WOW 18-1140 Big Ducky User Manual

WOW 18-1140 Big Ducky

Specifications

• Product Name: Big Ducky
• Model#: 18-1140
• Approximate Inflated Size: 86 x 74 in (218 x 188 cm)
• Riders: 1-3
• Approximate Weight Limit: 510 lbs. (231 kg)

Recommended Air Pumps

1. 110V Electric Pump – E.g. WOW Sports 2.6 PSI High Pressure Air Pump or any 110V Electric Pump with 2.5 to 3.0 PSI
2. WOW Sports Double Action Hand Pump or Foot Pump
3. WOW Sports 12V Pump
4. Leaf Blower
5. Vacuum with two-way switch

Assembly Instructions

1. Lay the product out on a flat surface without sharp objects.
2. Inflate the product to about 50% full, ensuring proper alignment of cover and valves.
3. Close and secure all valves completely.

Proper Inflation

1. Attach the tow strap through the loop strap at the bottom of the product.
2. Pull tautly on the tow strap.
3. Hook up your tow rope as per Tow Rope Recommendations.

Maintenance

Clean with mild soap and water. Protect from staining.

WORLD OF WATERSPORTS
www.wowwatersports.com

TOWABLE OWNER’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

WATERSPORTS INVOLVE RISKS OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
To reduce your risk of injury or death, follow these guidelines and the Watersports Safety Code.
WATERSPORTS INVOLVE RISKS OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. Follow all instructions and safety information below and in owner’s manual to reduce risks:

DRIVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY. Tube cannot be controlled by rider!
Signal boat driver to stop or slow down if you are not comfortable!

• ALWAYS WEAR A PROPERLY FITTED LIFE JACKET (PFD) approved by your country’s agency, USCG Type III, ISO, etc.
• NEVER EXCEED 20 MPH (32 km/h) for adults, 15 mph (24 km/h) for children.
• Never exceed skill level of the riders and use experienced boat driver.
• Never tow more than one tube at a time, or use tube as a personal flotation device.
• Never tow in shallow water or near shore, docks, pilings, swimmers, watercrafts or other obstacles.
• ALWAYS ENSURE TOW ROPE IS CLEAR OF ALL BODY PARTS prior to and during use.
• Never place any body part through handles, under cover, bladder, towing harness or tie rider to tube.
• Always have a person other than the driver as an observer to watch the rider.
• Never operate watercraft or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• NEVER MAKE SHARP TURNS which may cause the tube to rapidly accelerate.
• Beware of submarining when towing at idle speed.
• Always supervise children while using this tube.
• Never allow riders’ bodies to collide. Towing at slower speeds, in calm water, and cautious driving will reduce injuries.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

By assembling and inflating this product, you agree that you have read and understand the entire World of Watersports’ product manual, including all instructions and warnings contained in that material prior to using this product. You additionally agree that you will ensure any additional or subsequent users of this product will read and understand the entire owner’s manual. Misuse or improper use of this product could result in risks, dangers and hazards which can result in serious injury or death. The risks and dangers that can be encountered through the improper use of this product can be avoided by reading and following the warning guidelines listed within the owner’s manual and by proper use of this product. Your assembly and use of this product shall be evidence of your agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to properly follow the instructions and abide by the warnings set forth within the product manual. Your assembly and use of this product shall also constitute a release, to the extent permitted by law, by you and by any third party permitted by you to use, in any manner, this product, to World of Watersports from any and all liability for any loss, damage, injury and/or expense that you or any user of this product may suffer as a result of the use of this product. This release shall extend to any loss, damage, injury or expense due to any cause whatsoever, including negligence or breach of contract on the part of World of Watersports and/or any party participating in the design and/or manufacture of this product. The terms of this release shall be effective and binding upon you, your heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives. Your assembly and use of this product shall constitute your agreement to assume and accept any or all known or unknown risks of injury to you and/or to third parties through the use of this product. World of Watersports and related parties have not made and hereby expressly deny any oral or written representation and/or warranty, including warranty for a particular purpose, other than what is set forth herein and in the World of Watersports’ owner’s manual.

