HOW TO INFLATE AND DEFLATE
Assembly ~ Inflation
Find a flat surface where your SCOUT will be setup.
Remove any sharp objects from the flat surface.
Unfold and spread your boat out flat.
Inflating
Please Read this First
If you are not familiar with these types of valves. The valve has a special spring loaded pushpin inside. This pushpin has two positions, IN or OUT. When it is pressed in, air will escape. If you push in the spring pushpin and turn 1/4 turn either direction it will pop out. The OUT position will lock air inside and prevent it from escaping through the valve.
Before inserting the air pump tube into the valve, please make sure the pushpin is in the OUT position otherwise all the air will escape when you disconnect the air hose.
Instructions for Scout Inflatable Boats:
Inflate both pontoon tubes to around 70%.
Place the air floor inside the boat and inflate it to 100%.
Inflate both pontoon tubes to 100%.
Attach the oars.
Install seats.
Close the internal bung.
Attach your outboard motor if applicable
Grab your life vests(PFD) and you are ready to get out on the water.
CAUTION: Do not use a compressed air source (ie., automotive tire air compressor) to inflate boats. Over inflation through the use of compressed air may result in ruptured seams.
Over inflation can cause structural damage to your boat. Do not allow your boat to stand in direct sunlight when out of the water, as this may cause expansion to the point of damage or bursting.
IMPORTANT – for darker colored boats – they can expand under exposure to direct sunlight – therefore it is ok to release a little pressure through the valves from time to time if the PVC tubes feel extra tight.
Higher Altitudes
Normal full inflation is approximately 1.25 psi for the pontoons and 4psi for the air floor at sea level. If using at high levels such as mountain lakes, the air pressure must be reduced to prevent over inflation.
We connect our 12v air pumps to a small rechargeable battery. This lets you inflate your boats right next to the water which can sometimes be quite a distance from the car. Both items are available for purchase on our accessories page.
HOW TO DEFLATE AND PACK AWAY
Before deflation, make sure your SCOUT product is clean and dry. Remove the protective valve cap, push in the spring pin and turn any direction so it locks to the IN position. Let the air escape, and roll up your boat.
Deflating your Scout Boat:
Remove the seats, oars and motor.
Deflate the air floor. (Remove if you need to)
Deflate both side pontoon tubes.
Once side tubes are deflated, pull both sides together so they meet in the middle. Work from the stern of the boat. Fold the 2 stern ends together across the transom, and then roll boat up working your way towards the front.
Pack the boat inside the carrying bag.
Storage
Allow your boat to dry thoroughly in the shade before storing, never in glaring sunlight.
For longer term storage, store your boat in a rodent free zone. Preferably in a cool, flat and dry place with some air in the air chambers if at all possible. If not, empty the boat of air completely and roll the boat up loosely, and store in the canvas carry bag provided. Remember, if you are storing long term - make sure your items are in the zipped up/closed carry bag in rodent free areas. For some reason rats love the smell of pvc rubber type products.
For a quick guide, refer to this video.