Reel Yaks Raptor 9.5ft Pedal Kayak Assembly Instructions

Kayak Overview

The Reel Yaks Raptor is a 9.5ft Modular Propeller Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak with a 380lbs capacity and a 2-piece design.

Unboxing Your Kayak

Your kayak will arrive in two halves, wrapped in a storage cover. Other parts may be in boxes or protective wrapping. Please dispose of packing materials safely.

Each package includes:

• 1 x Kayak (in two sections)
• 1 x Rudder
• 1 x Rudder security (cotter) pin
• 1 x Paddle (in two sections)
• 1 x Propeller pedal drive unit
• 1 x Set of pedals (2)
• 1 x Stadium chair
• 1 x Fishing rod holder
• 2 x Side carry handles (front section, attached to accessory rails)
• 4 x Accessory rail sliders

Larger items like the pedal drive, pedals, paddle, and stadium chair will be secured in the main cockpit. Smaller items like the fishing rod holder will be inside the cockpit hatch.

Assembly Steps

There are seven key assembly steps:

1. Kayak halves
2. Rudder
3. Fishing Rod Holder
4. Front Carry Handles
5. Stadium Chair
6. Paddle
7. Pedal Drive

1. Kayak Assembly

1. Align the two kayak halves, ensuring the lip of the rear section overlaps the front half. Push down firmly on both sides to join them.
2. Ensure the kayak halves are evenly aligned.
3. Close the latches on both sides. If a latch requires force, adjust the nut (indicated by an orange arrow in visual aids) to achieve a firm but not forced closure.
4. If the latch is too loose, adjust the nut accordingly. Forcing the latch can damage the screws.
5. Insert the safety pin into the latch to prevent accidental opening. Insert it behind the second notch on the pin.

2. Rudder Assembly

Steering Part:

1. Locate the rudder steering mechanism base to the left of the seat. Mount and align the rudder handle with the base, then tighten with the provided screw.
2. Ensure the rudder steering handle is in a neutral position, parallel to the kayak's center line.
3. Insert the rudder pin through the rear hole in the kayak.
4. Thread the security ring through the hole at the bottom of the rudder pin.
5. Unwind the butterfly nuts and pass them through the plastic holes on either side of the rudder, then retighten them.
6. Check that the rudder is centered and adjust the wing nuts as needed.

Lifting Part:

1. Grab the rudder steering handle on the left side of the kayak. Move the handle fully left and then fully right to ensure the rudder tracks correctly. Adjust butterfly nuts as needed. Leave the steering in a central position. The steering wires should have slight slack for smooth turning and to minimize wear where they enter the kayak.
2. Locate the red ball and string to the right of the seat, used for raising and lowering the rudder. Release the string from the cleat. Untie the rudder rope at the back of the kayak. Thread the rudder rope through the main hole at the start of the rudder (indicated by an orange arrow), down through the gap (indicated by a blue arrow), around the right side of the rudder, and through the hole at the top of the rudder (indicated by yellow arrows). Tie a knot.
3. To test rudder lowering, unlock the rudder string and pull the red ball to the right of the seat. Lock the string in the 'V' of the cleat to keep the rudder in the down position.

3. Fishing Rod Holder Assembly

1. The rod holder base is typically pre-installed in front of the pedals. To move it to the side rails, use an Allen key to remove the two screws.
2. Choose your desired position on a side rail. Align two accessory rail sliders beneath the rod base holder and mount the holder using the two screws into the sliders.
3. Insert the fishing rod holder into the secured base by opening the base (indicated by an orange arrow in visual aids). Close the slider to lock the holder in place (indicated by a yellow arrow).

4. Front Carry Handles Adjustment

The kayak includes side handles for easier carrying of the two sections. The front side handles attach to the accessory rails. If not already attached, insert the two screws into rail sliders and tighten with an Allen key. These handles can also assist in standing up to fish.

5. Stadium Chair Assembly

1. The stadium chair is usually pre-installed in the front seating position. For individuals 5'8" and under, this position is recommended. For those over 5'8", move the seat to the rear seating location.
2. The seat position can be adjusted at the water's edge for optimal comfort. The pedals on the pedal drive are also adjustable for leg length, providing two points of adjustment for the best pedaling position.
3. Secure the front of the seat using the two screw bolts on the left and right sides (indicated by yellow arrows in visual aids). There are no screw bolts for the rear seat rail.

6. Paddle Assembly

1. Depress the button on the paddle shaft and insert it into one of the three available holes to set the desired blade orientation.
2. Use the paddle stretch cord to secure it. Do not leave the paddle secured with the stretch cord when transporting the kayak on a vehicle.

7. Pedal Drive Assembly

1. Identify the two screws with black tops used to secure the pedals to the drive. Note that the screws thread in opposite directions. Test each screw to find its correct side, being careful not to strip the threads.
2. Select the 'R' (right) pedal and attach it to the right side of the drive, ensuring the propeller shaft pin points towards you. Repeat for the 'L' (left) pedal. Ensure the pedals are positioned opposite each other (e.g., right pedal up when left pedal is down) for proper operation.
3. Secure the propeller to the drive by inserting the propeller shaft pin into the drive (indicated by a blue arrow). Use the two marks on the pin to help center the shaft (indicated by orange arrows).
4. Rotate the propeller gently until it locks onto the shaft pin. Test by moving the pedals; the propeller should spin. Secure the propeller with the provided screw and lock washer.
5. Attach the four long screws with nuts to the two plastic curved arms. Ensure the blue side of the arms faces up. The nuts fit into hexagonal recesses. Gently tap the nuts into place with a hammer if needed.
6. Secure the arms to the drive shaft with the curve pointing down towards the propeller (indicated by blue arrows), screwing the four screws into the nuts through the drive shaft.
7. Insert the drive into the kayak, ensuring the propeller points towards the seating area. Screw the front and back knobs (indicated by orange arrows) all the way up before insertion. Twist the locking handles on the left and right (indicated by blue arrows) to lock the drive in place. Gently and evenly twist the front and back knobs until they are firm, preventing the drive from rocking. Avoid overtightening.
8. Once the drive is secure, there should be no side-to-side or forward-and-back movement. Attach the splash guards by gently pushing them into place until they are flush with the deck.

Note: When beaching the kayak, remove the propeller drive beforehand and be cautious when dragging the kayak onto the beach.

Kayak Accessories

Visit WWW.REELYAKS.COM for accessories and spare parts:

• Foldable Cart: With No-Flat Airless Wheels and 2 Ratchet Straps.
• Pedal Drive Locks: Non-spring loaded cam locks.
• Fishing Rod Holder: Universal fit, works with spinning and casting reels, features a 360-degree rotating collar.
• Stabilizers: Easy to inflate and deflate.
• Bixpy Trolling Motor & Battery: Adds trolling motor power without drilling.
• Trolling Motor Mount Bar: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel for rigidity and durability.
• Rail Slider Mounts: Nylon Copper M6 nut inserts, high strength, anti-rust, and corrosion-resistant.
• Pedal Drive Cover: Compatible with Raptor, Radar, Rapido, Rubicon, and Ranger models.