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Assemble Your Cataraft
Start by becoming familiar with the reference links above. Then, follow the ten steps below as the easiest way to assemble your River King cataraft. These steps will save time and avoid problems. Once you go through these steps once or twice you'll understand the basic idea and you won't really need these instructions. The rough time estimates (10/20) for each step are in minutes and depend on how large your cataraft frame is and how much experience you have. The first number is typical for after you've had some experience. The longer times are more typical for your first time through.
Remember that you can save a lot of time by transporting the frame partially assembled. There are many creative possibilities here depending on your vehicle and trailering options. Some folks leave the frame fully assembled and carry it on a roof rack. Of course, the fastest method is to simply leave the boat assembled during the season and transport it on a trailer.
Step 1) Pre-assemble the two upper decks. (20/50)
Each cataraft will have two upper decks. One will sit on top of each tube (inflatable hull). Assemble these and set them aside for now.
Step 2) Pre-assemble any special purpose cross braces such as the lean-bar, the splash-panel or the motor-mount. (0/60)
Cross braces connect one upper deck to the other across the span of the lower deck. The special purpose cross braces are usually added at either end of the frame. If you have any of these assemble them and set them aside for now.
Step 3) Assemble the lower deck in place. (15/30)
Assemble this off the ground on some support so that it will sit a few inches higher than the mid-point of the inflated tubes. Choose a clean soft area like a grass lawn as you'll be placing the tubes next to the lower deck in the following step. Insert the short center PVC plastic rods between the deck sections as you set them in place. Insert the two lower deck PVC side rods in the pockets along each edge of the lower deck. Finally lift the mesh fabric hangers on each side up onto the top surface of the lower deck.
Step 4) Inflate the tubes to medium pressure (not really tight) and set them in place. (10/30)
If you have a 12VDC pump the tubes could have been inflating while you were completing the previous steps. Or use the maual pump. Set the inflated tubes beside the lower deck with the tube sides touching the lower deck edges. The valve in the center of the tube (fore and aft-wise) should face outboard. The two valves near the ends of the tubes face inboard. When the tubes are in place put some clean 2 by 4 blocks or something along side the tubes to keep them from rolling out of position for the next step.
Step 5) Set the two upper decks on the top surface of the tubes. (2/8)
Set them in place on the tubes in their correct orientation, port-starboard, bow-stern and centered fore and aft.
Step 6) Fasten the mid cross braces to the upper decks to stabilize the upper decks on the tubes. (10/20)
Leave the end cross braces off for now to make the next step easier.
Step 7) Insert the lower deck hanger rods. (15/30)
Working from the ends and leaning over the upper decks in the middle, thread these two rods through the lower deck mesh side panels and the upper deck fabric loop hangers along the inboard edge of each upper deck.
Step 8) Attach the end cross braces, the four upper deck end panels, the rowing footbrace and the oarstands. (15/40)
Once the end cross braces have been fastened to the upper decks you can remove the platform from under the lower deck so it hangs free from the upper decks. Don't walk on the lower deck until these end cross braces are installed.
Step 9) Pull the hull straps from under the lower deck edges under the tubes and up to the buckle recievers. (5/15)
Snap the buckles into the buckle receivers. Make sure the straps aren't twisted. Remember that you have the option of adding as many standard outfitter type buckle straps as you wish to tie down the frame to the tubes as securely as conditions require - using the D-rings on the tubes and strapping them to any convenient location along the frame. For running fairly heavy whitewater or using a motor and running a heavy load, for example, you may wish to add a few of these buckle straps to your rig. For most Western style fishing rivers however, this will seldom be necessary.
Step 10) Final step - check alignment, tighten all fasteners and top off the tubes to full pressure. (10/20)
