Quick Start Setup Guide for the Azul Pedal Pro 8.5 Air

Quick Start Setup Guide for the Azul Pedal Pro 8.5 Air

(Download PDF version at bottom of this page)

All Pedal Pro 8.5 Air’s come standard with certain parts and components including but not limited to:

  • High Comfort Seat
  • Seat Straps (x4)
  • High Volume Floor Pump
  • 4 Piece Paddle
  • Roller Storage Bag
  • Paddle Leash
  • Adjustable Rod Holder
  • Kayak Sail
  • Patch/repair kit
  • Safety Kit
  • Impulse Drive + Pod
  • Rudder system

For your safety, and to ensure your highest level of enjoyment out of your Pedal Pro 8.5 Air, it is important that you read and follow all instructions laid out in this guide.


 STORING AND TRANSPORTING THE PEDAL PRO 8.5 AIR:

The Pedal Pro 8.5 Air is unprecedented in the Azul Kayaks lineup in that transportation is as easy as tossing a backpack in the back of your compact car. Despite this, there are a few guidelines that you should follow.


 Always ensure that your Azul Kayaks bag is zipped up if transporting the watercraft outside of your vehicle. An unzipped bag can beat itself into failure, and it is possible that the deflated kayak will turn into an airplane on the highway. Be creative though! This bag fits in many ATVs, compact cars, small aircrafts, etc. We would love to see the unique places you take this thing!


 If transporting the watercraft inflated, take extra caution to not overtighten your cam buckle straps (it is NOT recommended to use ratchet straps of any kind), and ensure that there are no sharp burrs or objects that may puncture your boat. Transportation of an inflated kayak should follow normal guidelines such as having 2 securing straps, and a bow and stern line for safety. This boat is much lighter than a hard-sided kayak.


 Transportation of inflated watercraft should ONLY be done for relatively short distances and lower speeds. The boat should be flat on a roof rack, truck bed with extender, or ladder rack. It should NOT be transported on J-Cradles or standing vertically.


 Storing the watercraft is best done in the bag, in a cool and dry place. Do not store the Pedal Pro 8.5 Air in direct sunlight. If storing inflated or out of the bag, ensure that there is nothing sharp or abrasive that will wear into your watercraft over time.


If transporting the watercraft via airplane, the bag should be TSA approved for most airlines, we suggest checking with your provider before planning your trip/heading to the airport. All pieces should be stored INSIDE the bag to ensure everything will arrive safely.

 

PEDAL PRO 8.5 AIR BAG FEATURES:

  • Pedal Pro 8.5 Air should be inserted into the bag vertically and secured with the inside straps.
  • Azul Kayaks Seat also fits in the bag at a horizontal position, almost cradling the rolled up inflatable.
  • Paddles can be stored inside the bag for extra security and longer transportation, but they can also be stored on the side of the bag quickly.
  • The pump should be strapped in on the side of the bag by inserting from the bottom and then clipping the strap tightly at the top.
  • The bag does have wheels to roll, but be sure to clip all the straps away from the wheels to avoid getting tangled up.
  • There are straps at the chest and waist to help support bag weight while carrying.

SET UP THE PEDAL PRO 8.5 AIR:

Setting up and inflating your Pedal Pro 8.5 Air watercraft is simple: just add air. But how you do that differs a bit depending on which valve you have.  There three valves and chambers to fill up.

 Only use air pumps and compressors designed for use with inflatable type watercraft! Your car tire pump will not work, and you risk damaging your watercraft if you use any other means to inflate.

 Inflation is simple—this valve is a 2-way high volume valve and operates with the push and twist of the center star button. To inflate, ensure that the button is in the UP position. This position allows air in but not out.

  1. Attach the pump with a ¼ turn.
  2. Pump watercraft to a max of 15 PSI.
  3. Replace valve cover.

To deflate, press the button down, turn to lock it in place, and let that air WHOOSH out (keep face clear, it’s a lot of pressure releasing the first few seconds).

  1. To fully deflate, you may pump the air out using the deflate side of your floor pump.
  2. Starting at the bow of the watercraft, fold and push air out as you continue to fold your way to the stern.
  3. Once fully deflated, you can close the valve by pressing the button in the opposite direction. This will ensure it’s ready to inflate next time.

AZUL KAYAKS HIGH COMFORT SEAT:

Utilizing the same all-day comfort fabric and frames from our other seats, but still keeping things compact enough to fit in your Azul Kayaks Roller Bag.

 Attaching the Seat to the Pedal Pro 8.5 Air:

  1. Position the seat between the four center D-Rings (just behind the Azul Kayaks logo on the deck)
  2. Loop the included short tie down straps over the horizontal bar on the seat.
  3. Loop the strap through the on-deck D-Rings
  4. Tighten evenly ensuring that your seat stays centered between the 4 points.

