Launching
For safety, and to ensure that you have control of the
boat at all times, we recommend the following steps
when launching. These instructions start with the
assumption that the boat is in the water with the Mirage
Drive in, the sail rolled up, and the amas folded to the
sides. As you become more familiar with the boat, these
steps will become automatic.
1. Lower the rudder.
2. Move the amas into the “out” position and lock the
crossbrace to the hull.
3. Pedal to deeper water, and drop the centerboard.
4. Before you unroll the sail, make sure there is enough
space around you to maneuver as you start to pick up
speed.
5. Unroll the sail and trim the mainsheet accordingly.
SAIL POWER
It is important to study the sail and become familiar with
its characteristics in order to trim or make adjustments.
When the front of the sail just behind the mast luffs, or
flutters, in the breeze, you lose power. To start moving,
pull the sail in just enough to stop the luffing.
Refer to the sail trim diagram below for approximate
sail settings for the different points of sail or directions
you will be sailing. Note the "can't sail zone". You
cannot sail in this direction as the sail will luff constantly
when pointed into the wind. If you get stuck “in irons”
(stopped pointed into the wind) you will need to pedal
into the zone that you can sail in. Then you can
correctly trim the sail and start moving forward.
There are short ribbons (tell tails) hanging on either side
11
Sailing Basics
You are now ready to go. Please review the following
pages for sailing and maintenance tips. The manual
that comes with the kayak package also contains
important information about your new boat.
TRANSPORTING YOUR TANDEM ISLAND TO THE
WATER
There are many ways to transport your Tandem Island
from the car to the water. We recommend that you
use the heavy-duty kayak cart or carry it with another
person.
To use the cart, simply plug it in prior to attaching the
crossbars. Then roll the boat into the water and remove
the wheels, or have someone lift the boat to remove
them.
To carry the assembled Island requires at least two
people. For easy balancing and safety, keep the
mast down when carrying it. DO NOT CARRY THE
ENTIRE BOAT USING THE AMA HANDLES.
Installing the Mast
Note: The kayak can be slightly "tipsy" when
transporting it on the wheels with the mast up in the air.
If you are going to wheel your Island a long distance, we
recommend that you lay the mast down on the deck until
you reach the water and can take the kayak wheels off.
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