CLIPPER CANOES Caribou S Solo Canoes Owner’s Manual
- June 14, 2024
- CLIPPER CANOES
Table of Contents
CLIPPER CANOES Caribou S Solo Canoes
PRODUCT INFORMATION
CONGRATULATIONS!
On the purchase of your new Clipper Canoe. Your boat is ranked among the best
in the world. Whether you have chosen a solo Clipper Packer or a giant Clipper
Montreal, take comfort in the knowledge that your new boat is carefully
handcrafted to exacting specifications. Before you head out in your new canoe
to explore your nearest water source, please take a moment to read and
understand the owner’s manual. If this booklet fails to answer any of your
questions, please don’t hesitate to call or write us. Our sales staff is
experienced in paddling and will be happy to answer any questions you might
have.
Thank you for purchasing a Clipper Canoe!
CARING FOR YOUR NEW CANOE
With a little care and frequent applications of common sense, your new Clipper
Canoe will provide you with years of trouble-free use. Here are some of the
more common guidelines to follow:
STORAGE
Always store the canoe upside down, preferably off the ground, and secure
against wind and theft. Better yet, store it inside if possible. Before
putting the canoe away for the winter, clean and wax the outer hull. Any good
car wax with a UV inhibitor will do. The wax will protect it over the winter
and you will discover any repairs that may be required.
If you place a tarp over the canoe for the winter, ensure that the tarp is not touching the canoe. This will allow proper airflow, avoiding dampness and gel coat discoloration. Letting large quantities of snow build up on top of your canoe over the winter can cause hull damage. Wet snow can weigh a lot, so if your canoe is next to a building where snow from the roof can slide off onto it, or if you are in an area where there is heavy snowfall, clean the snow off your canoe often.
WASHING
Wash your canoe, the same as you would your car ie: just soap and water.
WOOD TRIM FINISHES
Most of Western Canoeing’s wood trim models have an oil finish. Always keep
the wood well-oiled. When you get the canoe it will have been oiled three to
four times at the factory; the wood will still absorb additional oil. We
recommend that you use Watco wood oil. Canoes with varnished wood will require
re-varnishing after hard use. We recommend Spar Urethane by Minwax. Wood cane
and wood web seats may require re-varnishing after hard use as well
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
SALTWATER USE
After use in the ocean, we recommend that you hose your canoe down with fresh
water, and then wash it with soapy water. Nothing will rust but the salt will
build up a dirty film over some time and may decrease the shine of the gel
coat.
MAINTENANCE
There are several types of minor damage that your canoe will encounter in
normal use.
- The gel coat may fade slightly depending on color. Use of a good car wax with UV inhibitors will slow fading. On clear canoes, we suggest inside storage or a boat cover to prevent UV deterioration.
- Scratches. It is almost impossible to use a canoe and not scratch the surface gel coat. Minor scratches will not affect the durability of your canoe. It is not practical to repair and fill in these small scratches with a gel coat. The best alternative is to use an automotive rubbing compound. Deep scratches that are through the gel coat, or chips in the gel coat, may be repaired by covering the area with a new gel coat. Even deep scratches will seldom affect the overall durability of your canoe. Treat them like facial wrinkles; as signs of distinction.
Some types of damage that do require repairs are:
- Cracked gunnels or ones that are badly bent
- Cracks in the laminate that show up both on the inside and outside.
- Damaged or cracked yokes
- Damaged or cracked flotation tanks
- Loose rivets, thwarts, or seats
TEMPORARY REPAIRS
Temporary repairs can often be made in emergencies until dealer assistance is
available. Minor breaks in the hull can usually be patched with ordinary duct
tape. Dry the area thoroughly and tape both sides of the hulll. Upon
completion of a trip, the hull should then be repaired with fiberglass or
Kevlar as soon as possible. Duct tape can also be used to make temporary
repairs to split wooden paddles. If structural rivets become loose, clean
around the rivet head and apply a coat of marine sealer, like “goop”. In a
tripping situation, you can use duct tape on the outside of the hull. This
seldom occurs, but you should always be prepared.
