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THE CAR & FEEDING OF YOUR RDC
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Over-inflation can result in serious injury to the RDC. That said,
please pay attention to the boat as it nears maximum inflation pressure. The
correct method for checking pressure is to create a ¼” depression by pressing
your thumb firmly (about 10 lb. of force) into a portion of the perimeter
tube. Each boat comes with pressure relief valves and a 3 output inflation
hose system to allow for fast inflation with a safety margin. Even when using
this system, however, you must still manually check for correct inflation
pressure!
To inflate the RDC:
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Unfold the boat on a flat area where nothing will
interfere with the inflation process.
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Remove the air filler caps located on the perimeter
tubes (2) and the floor (1).
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Set the air release traps to the closed position by
twisting the small knob a ½ turn in either direction and letting the
plunger move toward you.
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Attach the filler tube network to the 3 inflation
points by pressing them firmly into the inflation ports. The short hose
connects to the floor valve.
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Position yourself outside of the RDC and attach your
air source to the input tube of the filler tube network.
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Fill with air at a rate that does not create
excessive pressure (blowing the hoses off).
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Check pressure with your thumb as explained above.
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When pressure is correct, remove the inflation tube
network and replace the caps on the inflation ports.
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Note - When inflating, the (closed) air release traps
will open to let the air flow in. When you stop applying air, the traps
will shut by themselves via a spring mechanism. This allows for exact
inflation to occur, preventing any leakage and allowing you to take your
time while reinstalling the caps. The only time you should have the traps
open is for deflation and storage.
To deflate the RDC:
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Allow it to dry completely, then brush off sand,
gravel or other debris.
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With the RDC lying flat on the ground, first deflate
the floor and let it sag so that a long fold line is running down the
center of the floor.
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Next, stand the RDC on its side with the fill valve
side up and remove the air filler caps located on the perimeter tube.
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Set the air release plungers to the open position by
pushing in on the plunger and twisting the small knob a ½ turn in either
direction to lock it open.
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As the tubes become soft, push the top of the floor
so that it begins to fold between the collapsing side tubes. Keep the
tubes straight and stacked on top of each other. This will be easier if
you do not vacuum the air out of the tubes or use excessive force to expel
the air. With the tubes flat and the floor folded between them, fold both
ends towards the center using two folds each (see video) so that the final
package is 6 layers deep. The folded size should be approximately 35”x
22”x 12”.
Handling your RDC when it's inflated:
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An inflatable boat left in the sun can develop
damaging high pressure.
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Watch for over-inflation.
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Avoid excessive abrasion of a single area.
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Carry, don’t drag the boat.
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Tie it securely when transporting inflated, don’t
allow it to flap in the wind.
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Avoid transporting when loaded with gear that could
cause abrasion.
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If you need to move the RDC using winches or Z-drag
setups, you are doing something wrong and could destroy the boat. The RDC
has very little drag and can easily be handled by 2 people.
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If you think there is a new use for the RDC, please
ask us about it. We are experts in design, engineering and structural
tolerances and wish to approve any potential new uses.
Handling your RDC when it's deflated:
The RDC is more susceptible to abrasion damage when deflated. It will have
creases and points that are focal areas of excessive abrasion. When deflated,
the RDC is safest in its custom made storage bag.
Storage
Store the RDC deflated and bagged. This will give you fast access, less
chance of damage and may lengthen the life of the boat. Keep it in a dry area,
out of direct sunlight.
Treatment & Maintenance
With a little respect, the RDC should easily last a decade or more. Here
are some tips for longevity.
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Store deflated and bagged, out of the sun.
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Watch for over-inflation when left in direct sunlight.
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Do not use Armor-all on the RDC.
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Remove oil, gas or chemicals from the boat immediately, and only with a
mild detergent and warm water.
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Do not carry more than about 250 lb. in the RDC when using as a litter or
gear transport.
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Do not move the RDC with winches or vehicles other than towing with a PWC,
boat or snowmobile.
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