INSTALLATION GUIDE

Thank you for your purchase of our custom made canoe Spray Deck. These instructions are designed to show you the necessary steps to install your new deck.
Because there are so many hull designs on the market today it is nearly impossible to have one instruction manual that covers everything. So, if you find you have questions please give us a call and we will make every effort to give you some helpful hints. Our hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday and the toll free number is 1-800-567-9283.
Your first step to successful deck installation is to read this entire manual before you begin.

Steps 1: Preparation

First lets check that you have received everything correctly in your kit and that you have the proper tools and supplies on hand to complete the installation of your deck.

Your kit should include

• your custom fitted deck
• drill placement marker
• 20 Loop patches
• 2 tubes of vyna-bond
• 4 D-Rings (metal)
• 2 lacing cords (20')
• 2 deflector hoops

You will need for installation

• acetone or de-natured alcohol to clean canoe
• sponge or rags
• small disposable brush
• felt pen / pencil
• drill with 3/16 inch bit
• optional- sandpaper

It should take between two and three hours to complete the installation of the deck.

Step 2: Test the Spray Deck Fit

Lay you spray deck out over your canoe. The stern end of the deck is marked with the label and the adjustable tension strap.
The bow and stern straps should be placed under the bow and stern caps. Use the adjustable tension strap at the stern to snug things up. You do not want to put a lot of tension on the deck with this strap.
Now, check the fit of the spray deck. When you tighten the spray deck across the boat, the gunwale should be in the middle of the 3" webbing rub strip. Now check that the cockpits have been positioned correctly over the top of the seats.

Step 3: Marking The Canoe For Drilling

When marking drill positions on your canoe you will need to use the drill placement marker.
This marker ensures that the hole will be drilled the correct distance below the gunwale and centered between tabs.
We will start marking the drill positions at the bow. The first hole will be marked between the first and second tie down tabs on the spray deck.
Now move to the stern and mark a drill position between the last two tie down tabs.

If you have chosen the “two piece deck option”, mark a drill position between the first tow tabs on either side of the deck break.
Now move back to the bow and mark positions between every other set of tie down tabs.
If you have float tanks in your boat the bow and stern loop patches will be replaced by the metal D-rings provided. These can be installed using pop rivets.

Step 4: Drilling

Before you start drilling on the marks you have placed, check to make sure you won’t be drilling into anything. If you need to move a mark slightly to miss a seat support etc.
A 2" variance side to side from the mark is fine.
Drill holes for the loop patches using a power drill with a 3/16" bit.

Drill holes for the loop patches using a power drill with a 3/16-inch bit. If you have float tanks in your boat you will have to use the Webbing Loops in place of the bow and stern loop patches. To install the Webbing Loops drill into the float tanks and use a pop rivet to secure the ring to your boat.
If you don’t feel comfortable drilling into your boat consult a local professional to do the job for you.

Step 5: Gluing the loop patches

Before bonding the patches to the canoe you must first clean your canoe thoroughly using acetone cleaner, to make sure you are working on a smooth clean surface. This is best so that the bonding adhesive will seal completely. If your boat is made of kevlar or fiberglass you will have to sand the spots where glue will be applied. Regular sandpaper and a bit of elbow grease should do the job, be sure the surfaces are clean and flat before bonding.

To glue patches, use the disposable brush and spread adhesive over the patch side with the loop on it. Also apply to the surface of the canoe surrounding the hole the patch will go through.
This is a quick drying adhesive, cover patch and corresponding canoe surface at the same time. Allow 5-10min for the adhesive to become tacky to the touch. Use some wire or small cord to pull loop through the hole. Once loop has been pulled through ensure backing is sealed evenly to the canoe surface.

Step 6: Lace up your deck

Starting at the bow lace through all tabs and loops, pull from bow to stern to tighten the cord, then fasten at the stern using a knot. You will have to cut the cord where needed to make two equal strings for each side of your deck.
If you have a two piece deck first lace up your deck with both pieces joining, if you wish to run with only the front portion of the deck in place, just knot the cord on the last tab.
Next place the cockpit deflector hoops inside both cockpits. To do this find the pockets, (seat belt webbing) on the underside of the deck. Place ends of deflector hoops into each pocket, and attach the top of hoop to the Velcro found on the underside of the Velcro cockpit closure.
Congratulations you are now ready to hit the water with your new custom-made spray deck. Please write or call us with any comments about our program.