Minicat 420 User Guide Introduction to Your New Minicat

MINICAT 420 USER GUIDE INTRODUCTION TO YOUR NEW MINICAT

MAST

FRONT ROPE JIB MAIN SAIL

Thank you for purchasing your MINICAT.

BOOM We hope that your new boat will give you many hours of fun, enjoyment and pleasure on the water.

JIB FURLER

TILLER EXTENSION Your MINICAT Team BOWSPRIT

This guide is for use with MiniCat 420 Emotion, 420 Evoque and 420 Laura Dekker Edition FLOAT models. Whilst there are differences between

KEEL FIN RUDDER these individual models this guide takes you through the TRAMPOLINE Please remember general assembly procedure when sailing: ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST and the model features which you will recognise.

2 MINICAT 420 USER‘SUSER‘S GUIDE GUIDE 3 This Guide will help you to control your boat easily Manufacturer’s name and adress: MINICAT s.r.o. Bílovice 43 and safely. It contains a detailed description of 687 12 Bílovice the boat and information about its assembly, Czech Republic

operation and maintenance. Please, read it Manufacturer’s code: HOC carefully, view the accompanying video and get Name of the model: MINICAT 420 EMOTION Design category of the boat: “D“ - Wind max. 4 Beaufort ! fully acquainted with the boat before using it. Empty weight of the boat: 48 kg (105 lbs) Maximum permitted load: 450 kg (992 lbs) This User Guide is neither a training manual of sailing safety, nor (see the carrying capacity) a sailing course. If this is your first boat, to ensure your comfort Maximum weight of the loaded boat: 498 kg (1095 lbs) and safety familiarise yourself with the operation of the boat before sailing it for the first time. Either your MINICAT retailer, Drive: By sails the National Sailing Federation, or your local sailing club will be Sails: Main sail + fore sail pleased to recommend you to an appropriate sailing course, or Main sail area: 6.5 sq.m (70 sq.ft) qualified sailing instructors. Foresail area: 3.2 sq.m (34.5 sq.ft) Do not set sail if the expected sailing conditions (wind force, Length of the boat: 4.2 m (13.8 ft) wave height) do not correspond to the design category of your Width of the boat: 2.1 m (6.9 ft) boat. Height of the mast: 5.05 m (16.5 ft) Any changes to your MINICAT which could influence the safety Floats operation pressure: 0.025 MPa (3.6 psi) characteristics of the boat, must be performed, verified and documented by a competent and authorised person. The boat manufacturer does not bear the responsibility for any unapproved changes 5 6 7 1. Norm Always keep your MINICAT well 2. Permitted loading capacity maintained and take into account any (Persons + luggage ) deterioration of its condition, which may 3. Suggested operational pressure 1 occur as a consequence of heavy usage Please pay special 4. Serial number or misuse. Despite its strength, your attention to the 5. EU design category 2 MINICAT may be seriously damaged if it selection of your life 6. Permitted human capacity is not used properly. This will jeopardise 3 7. Max. wind force your safety when sailing. jacket. It must be 8. Permitted motor output Always ensure that your MINICAT certified and equipped 4 9. CE-declaration is assembled precisely according to with a label containing the instructions, it may be possible the information about 8 9 to assemble the boat with incorrect the carrying capacity positioning, this can result in non- and reference to the porformance or even collapse when Maximum wind force: sailing. certificate of safety. 4 Beaufort = 20–28 km/h Do not exceed the determined 3–17 mph Always adjust the speed and the heading Please keep this User maximum number of occupants. 11–15 kn of the boat according to the sailing Guide in a safe place and Regardless of the number 5.5–7.9 m/s conditions (wind force, wave height). of occupants on the boat the Maximum number of occupants: give it to the new owner total weight of occupants and when selling the boat. equipment must not exceed the 4 adults All persons using any sailing maximum permitted load. Carrying capacity craft must wear life jackets. 450 kg ALWAYS - SAFETY FIRST

4 MINICATMINICAT 420 420 USER‘S GUIDE 5 Always check your MINICAT before sailing!

Perform a visual check of all parts of the boat before each ASSEMBLY OF sailing.