Attaching the Steering Handle to the Pedal Pro 8.5 Air:

  1. The Steering Handle mounts on the accessory track to the right side of the seat frame.
  2. Loosen the star knob and flat nut, then slide the nut and handle assembly into the accessory track.
  3. Position the Steering Handle in a location you desire.
  4. Tighten star knob to secure in place.

AZUL KAYAKS RUDDER SYSTEM :

To help the Pedal Pro 8.5 Air track steer, it comes with a rudder system that can be engaged by lowering it or raising it when not needed for transport.  The Steering Handle mounts on the accessory track to the right side of the seat frame.

  1. Elevate the end of the kayak by putting something underneath it to prop it up to easily work on it.
  2. Slide the rudder mount over the rear of the inflated hull (you may need to deflate the deck chamber slightly to make it fit on snuggly).
  3. Secure the mount using the 2 straps with buckles attaching the mount to the two rear D-rings either side of craft.  Securely tighten the straps.
  4. Next, remove the cotter pin from the end of the rudder pin bolt.
  5. Straighten out the rudder uphaul and downhaul ropes making sure they are not crossed, then insert the rudder pin into the rudder mount.  Pull the ropes forward so there is no slack at the rudder end.
  6. Re-insert the cotter pin back on the end of the rudder pin bolt.
  7. Using a star head screwdriver, undo the nuts and washer from the rudder bolts on either side of the rudder.
  8. Slide the metal rudder cable loops onto each bolt, then re-attach the washer and nut again.
  9. Tighten with screwdriver and small wrench or pliers.

 AZUL KAYAKS IMPULSE DRIVE:

The Pedal Pro 8.5 Air comes equipped with the pedal Impulse Drive. Installing the Impulse drive is easy, just follow these steps!

Insert the Drive Pod into the front deck opening with the arrow and label “Front”  facing the front of the kayak.  Note: you may need to deflate the deck a bit to insert it, then can add some more air back in after.

1.     Using a star head screwdriver, install tracks on the pod base (if not already installed) lining up the 4 recessed bolt holes with the holes on the tracks.

2.     Snap together the three pieces of the mounting plate with handle part as the front and the other two pieces as the sides. It should be a square U shape when put together. 

3.     Install the pedal arms on your pedal drive:

a.     Use the allen key to unscrew the bolt

b.     Ensure you have the correct side, they are labeled L and R for Left and Right

c.     Place the crank arm onto the spindle

d.     Tighten the bolt back into place (reverse threaded for the left arm)

e.     Repeat for the 2nd side ensuring your pedals are positioned opposite each other

4.     Slot the plastic retention bar into the keyed hole at the front of the mount.

5.     Attach the mounting receptacle into the gear tracks starting at the retention bar and sliding it all forward

6.     Slide the gear track nuts into the track

7.     Slot the cam lock bolts through the holes at the rear of the mounting receptacle.

8.     Tighten the bolts into the track nuts making sure the rubber washer is sandwiched between the cam and the receptacle

9.     Actuate the cam lever to tighten being careful to not overtighten the unit, you want it just tight enough to not slide when in use.


To install the drive into the pod:
1. Slide the mounting plate on the drive under the lip on the rear (closest to you) of the pod.
2. Press down on the front of the pod angling the mounting plate against the retention bar
3. Pull up on the retention bar pulling it over the top of the mounting plate on the drive locking it into place
4. Pedal!
5. The drive can be adjusted forward and back using the cam locks on the gear tracks and sliding the whole unit into position then locking the cams back into place

You are ready to hit the water with your Impulse Pedal drive system, the system needs very little maintenance and is good to put on some serious miles! Be sure to rinse the drive after use in salt water, and be sure to remove the whole system before transport! 


REPAIRING THE PEDAL PRO 8.5 AIR:

The Pedal Pro 8.5 Air is one rugged air-filled watercraft which means normal use will not result in problems. People express concern about fishing hooks on inflatables, but this drop-stitched PVC material is a lot more robust than they realize. However, things happen and if they do, you should be prepared, so we include a repair kit in your package. This includes glue and a patch. Repairing small holes is simple and will give you years more of worry-free adventure out of your boat.

  1. Partially inflate your Pedal Pro 8.5 Air (5-7 PSI is plenty).
  2. Apply soapy water to suspected leaking area and look for bubbles.
  3. Mark the leak with a marker or pencil.
  4. Clean the area thoroughly.
  5. Test place the included patch over the leak and cut to size (round patches adhere best).
  6. Deflate the kayak fully.
  7. Apply the included PVC contact glue underline (DO NOT USE SUPERGLUE) to the area around the leak AND on the patch itself. You can layer the glue by letting it dry and applying additional thin layers—this will give you a better bond and is less messy than trying to goop more glue on all at once, but it is not always necessary to layer.
  8. Let glue dry so that it is just barely tacky.
  9. Place the cut patch shiny side out over the hole. The patch will stick IMMEDIATELY so ensure you have it lined up.
  10. Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer.
  11. Apply pressure to the patched area, letting it dry and bond fully.
  12. For the best results, let it set for 24 hours with pressure applied.

Quick Assembly Video Overview: