Verify Package Contents
Your saddle will arrive in two boxes – open them and verify the contents match your order. You will need the following items:
- 1x saddle main body
- 2x thigh hooks
- 2x adjustable foot braces
- 4x stainless steel screws
Supplies You Will Need
- Contact cement (we recommend DAP Weldwood Original Formula)
Tools You Will Need
- #3 Phillips screwdriver
- Chip brush or other means of applying the contact cement
- Painter’s tape (optional)
Assemble Foot Braces
Lay the saddle main body on its right side on a firm flat surface. Locate the left foot brace, which has the order number and an ‘L’ written on the back of the rail. Position the rail in the groove on the saddle and align the holes in the rail with the holes in the dowels.
Use a #3 Phillips screwdriver to drive two of the stainless steel screws through the holes in the rail and into the dowels embedded in the saddle. Tighten the screws fully so that there is no movement of the foot brace. Using the wrong size screwdriver or not applying straight downward force while driving the screws can cause the screw head to strip or cause the screw to bend or break.
Flip the saddle main body over and repeat the previous steps to attach the right foot brace.
Dry Fit
The saddle main body has an outline drawn on each side and a letter inside that corresponds to the appropriate thigh hook. Before applying contact cement, do a dry-fit of both thigh hooks to visualize how everything must align. Pay close attention to alignment of the thwart recess channel, the seam at the top of the thigh hook and the top of the saddle, and the seam where the thigh hook goes beside the branded logo in the crotch.
Apply Glue to Thigh Hook
Use a chip brush to apply a thin, even coat of contact cement to the left thigh hook and to the left side of the saddle main body in the outlined area. If desired, outline the area to be glued with painter’s tape before applying the cement to prevent runs, spills, or over-application from getting on other surfaces of the saddle. Follow the directions on the can of contact cement for drying times. The foam has a porous surface, and the first application of contact cement usually soaks in very quickly. Once the first coat has tacked over, apply at least one more thin, even coat, making sure to allow the cement to tack over before applying subsequent coats.
Assemble Thigh Hook
Once adhered, contact cement joints cannot be disassembled without damaging the saddle. You only have one chance to get the alignment correct. Take your time for the following steps.
Remove any painter’s tape that was previously applied. Hold the thigh hook as shown, noting that the skinny part of the knee hole area is being bent back out of the way. Carefully align the top corner of the thigh hook with the top corner of the saddle closest to where the paddler will sit. Only allow this corner (a single point) to touch once aligned.
Still holding the skinny part of the knee hole area bent back out of the way, slowly rotate the thigh hook forward, taking care to align the seam along the top edge of the thigh hook with the top edge of the saddle. Only allow the top edge of the thigh hook to touch the saddle. The thigh hook and saddle are now attached along the top seam like a hinge.
Still holding the skinny part of the knee hole area bent back out of the way, slowly rotate the thigh hook downward, taking care to align the seam where the thigh hook goes beside the branded logo in the crotch. Once this seam is aligned and adhered, slowly lower the skinny part of the knee hole area into position and allow it to contact the saddle. The thigh hook is now in position. Firmly press all over the thigh hook and along all of the seams to promote a good bond.
Repeat the previous steps to attach the right thigh hook.