts to learn all you need to know about the sport.
Sea Kayak Navigation Simplified, by Lee Moyer Complete Sea Kayak Touring, by Jonathan Hanson Sea Kayaking Safety and Rescue, by John Lull
Rudder Handle
Hatch
Hatch Cockpit
Backrest, seat Hatch
Skeg
Handle
Tahe Marine Limited Warranty Subject to the terms herein all Tahe Marine kayaks are covered under warranty against any defect in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase. This warranty is limited to the original owner and is only in effect if the warranty registration card is returned. Paddles and other accessory items are covered under warranty for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
CONDITIONS: Tahe Kayaks will repair or replace all items returned under warranty at its own discretion. Tahe Kayaks is sole judge on warranty issues. The customer must pay all return transportation, freight and or packing charges for warranty claims. Kayaks used commercially are covered under warranty for a period of one year. If a product is deemed to be blemished and is sold as a blemished quality product, the warranty is still in place with the exception of coverage of the blemish itself. The following are never covered under warranty: freight damage, improper storage, improper use, abuse, towing, normal wear and tear and color fading due to UV rays.
Tahe Kayaks OU Aiandi tee 21, 74001 Viimsi, ESTONIA Phone: +372 6008969 www.tahemarine.com
Inspired by the wonders of nature in Scandinavia, our designer has created a full range of Tahe Marine accessories and water wear. We work with suppliers throughout the world to better serve the needs of today’s paddling community with the most innovative designs and materials. We hope you will enjoy the perfect fit of Tahe Marine products, mindful that safety matters and you are well protected.
For more info please visit www.tahemarine.com or call the office on +3725206998 Tahe Kayaks Ltd, Aiandi tee 21, 74001 Viimsi, Estonia www.tahemarine.se, www.tahemarine.no