Getting your Vibe Makana 100 ready to paddle

The Makana 100 ships partially assembled. The paddle and the rudder system are the two main items that need final assembly.

Paddle assembly

1. Locate the two paddle halves and the connecting ferrule in the small accessory bag.
2. Align the indexing pin on one half with the notch on the other.
3. Push the two halves together until the spring-loaded button clicks into the locking hole.
4. To change feather angle, depress the button, rotate the blade, and release into the next locking position.

Rudder system assembly

1. Confirm the rudder yoke is mounted to the stern (it usually ships pre-installed).
2. Locate the two steering cables, two M5 stainless bolts, and the foot brace pedals.
3. Thread the steering cables through the hull ports, from the rudder yoke forward to the foot pedals.
4. Attach the cable ends to the foot pedal toe straps using the M5 bolts. Tighten snugly, not over-torqued.
5. With the kayak on land, sit in the seat and confirm that pressing the right pedal turns the rudder right, and the left pedal turns it left. Adjust cable tension at the pedal end if needed.
6. Lower the rudder using the deck line. The rudder should drop fully into the water when in use, and lock into the up position when not in use.

Important assembly notes

• If you are missing any hardware (most commonly the M5 steering bolts), open a missing parts ticket and we will ship replacements free of charge.
• Do not over-tighten the steering bolts. They should allow the cable to pivot smoothly at the pedal.
• For first-time pedal assembly, check the Makana 100 owners manual on the support site for diagrams.