Cutthroat Frame Assembly and Rigging Instructions

WARNING: Because of the lightweight nature of the frame, damage can result from normal use if the frame is not strapped down properly. New models have spreader bars to reduce this problem.

There is a new mesh seat that is installed with cam straps on the seat. To see the frame rigged up with the new seat upside down, please follow this link.

Identify the parts that were shipped with your frame

2 person Cutthroat frame parts named

What is not easy to see in this illustration is that the oar stands and spreader bars slide on top of the top longitudinal rails, and the floor mesh and bottom spreader bars slide on the bottom longitudinal rails. The longitudinal rails are the long tubes that go between the frame ends.

This image shows one frame end, an oar stand, a top spreader, and a bottom spreader bar without the seats, floors, top rail, bottom rail, or pillows

The Cutthroat 1 includes: 1 long and 1 short spreader (cross member) spreader bars, 2 frame ends, 2 top and 2 bottom extension tubes (5 ft long), 2 mesh floors, 1 mesh seat with 4 cam straps, 2 oar stands, 6 long straps and 6 short straps, 10 bolts, Two 12 ft long inflatable tubes, and 1 back rest pillow with two straps attached.

The cutthroat 2 includes: 1 long and 1 short spreader (crossmember) spreader bars, 2 frame ends, 2 top and 2 bottom extension tubes (7 ft long), 3 mesh floors, 2 mesh seats with 4 cam straps each, 2 oar stands, 8 long straps and 8 short straps, 10 bolts, Two 14 ft long inflatable tubes, and 2 back rest pillows with two straps attached. If you did not get all of these parts, please contact JPW INC immediately so we can send the missing parts out to you.

Tools that you will need

2 wrenches (box end open end or socket) for a 1/2 inch bolt head and nut.

Step 1 Arrange the parts:
Separate top extension tubes from bottom extension tubes. All extension tubes are equal lengths. The bottom tubes have both holes drilled at 1 inch from the ends. The top tubes have holes drilled at 1 inch, and 12 1/2 inches from each end. The front ends of the top extension tubes are the ends with the holes drilled at 12 1/2 inches. Cutthroat 2 top extension tubes have many holes drilled in the front end. Find the front frame end. It has the hole drilled near the sleeve where the top extension tube is located. Lay the parts out on the ground so that the front top and bottom tubes will line up. This will make it easier to place the mesh floor, the mesh seat and the oarlocks in place and bolt the frame together. NOTE: EXTENSION TUBES AND FRAME ENDS ARE MARKED A,B,C,&D, THE SAME CONFIGURATION AS PREASSEMBLY AT THE SHOP.

Step 2 Installing the mesh seat, the mesh floors, the seat strap, and spreader bars:
Slide the long spreader bar (cross member) on to the top extension tubes. This normally is situated behind the mesh seat. Wrap the mesh seat around the top frame extension tubes, loop the seat cam straps through the grommets and tighten the cam straps lightly. Slide the oar stands on to the top extension tubes. Insert a bolt in the rear hole of each oar stand, and through the front bolt hole in the top extension tube. Install the nuts and tighten them finger tight. Next slide the seat strap (one of the long straps) around the extension tubes where the reinforced cutout is in the middle of the seat. Failure to use a seat strap without using the spreader bar cross member may result in frame damage with normal use. Next slide one mesh floor section on the bottom frame extensions. Slide the bottom spreader bar cross member to aproximately mid way down the extension tube. Note: Addition of the bottom spreader bar will make the floor mesh very tight. It will be necessary to use a strap to bring the extension tubes close together so that the second floor can be installed. When sliding spreader bars on the extension tubes be careful to slide them down evenly.

Step 3 Bolting the frame together:
Slide the extension tubes onto the frame coupling sleeves. Push the frame together. Install the rear top bolt first. Then install the front bolt through the front of the oarlock and the front frame end, or bolt the frame end to the extension tube if not using the front oar lock position. Install remaining bolts in the oar stands. Install the nuts and tighten.

Step 4 Install the backrest pillow:
The strap wraps around the top extension tube in the middle of the mesh seat. Place the pillow valve toward the rear of the seat. More on this latter.

Step 5 Inflate the tubes and strap the tubes to the frame:
Use the remaining long straps on all outside d rings, and short straps on the inside d rings. Strap to the front and rear cross members on the inside. If a large gear load or a passenger is being carried, it is a good idea to rig the frame so the seat is in front of center. If there is no substantial load in the back, place the Mesh seat directly over the center D ring patch. It is important to have a balanced boat. It is our opinion that a front heavy load is better than a back heavy load. Note: It is important to use a frame strap as close to the seat (preferably in the center) as possible to limit frame deflection. Too much frame deflection may cause damage to the frame under normal use.

Please note these special features on the cutthroat:

• The pillow is intended to wrap around the operator’s hips. This technique gives hip support by wrapping around the hips when the pillow is deflated. Proper lumbar support can be achieved by pushing back into the pillow while air is slowly escaping out of it. Tighten the valve when it feels good. It is not necessary to use the pillow. A substantial gear load or a Paco Pad can also give good back support. We are proud to offer the most comfortable personal adventure craft on the market.

• Frame deflection on the bottom tubes may be an issue if this boat is carrying a heavy load. Limit bottom extension tube frame deflection with straps tied between the top extension tube and the bottom extension tubes. It is a good idea to use straps between extension tubes or spreader bars when not using bolts in the bottom extension tubes. This will keep the bottom part of the frame from distorting.

· Seven ft oars add a large amount of stability to this craft. However, this boat can access very remote and small streams because a kayak or two canoe paddles can be used where the streams are too narrow for oars. Oar geometry can be changed by using 6 ½ ft oars to bring the handles up higher. Oar geometry can be changed by adding a spacer (5/8 inch ID bushing available at the auto parts store) to the top of the oar lock stand.

• To make the cutthroat 1 a two person craft, simply add another mesh seat to the back of the frame, or sit on top of a deck board a dry bag, or cooler. Place the top spreader bar near the middle of the frame to keep the frame from deflecting.

• Two mesh floor sections are included with each frame set. Arrange them to carry gear, as a platform for the operator to stand for better visibility, or move them out of the way so that it is easy to access the river bottom. Bottom floor sections now have a cut out so you can slide them all the way up to the front cross member, and still install the assembly bolts in the bottom extension tubes.

The journey is much more important than the destination. After all the destination is just another take out. We think that the cutthroat will afford our customers a grand experience during the journey. We want to hear from our customers. Please write about the adventures that you have with these boats. Our email address is info@jpwinc.com

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