The TaylorMade KW-Series Flagpole Mount is an aftermarket accessory designed to attach a flagpole to a boat's ski bar for displaying a flag. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for its installation and operation, emphasizing safety precautions and proper usage.
Function Description:
The primary function of the KW-Series Flagpole Mount is to securely hold a flagpole on a boat's ski bar. It consists of a main mount body, lower clamp brackets, and a flagpole coupler, along with various rubber compression inserts to accommodate different flagpole diameters. The mount is designed for aftermarket installation, allowing boat owners to easily add a flagpole to their vessel without extensive modifications. Its robust construction ensures stability and durability in a marine environment.
Important Technical Specifications:
The flagpole mount kit, identified by Part #943, includes the flagpole mount itself and all necessary fastening hardware. Key components and their quantities are detailed in the parts list:
- Lower clamp brackets (A): 2 units, Part #2021011867. These brackets secure the mount to the ski bar.
- Mount main body (B): 1 unit, Part #2021011868. This is the central component of the mount.
- Rubber compression inserts (C1, C2, C3): Three different sizes are provided to fit various flagpole diameters:
- 0.75" (C1), Part #2021011877 (1 unit)
- 1.00" (C2), Part #2021011876 (1 unit)
- 1.25" (C3), Part #2021011875 (1 unit)
These inserts ensure a snug fit for the flagpole and prevent movement.
- Knob (D): 1 unit, Part #2021011874. Used to tighten and secure the flagpole within the coupler.
- Flagpole coupler (E): 1 unit, Part #2021011872. This component holds the flagpole and connects to the main mount body.
- SS machine screws (F1, F2, F3): Three sets of stainless steel machine screws are included to accommodate different ski bar outer diameters:
- For 1 1/2" OD tubing, M10x35 (F1), Part #2021011881 (3 units)
- For 2" OD tubing, M10x55 (F2), Part #2021011880 (3 units)
- For 2 1/2" OD tubing, M10x70 (F3), Part #2021011878 (3 units)
These screws are crucial for securely attaching the clamp brackets to the ski bar.
- SS machine screw for coupler (G): M10x25, Part #2021011883 (1 unit). This screw attaches the flagpole coupler to the main mount body.
- Hex wrench (H): 1 unit, Part #2021011884. Provided for tightening the machine screws.
- Miniature disposable level (I): 1 unit, Part #2021011887. Used to ensure the flagpole holder is level during installation.
- Template to measure ski bar diameter (J): 1 unit, Part #2021011889. A cardboard template to help determine the correct machine screw length based on the ski bar's outer diameter.
The product is designed with patent pending status, indicating innovative features. Additional product information and replacement kits can be found on taylormadeproducts.com.
Usage Features:
The installation process is designed to be straightforward, with a strong emphasis on safety and precision.
- Ski Bar Measurement: A cardboard template (J) is provided to accurately measure the outer diameter of the boat's ski bar. This measurement is critical for selecting the correct machine screw length (F1, F2, or F3) for secure attachment.
- Coupler Assembly: The flagpole coupler (E) is placed onto the top of the mount, ensuring that the two slots on the top of the mount align with the bottom of the coupler. The smallest machine screw (G) is then inserted through the main body and into the underside of the coupler, tightened firmly with the included hex wrench (H) but not overtightened.
- Leveling: A miniature disposable level (I) is included to ensure the flagpole holder is perfectly level when attached to the ski bar. This self-adhesive level is affixed to the flat top side of the mount during installation and removed afterward.
- Mount Orientation: The mount should be oriented so that the top leading edge of the angled portion faces outwards (towards the water).
- Clamp Bracket Attachment: Based on the ski bar's diameter, the appropriate machine screws (F1, F2, or F3) are selected. All four machine screws are inserted through the holes in the base of the mount. The lower clamp brackets (A) are then held underneath, and the machine screws are finger-tightened into them. Finally, all four machine screws are firmly tightened with the hex wrench, ensuring even tightening to maintain a consistent gap between the mount base and the lower clamp brackets on all sides.
- Flagpole Insertion: The correct rubber compression insert (C1, C2, or C3) is chosen based on the flagpole's outer diameter (3/4", 1", or 1 1/2"). The insert is placed inside the coupler, aligning its four slots with the four slots in the flagpole coupler, and pushed flush with the bottom. The flagpole is then slid through the hand knob (D) and placed into the insert and coupler. The knob is threaded onto the coupler and tightened firmly by hand, but not overtightened.
- Security Check: After tightening, the flagpole should be pulled upward with slight pressure to ensure it is properly fastened and does not move.
Safety Precautions:
The manual highlights several critical safety warnings:
- WARNING: DO NOT SIT OR STAND ON THE FLAGPOLE MOUNT. This emphasizes that the mount is not designed to support human weight.
- CAUTION: DO NOT USE THE FLAGPOLE MOUNT TO TOW ANOTHER BOAT OR ANY OTHER APPARATUS. The mount is specifically for flag display and not for towing purposes.
- CAUTION: DO NOT USE THE FLAGPOLE MOUNT AS A HAND GRAB BAR TO PULL A SWIMMER ONTO THE BOAT. It is not intended as a safety grab handle.
- CAUTION: WHEN PULLING A SKIER OR A TUBE, MAKE SURE THE FLAG INSERTED INTO THE FLAGPOLE MOUNT IS NOT TOO LARGE. IF THE FLAG IS TOUCHING THE SKI ROPE, THE FLAG MUST BE REMOVED. This is crucial to prevent interference with watersports activities and potential hazards.
Maintenance Features:
While the manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features, the use of stainless steel machine screws (SS) suggests a design intended for corrosion resistance in a marine environment, minimizing the need for frequent maintenance related to rust. The instructions to "tighten firmly but do not overtighten" for screws imply that proper installation is key to long-term performance and preventing damage to components. Regular checks of the tightness of all fasteners are implicitly recommended to ensure the mount remains secure. The availability of replacement kits on taylormadeproducts.com indicates that individual components can be replaced if damaged or worn, extending the product's lifespan. The instruction to "recycle all obsolete materials" encourages environmentally responsible disposal.
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