TRANSPORTATION
ROAD TRAVEL
Never use bungee cords to secure your canoe. They frequently fail without
notice. Tie the canoe to your vehicle with rope to each corner of the bumper
on the bow and the stern. Two additional straps or ropes must be used over the
racks, over the center of the canoe. These ropes should be tied to the rack
next to the canoe. Don’t leave room for the canoe to move. Use extra caution
in areas of high wind. Use only racks or foam canoe carriers specifically
designed for the task. Double-check all ropes and straps before moving the
vehicle. Be sure to keep strap buckles and rope knots on the passenger side of
the vehicle for extra safety when making roadside adjustments. If your racks
are bare metal, consider foam or pipe insulation as padding under the gunnels.
The addition of padding can help keep the canoe from skidding sideways on the
racks.
WATER TRAVEL
Never tow your canoe behind a power boat. Serious hull damage may result.
This will also void your warranty.
PARTS OF YOUR CANOE
SEATS
Many of the Clipper models are designed for the paddler to sit rather than
kneel. Never kneel in a canoe that restricts your exit (i.e. trapping your
feet under the seat). The seats are easy to raise, but this will require you
to kneel more often as it raises the paddler’s center of gravity.
SLIDING SEAT
This sliding mechanism is designed to help you “trim’ your canoe for different
weight paddlers and better performance in a following sea or oncoming waves.
To ‘trim’ a canoe is to set it so it rides level in the water, taking
advantage of its sharp entry and keel line. Adjusting the sliding seat forward
or back allows this. The sliding seat also allows smaller paddlers to slide to
a narrower portion of the canoe so they can better reach the water. The
sliding seat has a friction fit, which means that when there is weight on it,
it shouldn’t move. If you find yours, take a paper towel and wipe off some of
the oil on the slider frame. If your bow paddler isn’t heavy enough to lock it
in position, a pipe clamp or duct tape will do the trick. If the seat is hard
to move, oil the slider bars with a light coat of oil or silicone. Replace the
tubes if they are bent.
FOAM THIGH PADS
Foam thigh pads will greatly increase your control of the canoe in rough
water. If they are not available from your dealer, they can be ordered
directly from Western Canoeing & Kayaking.
FOOTBRACE
Many Clipper Canoes come with a foot brace. It should be adjusted so that when
you are sitting squarely in the stern seat, the balls of your feet are resting
on the bar 12-18″ apart. Your knees should be slightly bent. This is designed
to give you better leverage when paddling so that you will use your whole body
during the stroke instead of just your arms. A foot brace also gives you
better control. For increased control, spread your feet to the edge of the
foot brace bar and lock your knees under the gunwales. Optional foam thigh
pads will provide even better control.
FLOTATION TANKS
- Most Clipper canoes are equipped with airtight bow and stern flotation tanks, filled with Styrofoam chips.
- Tanks may expand or contract with extreme temperature or altitude variations. If this happens, simply pull up the red air valve at the top of each tank with your fingers to allow the air pressure to equalize.
- Always push the valve closed before paddling.
- Never paddle with 6 improperly sealed tanks. These tanks DO NOT require inflation!
CARRYING/PORTAGING
The portage yokes in Clipper Canoes are made to handle the weight of the canoe
only during portage. The yoke should not be used as a seat. Besides being
unsafe with regard to the canoe’s stability, the yoke can be damaged. This
type of use is not warranted by Wester Canoeing. Avoid taking a step down more
than 12 inches when portaging, as the resulting impact may overstress the yoke
and failure could occur. to a suitable book or speaking wir, knowledgeable
sites start. The forms are positioned so that the canoe is slightly stern and
heavy. It is much easier to pull the bow down during a portage than
continually push it up! Often the balance can be changed by moving the sliding
seat or by securing a paddle on one end or the other.
MOTOR CANOEING
Various square-stern canoe models are designed to carry up to a 3hp outboard
motor or an electric model. See your dealer for specific information regarding
the safe operation of your motor. Most double-ended canoes are not suited for
use with a gas motor. To prevent the loss of a motor overboard, secure the
motor to the canoe with a rope or chain. Clipper square-stern canoes have
stainless steel fasteners in the stern for this purpose.
Many double-ended canoe models can accommodate an electric motor but require the use of an accessory outboard motor bracket. Contact your local dealer, or Western Canoeing & Kayaking for the appropriate model.
