Clearblue NAPALI - Manual (Page 4)

8. Attach the second end-unit frame (part 3, with stainless rings) to the stern end of the longitudinal rods by
bending the rods around and inserting them into their respective positions in the stern end frame (Fig 3). Lock
the rods in place by rotating 90 degrees. Check that no rods have become entwined with each other during the
process and that each tube is locked in the correct position at both bow and stern ends.
9. Connect the bow deck rod (part 5, with red bands) onto the bracket at the bottom of the bow end-frame.
Rotate 90 degrees to lock in place. Lower the rod and clip it into the clip on top of the small cross rib. The
connector on the cross rib is designed to flex.
10. Spread out the skin. The bow end of the skin can be recognized by the bow lifting cord. The outer zippers
run down the starboard side of the boat – if you stand at the stern and look to the bow, the outer zippers should
be on the right of the center.
11. A colored foam end unit (part 2) can either be attached to the bow end frame (see Figure 2) or inserted
directly into the bow end of the kayak skin. Note how the foam end unit engages into the end frame. The stern
foam end unit must be inserted into the kayak skin.
12. Check that all the joins in the longitudinal rods are fully closed.
13. Pick up the kayak structure and insert the bow end into the bow end of the skin. Check the bow end-frame
correctly aligns with the locating knobs on the rear of the foam cap and push the structure as far forward as
possible into the kayak canopy.
14. Ease the stern end-frame into the kayak skin carefully past the zippers. There is just enough room to ease
the stern end frame passed the zippers provided all the junctions in the tubes are fully closed, the zippers are
fully opened and the structure pushed forward in the skin as far as possible.
15. Check that the sliders for the internal zippers are easily accessible and have not become caught between the
end frame and the skin.
16. Locate the expansion joints in the longitudinal rods. These are the joints nearest the stern. By pulling each
rod upwards or outwards (you need to experiment a little to find which direction works best for you with each
rod), these joints will open up and allow the expansion clips (part 18) to be inserted.
The insertion of the expansion clips does not require a lot of effort. Initially this may appear difficult but once
the technique is mastered it is straightforward. The correct technique involves:
• Start with the top tube (red coded) on one side. Kneel by the expansion joint so that your knees are
close enough to the kayak to enable you to brace your knees against the kayak when pulling the
expansion joint open.
• Place one hand on the rod on the stern side of the expansion joint, close to the joint. Grip the rod with
the other hand – this hand is positioned further from the expansion joint, at a distance that gives you the
best combination of leverage on the rod and comfort.