This WOW Product Manual applies to the following items listed below please read and follow all warnings and information that applies to your specific WOW Product :

Product Name Model# Approximate Inflated Size Riders A pproximate Weight Limit
Big Ducky 18-1140 86 x 74 in 218 x 188 cm 1-3 510 Ibs. 231 kg.

Package Contents:

• 4 heavy-gauge PVC bladders, 1 full nylon cover with zipper, 1 product manual, 1 patch kit
  B ig AL 19-1070 94 x 84 x 52 in 1-4 680 Ibs. 308 kg.

Package Contents:

• 4 heavy-gauge PVC bladders, 1 full nylon cover with zipper, 1 product manual, 1 patch kit

THE BEST AIR PUMPS TO USE TO INFLATE YOUR TUBE ARE THE FOLLOWING

1. 110V Electric Pump – E.g. WOW Sports 2.6 PSI High Pressure Air Pump or any 110V Electric Pump with 2.5 to 3.0 PSI
2. WOW Sports Double Action Hand Pump or Foot Pump
3. WOW Sports 12V Pump – Note that most 12V pumps have a maximum air pressure of 1.0 PSI so a secondary air pump, such as the Double Action Hand Pump or a foot pump, will need to be used to reach the necessary air pressure for your inflatable.
4. Leaf Blower
5. Vacuum with two-way switch

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Lay the product out on a flat surface without sharp objects that could puncture the PVC bladder or cover.
   If the product has an outer cover make sure the inside PVC bladder is unfolded and the valves are in the correct position, aligned with the cover valve openings.

2. Inflate the product to about 50% full. If your product has a cover, re-check to make sure it is correctly aligned with the PVC bladder and valves. If there is more than one chamber in the bladder, inflate the outer chamber first. After the cover is aligned with the PVC bladder, inflate the chambers to 100% starting with the outer chamber.

3. Close and secure all valves completely. (If your product has zipper valve covers close all valves and zip all zippers)

PROPER INFLATION
Proper inflation is the key to optimum performance and durability of this product. While in use, the cover should be taught with few wrinkles. Once inflated you should test whether there is enough air in the tube by having an adult stand on top of the tube. If the tube is properly inflated, then the adult will barely sink into the tube while standing on top of it. If the tube is under inflated damage can occur to the tube while it is being towed and the warranty will be voided. It is important to monitor the amount of air in the product once the item is in use. Continue to make sure that the tube is properly inflated. When not in use, be sure to remove some air from the tube and put in a shaded area. If you leave a full tube sitting in the sun it will cause the air inside to expand, causing serious damage to the seams and I-beams of the tube. Check and adjust inflation levels each time you use the tube.

1. TOW SYSTEM. Put the top tow strap down through the bottom loop strap that is sewn to the bottom of the product.
2. TOW SYSTEM. Note to pull tautly on the tow strap.
3. TOW SYSTEM. Now your ready to hook up your tow rope. Please see Tow Rope Recommendations for Towables contained within this manual to select the correct tow rope.

YOU CAN RIDE YOUR WOW BIG DUCKY TOWABLE WITH 1-3 RIDERS SITTING, STANDING, KNEELING, OR LAYING.

YOU CAN RIDE YOUR WOW BIG AL TOWABLE WITH 1-4 RIDERS SITTING, STANDING, KNEELING, OR LAYING.

MAINTENANCE

• You may clean your towable using soap and water or mild detergent.
• Never use strong cleaning agents.
• The towable, when clean and dry, can be deflated and stored in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight.
• To deflate, simply unfasten the entire valve from the base.
• Avoid storing this product in areas of extreme temperatures and please take precautions against animalsand rodents.
• Bright colored fabric covers used on the towable may bleed or fade when initially wet. Protect all boat interiors and all other surfaces from possible staining.

PRODUCT STORAGE

To prepare the product for storage please make sure that it is completely dry to prevent mildew and rot. If the product was used in salt water make sure to rinse the item first with fresh water and then allow it to dry completely. Release all of the air from the chamber(s) and fold the product. If possible please store these products in a controlled temperature and do not expose the product to temperatures less than 40 degrees F. Cold temperature will damage the PVC material and cause it to crack at the folds.

TOW ROPE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TOWABLES:
The watercraft owner/operator is responsible for informing all the persons riding or using tow ropes of the WSIA (Water Sport Industry Association) recommendations for tow ropes. Improper use of your tube and rope could result in serious injury or death.

• Following are the WSIA recommendation for tow rope use:

Number of Riders Maximum Weight of Riders Rope Tensile Strength

• One 170 Ibs. 77 kg. 1500 lbs. 680 kg.

• Two 340 Ibs. 154 kg. 2375 lbs. 1077 kg.

• Three 510 Ibs. 231 kg. 3350 lbs. 1520 kg.

• Four 680 Ibs. 308 kg. 4100 lbs. 1859 kg.

• A standard tow rope should be at least 50 feet (15.24 meters) in length but not exceed 65 feet (19.81 meters).

• The tow rope should be assembled in a manner appropriate for the watercraft and tow tube.

• Please check all rope connections for frays, cuts, sharp edges, knots and wear and tear before each use.
  Discard any ropes that appear to be worn. It is recommended that you replace each tow rope at the beginning of the boating season.

• Tow ropes are subject to stretching during use. Please warn riders and persons in the boat/watercraft of the danger of ropes recoiling.

• DO NOT place arms, legs or head in the handle section as serious injury may result.

• Ensure that the tow rope is free from all body parts prior to towing any rider(s).

• Do not use a tow rope with a bungee material to pull skiers or riders. This type of apparatus could also result in serious injury or death to the tube rider or passengers in the boat/watercraft.

• Ropes will deteriorate with direct sunlight exposure. Please store away from direct sunlight and discard any rope that is frayed, discolored or raveling.

• Do not add hardware to this product that is not supplied by World of Watersports.

• Avoid the propeller and engine at all times. Should the rope become tangled in the propeller, shut off the engine and remove key from ignition before retrieving rope from propeller.

• The stress on the rope is different from the stress on the tube, and will vary with the weight of the passengers, design, and surface area of the tube.

• When in the boat, keep away from tow rope to avoid injury. Passengers can be hit, or become entangled] in the rope.

• Use proper tow rope for the activity.

• Ensure tow rope is clear of all body parts prior to starting out or during use.

WARNING! GENERAL USE AND SAFETY:

• When using a World of Watersports product, you are engaging in an exciting recreational activity with inherent risks. Act responsibly and only use your product with the awareness of and willingness to accept the risks involved.

• Teach anyone using your tube how to attach it to the rope, how to ride it, and how to maintain it.

• Read all instructions and warnings provided to you in this owner’s manual and those printed on the product.
  Do not discard this manual.

• As in any recreational activity, reckless use, misuse, inexperience and/or neglect of the proper equipment used may result in serious injury or death.

• Visually inspect the towable and tow rope before each use. Do not use if product or tow rope is damaged in any way.

• This product should never be used by children except under adult supervision.

• Never leave children unattended.

• World of Watersports products are NOT to be used for rental use.

• Do not consume alcohol or other drugs while using this product. Even small quantities of alcohol and other drugs can impair judgment, balance, and coordination which can greatly affects one’s performance.

• Make sure all riders are wearing a U.S. Coast Guard Type III (PFD) approved life vest at all times.

• Be conscious of the weather conditions as weather changes can occur very quickly.

• Check with your state or local government to learn their specific legal requirements concerning towables and towing.

• Use tow ropes that are designed specifically for towables with WSIA (Water Sports Industry Association) break strength guidelines.

WARNING! BOAT DRIVERS NOTICE:

• The boat/watercraft driver has the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the riders.

• Carefully survey the water before you begin towing your rider or riders.

• Do not pull a towable without a rider. A towable is designed to have a rider in order to balance the weight distribution of the product.

• Be aware of water conditions along with changes in the weather. The condition of the water greatly influences
  the type of ride the rider will have. Please take into consideration the age and physical ability of your rider.

• It is the boat/watercraft driver’s responsibility to instruct the riders how to ride a tow-able. The boat/watercraft driver should carefully instruct the riders of potential risks and possible injury that may occur if they partake in careless behavior.

• At the beginning of the ride, carefully take the slack out of the tow rope. Never jerk start a towable. After the rider  has signaled that he/she is ready, the driver can slowly bring the towable to a planning point.

