Stowaway K2 - Assembly and Rigging

The K2 - Assembly and Rigging

The full owners' manual, including these detailed assembly and rigging instructions, can be downloaded as a PDF file for printing from our Downloads page.

The K2 comes complete with all the components necessary to take the boat sailing.

Be careful when opening packaging to ensure you do not damage the contents.

Whilst your K2 has been carefully prepared, it is important that you should check that all bolts are tight. This is especially important when the boat is new, as travelling can loosen seemingly tight fittings. It is also important to regularly check such items prior to sailing.

Attaching the Main Sail to the Boom & Gaff

Most people attach the main sail permanently to the boom and gaff and roll the sail up round the boom and gaff and store it with the mast – usually in a sail/spar bag.

To attach the main sail

Use the white cord provided.

1 Tie the top of the sail to the black plastic bulls eye at the top of the gaff.

2 Tie the middle of the sail to the black plastic bulls eye at the bottom of the Gaff.

3 Tie the bottom leading edge of the sail to the black plastic bulls eye at the front of the boom.

4 Lace the top half of the sail to the gaff using the eyelets and the thin cord (see the first picture)

Note: the foot of the sail is attached to a cord which is called the clew outhaul and is threaded through the bulls eye at the aft end of the boom and can be controlled via a jam cleat halfway along the boom.

Assembling a Stowaway K2

Step 1
Open boat up preferably on grass to avoid damaging/scratching the fibreglass.

Step 2
Insert centre thwart

Step 3
Secure catches on top.

Step 4
Secure catches underneath, located either side of centre box.

Step 5
Attach Forward Transom (bow plate).

Step 6
Secure catch to keel.

Step 7
Secure internal side catches.

Step 8
Insert forward thwart.

Secure catches

... and insert locking pin if provided

Step 9
Attach stern transom & secure side catches.

Secure catch to keel plate

Step 10
Insert stern thwart

Secure catches (& locking pins if provided).

Fitting Buoyancy Bags

Step 1
Put buoyancy straps through bridges on side and bottom of hull.

8 straps in total: Note: these can be left in the boat when folded away.

Step 2
Partially inflate and insert stern buoyancy bag first (if provided) – fully inflate once in place and strap in (2 straps)

Step 3
Partially inflate the long buoyancy tubes & ensure that they push against the stern bag to hold it in place.

Keep the inflation valve visible at the bow end for easy access.

Step 4
Tighten all straps (these will then be the correct length for future use).

Step 5
Fully inflate the tubes. Note: be aware that the bags will expand as the ambient temperature rises & if under too much pressure may puncture. The air in the bags may contract overtime and/or if the ambient temperature drops, requiring extra air to keep them fully inflated; we suggest therefore you take the pump with you when afloat.

Note: these buoyancy tubes may be attached to the outside of the boat if preferred. This will provide fendering and also reduce the risk of capsize. However keep the stern bag in position.

Securing Side Seats

Secure side seats with bolts and wing nuts...

... or drop nose pins if provided.

Note: these can be permanently attached to the side seats with wire or string to prevent loss

Insert & secure rowlocks only if rowing.

Rigging the Stowaway K2 for Sailing

Step 1
Check that the main sail is securing and correctly attached to the boom and gaff (see separate pictures for attaching this; normally the sail is kept on the boom and gaff and stored with the mast.

Step 2
Lay the mast in the boat with the foot of the mast near the mast step (on floor of boat). Then secure the 2 side stays using the catches provided.

Step 3
Stand the mast upright in the mast step & tension the forestay using the cord...

…then tie off the forestay with 2 half hitches or a clove hitch.

Jib Sail

Step 4
Secure the top of the jib sail to the uphaul (cord ring to top of mast) as shown in these photographs

Step 5
Pull the jib sail up using the front uphaul & at the same time clip the sail onto the forestay as you pull the sail up.

Step 6
With the cord remaining from the forestay, secure the jib sail to the bow.

Step 7
Tie off with 2 half hitches or a clove hitch

Main Sail

Step 1
Attach boom to mast using split pin.

Step 2
Attach gaff to slider, ensure pin is secure

Step 3
Attach uphaul to the lower fitting on the gaff (unless reefing the sail in which case use the higher fitting)

Step 4
Haul the gaff up and then thread the thin cord around the mast and back through the eyelets in the front of the sail.
Note: check that the cord goes inside the sail uphauls.

Step 5
Tie off the cord at the boom

Step 6
Attach vang/kicker to mast.

Note: The dagger board should only be put in when the boat is in the water. If the water is shallow, hold the dagger board up using the elasticated cord attached to the front of the centre thwart and securing it to the back of the centre thwart.

The rudder/tiller are best put on when the boat is in the water. If not care must be taken not to damage the rudder on the ground.

Note: the tiller goes underneath the rope horse

You are now ready to launch the boat.