Protection against falling overboard and how YOUR MINICAT to get back on the boat:

Sit only in the places made for sitting. These are the parts 1 Carefully remove the individual parts of the frame at the rear half of the floats. The stability of frame frame right from the bag/s and place on a flat the boat will be reduced if you sit anywhere else. rear surface, ideally on a grass area to avoid any damage. It is necessary to protect the trampoline from damage, especially rupture by sharp objects, or from careless 2 Assemble the frame with the tram- handling. poline as shown in the figure. As- semble in the upside-down position For ease of access onto the boat from the water, there are front (so the frame is on top of the tram- fabric handles on both sides of the floats. frame left frame poline).

Pass the rope through the lugs on the bottom of the trampoline and tighten it firmly. Fix the end 3 of the rope to the notch. This will help you stretch the trampoline. CARRYING CAPACITY

The maximum permitted load includes the weight of all FRONT persons onboard and any accessories, personal items, equipment or baggage. Fix the keel fins on the bottom of the floats (un-inflated). Push the fins into the pockets on the floats firmly. Never exceed the maximum permitted load when 4 loading the boat. Always load the boat carefully and REAR allocate the individual weight according to the design of the boat. Avoid the location of heavy objects at the top. Disregarding these instructions may cause the boat to capsize and may result in damage and injury. When sailing always enure that personal items are secured to the boat.

6 MINICAT 420 USER‘S GUIDE 7 Unwrap the bundle of stainless- steel ropes and attach them using Attach the frame to the un- the snap hooks to the frame as inflated floats. Attach the frame shown in the diagram. Slip the 5 by pushing the metal ‘flags’ into end with a plastic plug onto the the pockets on the floats. end of the longitudinal centre tube (bowsprit).

Now inflate the floats to reach the operating pressure. 6

9 ok no! ok Before inflation, check the status 7 of the valves. Set the valves to the closed position. no!

Screw the crossbar (‘stay-bold’) Assemble the mast. The individual onto the front frame tube and 8 10 components are simply inserted prepare the longitudinal centre into one another. tube (bowsprit) for mounting.

STAY - BOLD

8 MINICAT 420 USER‘S GUIDE 9 MAIN JIB Interlace the lifting ropes SAIL Roll out the mainsail and attach to (halyards) with a pulley on the it the lifting rope (main holyard) top of the mast. Before erecting running from the top of the mast. the mast, fix the lateral fastening A Insert the sail into the notch in the ropes to the upper part of the mast and pull the main holyard to mast as well as the front rope. raise it up. Then tie up the rope to Attach the other ends of lateral the sling on the mast. guy-ropes to the frame using the shackles. Attach the front rope to 12 the snap hook on the bowsprit. Unpack the jib and fix the lifting rope (jib holyard) to the top of B the jib. Then pull up the jib and its bottom corner with the jib furler fix with a carbine as shown on the photo below.

Now you can erect the mast. By tightening the front rope and locking it in the notch you can achieve thorough tightening for all the ropes and the mast Heave out the sail in a vertical until completely taut. Screw direction by tightening the rope in the stretchers on the lower 13 between the boom and the mast C stainless ropes in such a manner (vang). so that these are tightened and completely taut. 11

Lace the jibsheets through the grommets on the frame and tie a knot to prevent them from pulling out.