• Most towables will plane out at 10 to 20 mph (16 to 32 km/h), depending on the weight of the rider(s). It is important to keep the nose of the item up until the item is planning.

• The resistance of the product varies widely with these factors: boat speed, turns, water conditions, number of] riders and their weight, towable size, shape and function. The boat/watercraft driver should adjust the boat speed to fit these situations to minimize resistance of the towable.

• Do not tow in shallow water or within 100 feet (31 meters) of shore, docks, pilings, swimmers or other boats and obstructions. Use in the center of a clear boat path 200 feet (61 meters) wide. Most accidents happen on turns and in congested areas.

• The boat/watercraft driver determines the speed and the action of the towable in turns and when crossing the boat/watercraft wake. In the straight-a-ways, the boat/watercraft towing speed is the same as the towable speed. The towable speed will increase when the boat/watercraft makes a 90 to 180 degree turn without increasing the boat/watercraft speed. If the boat/watercraft speed is 20 mph (32 km/h), the tow-able speed can be 30-40 mph (48-64 km/h) The “slingshot effect” sends the user outward from the center of the towable.

• Be aware of the Large wakes combined with the wave action and speed can contribute to a rough ride. Use a safe speed that enables the towable to plane out. The boat/watercraft driver should adjust the boat/watercraft speed and turns to fit the water conditions and the age, experience, skill and physical strength of the rider(s).

• Excessive speed or sharp turns might cause the tube to flip over abruptly, possibly causing serious injury to rider.

• If the towable overturns, the boat/watercraft driver should not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) until the towable is upright again.

• Driver must use extra caution approaching a fallen skier/rider and keep eye contact on fallen skier/rider at all times.

• Under normal conditions, the maximum safe speed for adults is 20 mph (32 km/h) Safe speeds for children are less than 15 mph (24 km/h), depending on the age and physical capability of the child.

• Please make sure your boat/watercraft is tow-worthy and has the appropriate horsepower to pull rider(s) and the tow tube. Do not exceed the boat/watercraft passenger capacity.

• Put the boat in neutral when near a fallen skier/rider. Turn the engine off when people are getting into or out of the boat, or in the water near the boat.

WARNING! BOAT OWNERS WITH HIGH TOWER AND PYLONS:

• Tow/Ski towers are not designed for use with any inflatable tube towing.
• Use only lifting eyes/transoms on the boat for towing tubes with 2 or more riders.
• Do not tow any inflatable from a ski pylon or ski eye.
• Any tow pylon or ski pylons installed after market are not intended for inflatable tube towing.
• Always use a spotter (observer) in the boat to communicate the needs of the rider to the driver.
• The spotter must be the eyes of the driver and the rider, always alert to recognize possible danger so proper action can be taken to avoid any risk to the rider.
• If the towable overturns, the boat/watercraft driver should not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) until the towable is upright again.
• The spotter should hold up a safety flag cautioning all other boaters that riders are in the water.

WARNING! SPOTTERS NOTICE:

• Always use a spotter (observer) in the boat to communicate the needs of the rider to the driver.
• The spotter must be the eyes of the driver and the rider, always alert to recognize possible danger so proper action can be taken to avoid any risks to the rider.
• If the towable overturns, the boat/watercraft driver should not exceed 5 mph (8km/h) until the towable is upright again.
• The spotter should hold up a safety flag cautioning all other boaters that riders are in the water.

WARNING! RIDERS NOTICE:

• Do not use this item as a personal flotation device.
• Do not exceed the manufacturers recommended number of riders for your this product.
• Use a tow rope of at least 1500 lbs. (680 kg.) average tensile strength for pulling a single person, 2375 lbs. (1077 kg.) average tensile strength for pulling two people, 3350 lbs. (1520 kg.) average tensile strength for pulling three people, 4100 lbs. (1859 kg.) average tensile strength for pulling four people, and 6100 lbs. (2766 kg.) average tensile strength for pulling 5 or 6 people on an inflatable tube. The tow rope should be at
• Only use this product with a responsible boat/watercraft operator who knows how to effectively operate the equipment.
• This product should be used in water only. Do not launch from dock or land.
• This product is functions best when being used in smooth calm water when being towed.
• Do not use near piling, docks, shores or shallow water or other obstructions that could cause serious injury to the rider.
• Carefully read this manual to instruct yourself the rider the proper way to attach rope and operate the towable.
• DO NOT strap or attach arms or legs to cover or tube. Never place hands or feet in between the tube and cover.
• When attempting to do stunts, aerial tricks or jumps increases the risk of being seriously injured. Do not try tricks that abover your skill level and learning curve. Use good common sense to prevent serious injury at all times.
• DO NOT tow more than one tube.
• This item has no braking or steering mechanism and can develop high speeds under certain towing conditions.