HANDLING
When mounting the motor on the canoe in shallow water, avoid dragging the
propellor in sand or silt. Always accelerate the outboard motor gradually,
avoiding sudden bursts of speed or quick turns. Keep your hand on the tiller
at all times and watch for underwater obstructions that could hit the
propeller causing the canoe to tip.
SERIAL NUMBER
Each canoe has its serial number. It is important to record this number in a
safe place in case your canoe is ever stolen. This makes identification easier
when it is recovered. Space is provided for this at the back of this manual.
Check your home insurance policy as many standard policies do not cover items
such as boats.
Western Canoeing keeps a record of all canoes purchased from our plant/showroom via the serial number. If you purchased your canoe from one of our dealers, please return the enclosed registration/warranty card and you will be included on our list. If your canoe is stolen and recovered and the serial plate is missing or defaced, contact Western Canoeing and we would be happy to identify your boat. If the plate needs to be replaced, Western Canoeing staff would be happy to reinstall one at no charge. The serial number plate is located on the stern right side of the aluminum trim Clippers, and the stern tank of the wood trim Clippers. Putting your driver’s license number somewhere on the canoe is also a good idea.
SAFETY WARNING:
Whether you’re a complete novice or an accomplished river paddler, paddling
safety always comes first. Beginning paddlers are urged to enroll in a basic
paddling course. Instruction is available in most communities through
recreation departments, community education courses, paddling clubs, and
private instructors.
We recommend that you join a local paddling club. They are a great way to learn new techniques, meet new friends, and learn about paddling destinations. Paddlesports can be dangerous and physically demanding. The user of this product should understand that participating in Paddlesports may involve serious injury or death. Observe the following safety standards whenever using this product.
CAUTION:
- Get paddlesports-specific instructions specific to this type of craft.
- Obtain certified 1st Aid training and carry 1st Aid and rescue/safety equipment at all times.
- Always wear a nationally approved personal flotation device.
- Always wear a helmet where appropriate. Dress for the water. Cold water and/or cold weather can cause hypothermia for the unprepared.
- Check your equipment before each use for signs of wear or failure. Never paddle alone. Do not paddle in flood conditions.
- Be aware of appropriate river water levels, tidal changes, dangerous currents, and weather changes.
- Scout unfamiliar water. Portage where appropriate. Do not exceed your paddling ability. Be honest with yourself. Consult your physician before beginning your paddlesports training.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations during use.
- Always let someone responsible know where you are paddling and when you expect to return.
- If additional outfitting is required, use the manufacturer’s approved materials only. Do not impair entry or exit access. Never overload your canoe. Remember, additional passengers raise the center of gravity in the canoe. 300 Ibs. of passengers will make the canoe much less stable than 300 Ibs. of gear placed on the bottom.
THE USER OF THIS PRODUCT ACKNOWLEDGES BOTH AN UNDERSTANDING AND AN ASSUMPTION OF THE RISKS INVOLVED IN PADDLESPORTS.
CLIPPER CANOES WARRANTY
Clipper Canoes are warranted by Western Canoeing & Kayaking Inc. for two years
to the original purchaser against any defects in materials and/or workmanship
that arise during normal use. This does not include: normal wear and tear,
when used for commercial rental, damage due to abuse and neglect (i.e. towing
behind power boats), or when structurally altered. This warranty is effective
from the date of purchase from an authorized dealer. A copy of the receipt of
purchase must accompany any warranty claim. WCK reserves the discretion to
repair or replace any canoe proven defective. All repairs are to be done by
WCK unless prior authorization is obtained. Shipment to and from WCK is the
sole responsibility of the purchaser. The warranty card (found on the last
page of this manual) must be filled out and returned ithin 30 days of
purchase, so please take the ttime now if you haven’t already done so.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
TO REGISTRATION ONLINE @clippercanoes.com/product- registration or call toll – free : 1.866.644.8111
SERIAL #: ZWD
Date of Purchase:
Purchased From:
Physical Address : 1717 Salton Rd. Abbotsford, BC
Mailing Address : Box 115, Abbotsford, BC, V2T 6Z5
Email : info@clippercanoes.com
Phone : 604-853-9320
Call Toll – Free : 1.866.644.8111