Owners Manual
There are several simple, easy, quick and inexpensive maintenance tasks that will preserve the beauty and lengthen the life of your Slipstream Watercraft canoe or kayak.
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Entry & Exit
Ultra light boats are not fragile. However, there are appropriate techniques for getting in and out of the boat that will eliminate the possibility of damage to the boat you own.
Best choice is to float the boat and get your feet wet — less hull scratches that way too. In any case, be sure sharp rocks etc. are not under the hull.
A no-no is using the gunnels or cockpit combing as parallel bars to support your weight while climbing in or out of the boat. It may seem a bit awkward the first few times, but one method is to place your paddle shaft across the gunnels over the thwart or immediately behind the cockpit combing. Most of the shaft and one blade is toward the shore. Grab the paddle as shown and keep your weight toward the shore as you climb out.
Other methods also work well — the objective is to avoid using the gunnels or cockpit combing as parallel bars— especially on hybrid or carbon boats. You might try standing mid-ship with your back to the boat. Squat, grab the near gunnel and drop your backside into the boat, swing your legs in last— this may not work on kayaks with small cockpits.
“Gunnels and thwarts are not for supporting paddler weight.”
(unless you order the stronghold option)
Scheduled Maintenance
Increase the longevity (and beauty) of your boat with a few simple techniques:
UV damage is one of the greatest threats to any composite boat. Storing the boat under cover will add years to its life. Waxing regularly will protect and keep your boat looking new!
Refinish wood components when they show signs of wear. Contact Slipstream for the same product we use. If wood is splintered or stained, apply a little elbow grease for a light sanding (220 grit) before refinishing. The process isn’t difficult or time-consuming— give us a yell, and we’ll walk you through it. Hand tighten screws two times each season.
Wax the exterior of the hull (and deck of the kayak) with a good marine wax. This minimized scratches upon impact with rocks. Wax also tends to fill and reduce the appearance of scratches. Scratches on your boat are like wrinkles in your face— they are just part of life, and they add character.
Have tie-down ropes/straps ready BEFORE placing your boat on your vehicle. Even a light breeze can sail your boat away.
In the unlikely event that you should damage your boat (a most definite no-no), just call, and we’ll effect a repair or send the materials and instructions. Most repairs are done without charge.
Don't Be a Stranger
It truly blesses us to hear from you. Contact us about your likes and dislikes (so we can make improvements). Send us your trips & photos — we’ll put them up our website; your favorite places to paddle; techniques and outfitting tricks you’ve employed; and anything us you’re willing to share.
We hope to meet you on the water.
Many thanks,
Cathy & Stan
And the entire Slipstream Team