Installing Flooring In A Saturn Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Installing a floor in a Saturn boat can be a challenging task, especially if it's your first time. The process involves several steps, from preparing the boat to positioning and securing the floorboards. It is recommended to have at least two people for the installation process. Before beginning, ensure you have a clear and flat workspace, free of any sharp objects that could damage the boat. It is also important to note that the type of floor you are installing will determine the specific steps you need to follow. For example, the process for installing an air floor will differ from that of a plywood or aluminum floor. Additionally, the size of your Saturn boat will also impact the installation process, as larger boats will require more floorboards.

Clearing a space and preparing the boat hull

To install a floor in a Saturn boat, you will first need to clear a flat, clean, and obstacle-free space that can accommodate the boat. Unpack the hull from its box and remove it from the boat bag. Unroll the hull and lay it out flat on the cleared space.

The next step is to inflate the boat slightly, to about 30% full, to make floorboard insertion easier. You can use either a hand pump or an electric pump for this step. If you use an electric pump, ensure the inflation valve is in the "open" position by pushing in and twisting the stem of the valve. Once the boat is slightly inflated, you can begin inserting the floorboards.

For a 4-board model (14' and smaller boats), place floorboard No.1 at the bow, No.4 at the transom, and No.2 and No.3 in the middle, ensuring that the keel valve is located at the center of board No.1's hole. For a 5-board model (15' and larger boats), place the floorboards in the following order: bow board, No.1, No.4, and No.2 and No.3 together, again ensuring the keel valve is centered on board No.2. Press down on the adjoining floorboards to join them securely and flatly.

Now, insert the stringers into the side edges of the floorboards. You can place an assembled rowing oar on the ground along the bottom of the boat hull and then lift that side of the boat to slide the oar slightly under the boat. This will elevate the floorboards and create a gap that makes it easier to slide the stringers into place. Repeat this step on the other side.

After the floorboards and stringers are in place, ensure that the tubes are fully inflated to squeeze the stringers into the floor channels. The boat tubes should be rigid and free of wrinkles or soft spots.

Inflating the boat

Inflating a Saturn boat is a relatively simple process, but it does require some preparation and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure a safe and proper inflation process:

Firstly, find a suitable space to inflate your boat. Ensure the area is flat, clean, and free of any sharp objects that could potentially puncture the boat. Take the hull out of its box and remove it from the boat bag. Unroll the hull and lay it out flat on the prepared surface.

You can inflate Saturn boats using either a hand pump or an electric pump. If you opt for an electric pump, ensure that the inflation valve is in the "open" position. To do this, push in the stem of the valve (the middle portion in the centre) and twist it 90 degrees. With the valve open, air will be able to move freely in and out. Once you're done inflating, close the valve by twisting the stem another 90 degrees—you'll know it's closed when you hear a pop.

Now, start by inflating all the hull chambers of the boat to around 30%. This will make it easier to insert the floorboards. The number of floorboards and their placement will depend on the size of your boat. For a 4-board model (14' and smaller boats), place floorboard No.1 at the bow part, No.4 at the transom part, and No.2 and No.3 in the middle, ensuring that the keel valve is centred with the hole in board No.1. For a 5-board model (15' and larger boats), follow a similar process, but with a slightly different arrangement: place the bow board, then No.1, No.4, and finally No.2 and No.3 together, again ensuring the keel valve is centred with the hole in board No.2.

Once the floorboards are in place, press down on the middle boards (No.2 and No.3) simultaneously to ensure they are jointed well and flatly. Now, insert the stringers into the side edges of the floorboards. To make this step easier, you can place an oar under the boat hull to elevate it slightly.

The initial installation can be a bit tricky, as the boat material may be less malleable if it's been stored for a while. It is recommended to have at least two people for the installation process, especially the first few times. Additionally, make sure to inspect the floor for any sharp edges and keep them away from the inflatable tubes.

After the floorboards are installed, fully inflate the tubes to squeeze the stringers into the floor channels. The boat tubes should be rigid and free of wrinkles or soft spots.

Now, inflate the keel first and position it so that the air valve is on top and in the middle. Once positioned, deflate the keel while keeping the valve in the middle. This step ensures that the keel valve is correctly positioned within the opening in the front section of the floor.

Finally, place the floorboards inside the boat hull, ensuring equal distances between the edges of the floor plates and the edge of the boat bottom. These spaces are necessary for installing the stringers.

And that's it! You've now successfully inflated your Saturn boat and inserted the floorboards. Always remember to perform a thorough inspection and ensure the boat is fully prepared before taking it out on the water.

Placing the floorboards

To place the floorboards of your Saturn boat, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure you have the correct floorboards for your boat model. If you have a 4-board model (14' and smaller boats), you will need four floorboards. For a 5-board model (15' and larger boats), you will need five floorboards.

Now, inflate your boat to approximately 30% full. This will make inserting the floorboards easier.