lifting ropes (holyards) front rope

10 MINICAT 420 USER‘S GUIDE 11 If the boat is standing still on a shore for a longer periods Mount the rudder. Attach the of time, please dismantle the keel fins or use the special rudder assembly to the frame 15 stands (see our Spare Parts & simply by running two spigots There is a possibility that the flat Accessories Catalogue) under valve can become a little lose with safety locks to secure. the floats which will prevent after the first few inflations, and the pressure on the floats. You that can result in a little air escape will avoid a possible damage around the valve (being a result of of the keel fins and floats. We the stretching and contracting of also recommend the purchase the boat skin). In case this happens of the boat cover accessory to with your boat, it is sufficient to protect your boat whilst being turn the valve with the valve key left assembled by about one quarter to one half a turn until the resistance becomes Attach the stays of the mainsheet too great. Maximum operating pressure 16 to the sail using a Carabine in the floats (air chambers) is 0.025 MPa (3.6 psi). If there is an increase of the ambient air temperature (due to the heat of the sun) the air pressure inside the floats can increase. The air pressure of the floats should be checked and air released if necessary to avoid eventual It is recommended after MINICAT is not intended to damage. each sailing, to treat the be towed behind a motorised connections of the mast craft. It must not be towed, Before setting sail it is advisable using silicone oil. slide moved, or otherwise to familiarise yourself with any extensively loaded. local regulations or restrictions for the piece of water in which you intend to operate.

Any sharp objects must be If the boat is standing still on securely packaged. a shore for a longer periods of time, please dismantle the When exposed to the Valuable items and personal keel fins or use the special sun, the pressure in floats effects must be placed in stands (see our Spare Parts & increases - let air out a waterproof package and Accessories Catalogue) under gradually! placed in the pockets on the the floats which will prevent the trampoline. We recommedn pressure on the floats. You will your purchase of the additional avoid possible damage of the front trampoline. keel fins and floats..

When sailing on large open Water should never come If you experience a loss of Bright sunlight will eventually inside of the tubes. In case this pressure of 20% of operating water (sea, lake) pay close have a deteriorating effect on attention to the wind directly happens please empty as soon pressure inside a 24 hour period the rubber surface of the floats, as possible and dry throughout when external temperature is from the coast. It is possible to therefore wherever possible be blown offshore. constant it is considered to when your MINICAT is not in use Water inside of the tubes can be completely normal and no it is advisable to leave the boat cause a damage to the inner reason for a complaint to the MINICAT must not be used in out of direct strong sunlight. bad conditions, for example, rubber of the tube and this can manufacturer or a warranty We recommend your purchase cause I-beam damages as well. claim. low visibility, night, fog, rain. of the optional boat cover. ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST.

12 MINICAT 420 USER‘S GUIDE 13 be taken of the cover of the inflation valve, and to avoid any damage to the floats during packaging. We recommend that you do not leave your boat packed for INSTRUCTIONS long periods of time. To prevent detioration to the floats we it is necessary to inflate them periodically. FOR DRYING, Pay particular attention when putting single parts into the bag to prevent any damage. STORAGE, Store the packed boat in a dry space protected from direct sunlight and adverse temperatures CLEANING AND (rec: 10-25 °C). Avoid any load or strain being placed on the boat during storage (putting any heavy objects on top of it, etc.) MAINTENANCE Careful treatment and good maintenance will OF YOUR MINICAT extend the life of your MINICAT. Righting a capsized boat (Turning Turtle) After sailing and before storing your MINICAT it is necessary to rinse the boat using water and a In case of overturning the MINICAT follow these instructions: mild soap or detergent, and then allow the boat 1. Release the jib and the main sail to the maximum to assure to dry out thoroughly. After sailing in salt water the least possible resistance of the sails when righting the boat. it is necessary to wash the boat thoroughly On the MINICAT Instinct - wind in the jib fully. with fresh water. It is recommended to clean all 2. Stand on the underside of one float then and pull on the parts from dirt, sand and other impurities using mast line and the handle on the other float. Be careful to prevent damage to the keel fins. For added stability stand with an absorbent cloth. Please note that oil, petrol, your legs apart. acetone, kerosene, paraffin and similar solvents After righting the boat use the handles and chemicals are not compatible with the rubber on both sides of the floats to get back layer on the surface of the boat and must be on board. avoided to prevent damage.

