OWNER’S MANUAL FOR STEARNS® INFLATABLE KAYAK CORDOVA™ (B524) IMPORTANT! BEFORE PROCEEDING READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY (CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, AS WELL AS CARE AND MAINTENANCE) Cordova™ (B524) Stearns® Inc. St. Cloud, Minnesota 56302 U.S.A. Phone: (320) 252-1642 or 1-800-697-5801 Fax: (320) 252-4425 www.stearnsinc.
Note: If your state requires this document for licensing your boat, please contact Stearns® Customer Service Department for completion, or more information.
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR STEARNS® INFLATABLE KAYAK TABLE OF CONTENTS Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2.1 Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3. Boating Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Declaration of Conformity (according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014) Manufacturer’s Name: Stearns Inc. Manufacturer’s Address: P. O. Box 1498 St.
1. INTRODUCTION This manual has been compiled to help you operate your craft with safety and pleasure. It contains details of the craft, the equipment supplied or fitted, its systems, and information on its operation and maintenance. Please read it carefully, and familiarize yourself with the craft before using it.
3. BOATING SAFETY This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death. ! DANGER ! Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury or substantial property damage. Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury or property damage.
3.1 Boating Regulations The U.S. Coast Guard is the authority of the waterways; they are there to help the boating public. State boating regulations are enforced by local authorities. You are subject to marine traffic laws and “Rules of the Road” for both federal and state waterways; you must stop if signaled to do so by enforcement officers. There are many pamphlets, prepared by the Coast Guard, available to you.
3.2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OPERATOR(S) IMPORTANT Users of this product agree by their use to accept the inherent risks involved in this water sports activity and agree to follow all instructions, DANGERS, CAUTIONS, and WARNINGS carefully before using their STEARNS® kayaks. ● READ OWNER’S MANUAL: Improper Use May Cause Injury or Death. Pay close attention to items marked “DANGER,” “WARNING,” “CAUTION” or “NEVER.” ● Use the kayak in a SAFE and SOBER manner, taking all reasonable precautions.
4. SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions: Cordova™ (B524) Length - 10’ 10” (330 cm) Beam - 30” (76 cm) Dry Weight: Max. Persons Capacity: 31 lbs (14 kg) 1 person Max. Persons & Gear Capacity: Recommended Pressure: Main chambers: Floor chamber: 355 lbs (161 kg) 1.75 psi (0.12 bar) 1.0 psi (0.07 bar) 4.1 CAPACITY The person/load capacity is determined by the availability of proper seating on the kayak. Acceptable seating determines the number of passengers, not the overall load capacity.
4.2 FEATURES Cordova™ 5 3 7 11 12 4 16 14 5 2 2 IN ITALY MADE 2000 IN ITALY MADE 2000 1 13 9 17 6 10 1 12 1. Main chamber valve 2. Carrying/grab handles 3. Floor valve 4. Knuckle abrasion guards 5. Tie down cords 6. Spray deck 7. Chamber access zippers 8. Tie down D-rings 9. Adjustable foot rests 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 4 15 6 8 Inflatable spray ring Seat Spray deck chambers Cargo area Mesh pocket Concealed pocket Spray deck tensioner Cargo hatch tensioner 5.
5.1 QUICK START TO INFLATING YOUR KAYAK Follow steps below. If you do not understand or are unfamiliar with the following quick start steps, refer to the following pages for detailed explanation. 1. Unfold and lay out kayak on flat, level ground DO NOT OVER INFLATE FLOOR CHAMBER beyond 1.0 psi or 0.07 bar 2. First inflate floor chamber, inflate to desired skills and effect (Increased inflation produces better performance, but more initial instability. Less inflated floor has opposite effect).
5.2 KNOWING YOUR VALVES Stearns Cordova™ kayak uses three types of valves. Type II is used to inflate the floor chambers, Type III is used on Cordova’s main chambers, and Type IV is used to fill small chambers such as spray rings and spray deck chambers. Type II Type III Valve Cap To inflate Cap Deflation Stem* Welded Reciprocal . To deflate Valve adaptor for Type III valves . * Type III Deflation Stem can be used in three ways. Press and turn 1/4 in.
5.4 OVER INFLATION CAUTION Do not over-inflate the kayak. Over-inflation is the primary cause of leaks. Inflate the kayak until most of the wrinkles in the fabric are gone and it feels firm to the touch, but do not exceed 1.75 psi (0.12 bar) in the main air chambers and 1.0 psi (0.07 bar) in the floor chamber. Water temperature and weather affect the air pressure in the boat. In cold weather your kayak will lose some pressure because the air will contract.
6. UNDERWAY In all your uses of STEARNS® Inflatable Kayaks, make SAFETY a high priority. Each person should wear an approved personal flotation device. Learn about your boating area. Get official information about the local conditions, tides and currents before kayaking there. Be careful that you do not overestimate your strength, endurance or skill. Be careful never to underestimate the forces of nature. 6.1 Before You Start Be smart when kayaking and using your equipment. ● Properly inflate your kayak.
6.3 Care and Maintenance The STEARNS® inflatable kayak is made of very durable materials. However, like anything else, proper care will increase the life of your kayak. Before storing your kayak, make sure it is clean and completely dry before you store it in its carrying bag. It should be deflated and kept out of direct sunlight when stored. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures (hot or cold). If your kayak is exposed to freezing temperatures while storing, allow it to warm before unfolding.
7. REPAIRS The STEARNS® Cordova™ comes equipped with a repair kit that includes adhesive and several patches. This can be found in the mesh pocket and should remain with the boat. Making repairs to the inner tube of the boat may require unzipping the cover and temporarily removing the tube. Always make sure the boat is fully deflated before unzipping the cover. If there is difficulty opening the zipper, refer to the section “Care and Maintenance.
7.3 Seam Openings Seam openings are difficult to repair but can be done with certain seam repair adhesives. Contact STEARNS® for more information or ask your local marine shop. 8. TROUBLESHOOTING This chart will help you find and correct minor problems with your kayak. Problem Solution Slow leak. Check valve gaskets and make sure the cap tether is not interfering with the seal. The valve gaskets must be closed tightly. Still leaks slowly. Check for pinholes. Read section “Repairing Pinholes.
9. LIMITED WARRANTY STEARNS® warrants this product to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Products that prove to be defective under conditions of normal and proper use during the warranty period because of defective workmanship or faulty material will be replaced or repaired without charge. For warranty service, return product to place of purchase.
STEARNS® WARRANTY REGISTRATION (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY) Please complete and mail this card to Stearns within 10 days. It will register your product in case you ever lose your proof of purchase information. Owner’s Name _____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________ City _________________ State_______ Zip________ Country_______ Model # ❑ Cordova™ (B524) H.I.N.
NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 558 ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE STEARNS INC PO BOX 1498 ST.
