3P Supplemental Bow Float (with bracket)
[CNF-9800619 (3A4)]

Instructions from Tom@topkayaker.net

Confluence Watersports does not supply instructions with this replacement part. Service parts such as this are supposed to be installed by the staff at a kayak specialty shop, but the big box stores have made most of these kayak specialty shop close their doors. The big box stores have no intension of performing this kind of service.

Bear in mind that this part is considered optional or unnecessary. Most modern kayaks do not have this kind of floatation, probably in an effort to cut costs and sell more kayaks at a lower retail price, as dictated by the big box stores.

This part is meant to be used as a replacement part for lost or damaged bow floatation foam common on older Perception Prodigy, Wilderness Systems Pungo or Pamlico kayaks (3Ps). The assumption is that you can simply see how this part is to be installed by looking the remaining pieces and screw holes already in the kayak.

This part is so generic it can be used for nearly all other makes and models of kayaks as supplemental flotation.

Instructions for installing this part in a kayak that has never had one of these before:

This bow float is meant to be mounted inside the kayak in the furthest forward location possible.

The mounting bracket (14820031) is to be secured to the bow deck of the kayak with 4 screws, 4 nuts and 4 washers. Use the bracket link to see a photo that shows the suggested hardware. It is best to get your mounting hardware from your local hardware store, or if necessary go to our Hardware category. Select stainless steel hardware.

Identify a rough location for the foam float by putting the float inside the kayak as far forward as space will allow. It is ok if it does not fill the bow tip. A person with a powerful flashlight can shine inside the kayak, and 2nd person can clearly see and mark the location (with blue painter’s tape) on the outside.

Take the float out and fine tune your bracket location using the float outside the kayak on the deck with a 2nd set of markings. Remove the bracket from the foam float (one single screw and nut). Using the bracket as a template mark your drill hole locations with a sharpie marker. Bear in mind that the bracket has long screw slots so you tweak the final install. This is not rocket engineering, it does not have to be absolutely precise.

Drill your four holes marked on the bow deck. Use a drill bit that matches the screw diameter. Insert a screw in each hole. The rest of the operation may be performed with the kayak suspended/supported at shoulder level, sideways or upside down, if the inside of the bow is hard to reach. Slip the bracket onto the four screws inside the kayak. Secure each screw with a washer and nut. Leave a tiny bit loose so you can slide the bracket!

Place the foam float back into the bracket and secure with the long screw only. Slide the float as far forward as possible. Mark the location of the bracket with a sharpie marker inside the kayak. Remove the float from the bracket. Tighten the 4 screws and nuts fully to finalize your marked bracket location. Place the foam float back in the bracket again and secure with the long screw and nut. Do not overtighten.

Now you are done. You will see the supplemental float inside the kayak and four screw heads outside the kayak.

Alternatively you might use four very long stainless steel wood screws (maybe 2-4 inches long) and skip the washers and nuts. The instructions above are still applicable for the most part.

Get back to me if needed using the contact us, or ask Tom link above.