Before storing your MINICAT and from time to time, we recommend that you clean the boat thoroughly and treat the surface of the rubber floats. The ‘MINICAT Maintenance Kit’ includes everything you need for the care of your MINICAT including cleaning and preserving fluid, lubricant and silicone oil. Carefully pack the dry, deflated floats, cleaned from sand and dust, so that the number of folds will be as few as possible. The folds especially at the edges of the packed float have to be protected to prevent unnecessary wear. Care should also

14 MINICAT 420 USER‘S GUIDE 15 REPAIR RECOMMENDED OF YOUR MINICAT PACKING

Damage to the MINICAT floats can be easily repaired using the To avoid unnecessary damage while storing or transporting supplied ‘MINICAT Repair Kit’. your boat please follow the instructions on recommended Repair procedure: packing below: 1. bag 2. bag 1. Mark the damaged area on the boat and select the patch according to the size of the damage.

2. The surface of the patch and of the damaged area must be dry, clean, dust-free and without trace of previous adhesive.

3. De-grease both the patch and the damaged area using acetone or petrol.

4. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to both surfaces.

5. When the adhesive is dry to touch attach the patch to the damaged area and apply pressure.

After minor repairs (punctures), it is possible to re-inflate 1. - 1x Frame - rear 1. - 1x Mast the boat and to continue sailing after just 60 minutes, with larger repairs it is recommended to wait for 24 hours. With 2. - 1x Frame - front + Trampoline 2. - 1x Bowsprit more complicated repairs you are recommended to return your MiniCat to your supplier, to the manufacturer, or to an 3. - 2x Float 3. - 1x Staybold accredited repair-shop. Careful treatment and maintenance can extend the life of your MINICAT. 4. - 1x Stainless steel ropes 4. - 1x Tiller extension

The manufacturer’s warranty period is 24 months from the 5. - 1x Shroud 5. - 2x Keel fin date of the sale. All warranty repairs are carried out by a designated, authorised repairer or by the manufacturer. 6. - 1x Front rope 6. - 2x Frame - side Upon purchase of your MINICAT you must return the enclosed WARRANTY REGISTRATION FORM directly to MiniCat 7. - 1x Accessories (USB stick, 7. - 1x Sails Worldwide to validate and commence the period of your Repair Kit, User guide...) warranty. 8. - 1x Complete rudder

Worldwide distributor: Manufacturer: The total weight of the assembled 9. - 1x Inflation pump Moravian Exports, s.r.o. MINICAT s.r.o. boat is 48 kg Kaly 37 Bílovice 43 594 55 Dolní Loučky 687 12 Bílovice u Uh. Hradiště When counted together with the Czech Republic Czech Republic bags, inflation pump and spare parts to total weight comes to Tel: +420 776 749 175 Tel: +420 739 669 330 52 kg Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

16 MINICAT 420 USER‘S GUIDE 17 CAUTION! USEFULL KNOWLEDGE

Sailing can be very dangerous and personally Giving Way in Sailing All types of vessels on the water exhausting. Therefore, the user of this product are governed by the International must realise, that not following safety precautions Regulations for Preventing Collisions may result in serious injury, or even in death. at Sea, frequently abbreviated as COLREGS. The entire set of rules is Therefore when using this product pay close highly complicated, however, when you attention to following safety precautions: start sailing, it is sufficient to be familiar with the basic rules that are listed here. A vessel that arrives When power-driv- from the right is en vessels meet 1. Get well acquainted with the operation of this design of boat. given way in the head-on, they turn same way as on the their course to the 2. Ensure that you have first aid training with certification road. right and meet on and have emergency/first aid equipment with you when you sail. their port side. 3. Always use a quality certified life jacket.