For a 4-board model, place floorboard No.1 at the bow part, No.4 at the transom part, and No.2 and No.3 in the middle, ensuring that the keel valve is located at the centre of No.1 board's hole. For a 5-board model, place the floorboards as follows: bow board, No.1, No.4, and No.2 and No.3 in the middle, again ensuring that the keel valve is located at the centre of No.2 board's hole.

Now, press down on No.2 and No.3 at the same time to join them well and flatly. For a 5-board model, you will press down on all three middle floorboards at the same time.

Next, insert the stringers into the side edges of the floorboards. The stringers are designed to cover the joint connection points of the floor sections, so they will not run the whole length of the floor. To make fitting the stringers easier, place an oar under the boat hull.

It is recommended that you have two people perform the installation, at least for the first few times.

Now, inflate the keel and position it so that the air valve is on top and in the middle. Then, deflate the keel while keeping the valve in the middle. This will ensure that the keel valve is properly positioned within the opening in the front section of the floor.

Finally, place the floorboards inside the boat hull, ensuring equal distances are left between the edges of the floor plates and the edge of the boat bottom. You will need these spaces to install the stringers.

And that's it! You've now successfully installed the floorboards of your Saturn boat.

Inserting the stringers

Firstly, it is recommended to have at least two people for the installation process, especially if it is your first time. Start by placing the floorboards inside the boat hull. For a 4-board model (14' and smaller boats), place floorboard No.1 at the bow part, No.4 at the transom part, and ensure that the keel valve is located at the centre of board No.1's hole. For the 5-board model (15' and larger boats), place the floorboards as follows: Bow board, No.1, No.4, and ensure that the keel valve is located at the centre of board No.2's hole.

Now, it's time to insert the stringers. The stringers are designed to cover the joint connection points of the floor sections and should not run the entire length of the floor. Place the stringers into the side edges of the floorboards. For easy fitting, you can place an oar under the boat hull to slightly elevate the floorboards. The side edges of the floorboards should fit into the C-channel of the stringer. Make sure to inspect the floor to ensure there are no sharp edges that could damage the inflatable tubes.

The two middle floorboards will overlap slightly. Lift them into an "A" shape and apply direct pressure until they are installed flatly. Repeat this process for the other side.

Finally, fully inflate the tubes to squeeze the stringers into the floor channels. The tubes should be rigid and wrinkle-free, without any soft spots.

Now you are one step closer to enjoying your Saturn boat out on the water!

Final checks before boating

Once you've installed the floor of your Saturn boat, there are several crucial checks to perform before you set sail. Here is a comprehensive pre-departure checklist to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience:

Battery Checks:

• Ensure the battery is fully charged and securely mounted.
• Check the battery's fluid levels and terminals for any signs of corrosion.
• Consider carrying a spare battery or a portable battery charger as a precautionary measure.

Bilge Inspection:

• Make sure the bilge is clean, dry, and free of any debris or waste.
• Test the bilge pump to ensure it is in proper working condition.
• Inspect the hull for any leaks, cracks, or damage that could be causing water intrusion into the bilge.
• Verify that all switches, including those for lights, pumps, and electronics, are functioning as expected.

Engine and Propulsion Systems:

• Test the Engine Cut Off Switch (ECOS) or "kill switch" to ensure it is operational.
• Check the propulsion and cooling systems for any issues.
• Inspect the engine compartment for oil leaks and address them if present.
• Change the oil filter, water filter, and spark plugs if necessary.

Navigation Lights and Devices:

• Ensure all navigation lights are operational, including emergency flashlights, an anchor light, and a stern light in case of power failure.
• Carry at least two sound-producing devices, such as an air horn, bell, or whistle, to signal in case of an emergency.
• If using an air horn, remember to pack a spare can of compressed air.

Safety Equipment:

• Ensure you have a sufficient number of life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) in good condition for all passengers on board.
• Have a minimum of one U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD per passenger and a total of at least two PFDs on board.
• If your boat exceeds 16 feet in length, carry a throwable type four PFD as well.
• Inform all passengers about the location and usage of life jackets and other safety gear.
• Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in an easily accessible location.

Fuel and Engine Maintenance:

• Check your fuel level and plan according to the rule of thirds: one-third for the outbound trip, one-third for the return trip, and one-third reserved for emergencies.
• Inspect the coolant and engine oil levels, ensuring they are adequate before departing.
• Change the boat's oil filter periodically to maintain a clean and debris-free engine oil system.
• If equipped, ensure the engine shut-off line is in good condition and properly connected.

Additional Checks:

• Verify that all required safety equipment is on board, easily accessible, and in good working order.
• Keep a basic toolbox with commonly used spare parts, such as fuel and oil filters, spark plugs, belts, oil, and coolant.
• Distribute the weight of passengers and gear evenly, maintaining a low center of gravity.
• Ensure all boat operators have the necessary certifications, such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or equivalent proof of competency.
• Leave a float plan with a trusted contact, informing them of your destination and expected return time.
• Run the blowers for at least four minutes before starting the engine to prevent the buildup of fumes.

Frequently asked questions