Use at your own risk!

• This product is not a life saving device.
• Take necessary breaks when you are tired.
• Never get near the propeller with the engine running, even if it is in neutral.
• Store the leashes in the leash lockers when not in use.

Watersports are fun and challenging but involve inherent risks of injury or death. To increase your enjoyment of the sport and to reduce your risks, use common sense and follow these rules:

PLEASE NOTE BEFORE YOU START

• Familiarize yourself with all applicable federal, state and local laws, the risks inherent in the sport and the proper use of the equipment.
• Know the waterways.
• Always have a person other than the driver as an observer.
• Skier/rider, observer and driver must agree on hand signals.
• Never start out until skier/rider signals he/she is ready.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning from engine exhaust may cause injury or death. Do not sit on the boat transom or swim platform while the engine is running. These activities may lead to excessive CO exposure which may cause injury or death.

If you can smell engine exhaust while in the boat, do not stay seated in that position for pro longed periods. Never “Platform Drag” by holding onto the swim platform or be dragged directly behind the boat.
An improperly tuned engine will produce excessive exhaust. Have your engine checked and corrected by a mechanic. Changing boat speed or direction relative to the wind can reduce or increase boat exhaust from accumulating near the boat and rider. Consult your boat Owners Manual, or the United States Coast Guard’s website: www.uscgboating.org for more information on how to help protect others and yourself from the dangers of CO poisoning.

• Use caution and common sense.
• Do not exceed the weight guidelines of your boat. Only use water ballast and people for additional weight. Do not allow passengers to hang outside the boat or sit on the gunwales outside the normal seating area of the boat.

Uneven weight distribution or additional weight may affect the handling of the boat. Never allow water to overflow
the gunwales of your boat.

THE WARNINGS AND PRACTICES SET FORTH ABOVE IN THE WATERSPORTS SAFETY CODE REPRESENT SOME COMMON RISKS ENCOUNTERED BY USERS. THE CODE DOES NOT PURPORT TO COVER ALL INSTANCES OF RISK OR
DANGER. PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE AND GOOD JUDGMENT.

Warranty Policy:

WOW World of Watersports warrants, to the original purchaser only, that their high performance products, when used for normal recreational purposes, are free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. Any implied warranties are also limited in duration to the 1 year period from the original date of purchase. Our warranty excludes products for rental, for hire, and other uses not considered normal recreational purposes. WOW World of Watersports will not be held liable for incidental or consequential damages.
Note: The above warranty is only applicable to products purchased inside the U.S.A. For all products purchased outside the U.S.A. the warranty is limited to 90 days.

The World of Watersports warranty does not cover:

• Failures caused by over-inflation and under-inflation
• Snags, tears, cuts, and punctures obtained during normal use
• Items involved in accidents
• Fading from exposure to sunlight or weathering
• Misuse, abuse, and neglect
• Improper storage

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals such as Disononyl Phthalate (DINP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

There are no warranties that extend beyond the description listed above. World of Watersports should not be held responsible in any way for any incidental and/or consequential damages.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties.

For all questions and warranty issues, please contact us directly.

• Email: customerservice@wowwatersports.com  Phone: 1-844-969-9063
• 9 am – 5 pm (EST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
• WOW SPORTS
• 14301 FNB Parkway Ste 100
• Omaha, NE 68154

BEFORE TAKING OUT ANY TOWABLES PLEASE WATCH THE WSIA SAFETY VIDEO BY SCANNING THE QR CO

References

• Transport Canada / Transports Canada

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