4. Before each time you sail check your equipment for functionality and that it does not show any signs of damage.

5. Do not overestimate your abilities on the water; take care of yourself.

6. Ensure your state of health with a doctor before you go sailing.

7. Always observe the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding The rules for Overtaking rule The starboard side The windward ves- the use of this product. navigation in An overtaking ves- vessel alters her sel shall avoid the a channel (or sel must keep out of course in order leeward vessel and 8. Never use this product after taking alcohol, drugs or medication or canal) the way of the ves- to sail behind the navigate in order to when tired. All vessels must stay sel being overtaken, stern of the port sail behind her. to the right side in even in the case of a side vessel. 9. Before using this product read the User’s Guide carefully. channels or canals, sailing vessel over- GOOD TO KNOW! so that they meet taking a power-driv- 10. Always pay attention to sea winds and currents. on their port side. en vessel.

11. The user of this product must be familiar with the basic sailing The port rule: A vessel sailing port side skills and must be aware of the risks attached to this sport. (with the boom on the port side) has the pass over a vessel sailing starboard side. The vessel sailing starboard side must ALWAYS – SAFETY FIRST give way to a vessel sailing port side.

18 MINICAT 420 USER‘S GUIDE 19 BEAUFORT SAILOR SCALE KNOTS

Beaufort Description Wind speed Wave height Sea condition Land condition Bowline (also known occasionally as the 1. 2. 3. no. Boiling knot) Calm < 1 km/h 0 m Flat Calm. Smoke 0 The bowline creates a fixed loop at < 1 mph 0 ft rises verticaly < 1 kn the end of a rope, making it useful for < 0.3 m/s fastening a mooring line to a post or ring. It’s also the knot most commonly used for rescue ropes, as a trapped 1 Light air 1.1 - 5.5 km/h 0 - 0.2 m Ripples Smoke drift person can tie the loop around them 1 -3 mph 0 - 1 ft without indicates wind and then be hoisted up with the rope. 1 -2 kn crests direction, still 0.3 - 1.5 m/s wind vanes. 4. 5. 6.

2 Light breeze 5.6 - 11 km/h 0.2 - 0.5 m Small wave- Wind felt on 1. 2. 4 - 7 mph 1 - 2 ft lets. Crests exposed skin. Round Turn and Two Half Hitches 3 - 6 kn of glassy ap- Leaves rustle, 1.6 - 3.4 m/s pearance, not vanes begin While a bit of a mouthful, this useful breaking to move. knot is used to secure a rope to a fixed object such as a pole. The tail of the rope is wrapped around an object (this 3 Gentle 12 - 19 km/h 0.5 - 1 m Large wave- Leaves and is the ‘round turn’) and secured to the breeze 8 - 12 mph 2 - 3.5 ft lets. Crests small twigs standing part with two hitches (the 7 - 10 kn begin to constantly mov- tail end is passed over and under the 3.4 - 5.4 m/s break; ing, light flags scattered extended. standing part, twice). whitecaps 3. 4. 5.

4 Moderate 20 - 28 km/h 1 - 2 m Small waves Dust and loose Sheet Bend 1. 2. breeze 13 - 17 mph 3.5 - 6 ft with breaking paper raised. (also known as becket bend, weaver’s 11 - 15 kn crests. Fairly Small branches knot and weaver’s hitch) 5.5 - 7.9 m/s frequent begin to move. whitecaps. The sheet bend is useful for joining together two different ropes. It’s best to use this knot for ropes which are under 5 Fresh 29 - 38 km/h 2 - 3 m Moderate Branches of a breeze 18 - 24 mph 6 - 9 ft waves of moderate size load, as it can work loose on ropes 16 - 20 kn some length. move. Small which are not under any strain. This is 8 - 10.7 m/s Many white- trees in leaf the preferred knot instead of the Reef caps. Small begin to sway. Knot. amounts of spray 3. 4. 5.

20 MINICAT 420 USER‘S GUIDE 21 ENJOY YOUR NEW MINICAT AND PLEASE REMEMBER: ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST

@minicatamaran

/minicat

@minicatsailing

search: MINICAT