OWNERS MANUAL

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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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1. Keep the hull waxed.  Wax adds UV protection and maintains the luster of your boat.  Wax will also minimize scratching of the hull and reduce getting hung up on rocks, stumps, oyster beds, beaver dams and more.  Most paddlers are encouraged to wax at the beginning, middle and end of the season.  Paddlers who are on the water once or more every week should wax every 4 - 6 weeks.

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2.  Hand tighten all fasteners every 4-6 weeks.  Most important is to hand tighten all screws that hold the gunnels together.  It's also wise to check all bolts on thwarts and seats.  Kayakers should monitor strap eye bolts although it's unlikely that these will loosen.

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3.  As various wood components begin to show wear, lightly sand with 220 or 330 grit sandpaper.  The purpose of the sanding is more to clean than to sand.  Dust thoroughly and apply 1-2 coats of marine varnish.  The most common areas of need are areas of the gunnels when paddles may scrape, areas where car racks may rub on the gunnels and the very tips of the decks.  Eventually, the entire set of gunnels will need refinishing.