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9. Assemble the stern in the same way you assembled the bow, using the stern keel end, the bottom stern
keel section marked with numbers 5 through 7, and the two side frames marked right (starboard) stern
and left (port) stern. Complete the assembly with crossframes 6 and 7.
At this point you should have both halves of the frame assembled. Well done! Now it is time to insert the
frames into the boatskin.
10. Unfold the boatskin and open it up as much as possible with the hull side down. Note that the bow
(front) end of the skin has a FOLBOT patch sewn in place. Open the Velcro flaps and unzip both zippers.
11. Now insert each frame half into the skin. There are aluminum tracks on the inside of the skin that
align with each keel end of the frame. Move the frame into the skin as far as possible, keeping everything
on center. Make sure all the aluminum tubing ends are tucked into the skin, and that the keel ends are
properly set in the aluminum tracks. Now zip up the front deck to see if the zipper is aligned with the
deck strut. If not, unzip and reposition the frame until centered and zip up the deck. Repeat with rear
deck zipper.
12. You should now have three frame latches in the
middle of the boat not yet engaged, and two sets of
lower longerons not yet connected.
Assemble the bottom keel latch by inserting the
smaller stern end into the larger bow end of the latch
(see photo at left). Slowly press it down toward the
bottom of the boat to stretch out the boatskin. Don’t
worry—nothing will break! The latch may pop back up
when you relieve it, but this is okay for now.
Check that the keel ends are within the aluminum
tracks on the inside of the skin by feeling the
alignment on the outside of the skin.
13. The side frame latches are joined in the same way
as the bottom keel latch. You may need to push
downward slightly as you close each latch. Avoid
trapping the clear sponson tubes in the latches, but
don’t worry if this happens—you can always free them
afterward.
All latches should now be closed and the boatskin
tight.
14. Now join the two sets of lower longerons. For each
set, slide the external tube out of the way (you may
need to disengage the snap button first), and line up
the two ends of the longeron. The tubing must be
straight so that you can now slide the external tube
back over the joint. Engage the snap button by
twisting the pieces until the button pops up into the
hole provided (see photo at left).
Don’t worry if you cannot engage the button in the hole, as this is not mandatory. Just make sure the
sliding tube is positioned directly over the point where the two longerons meet. The tube will not move
when the longeron is in its natural curved position.
15. To complete the frame, install crossframes 3, 4 and 5 into position. Remember, crossframe 3 must be
oriented properly so that its metal bracket engages the keyhole plates at the proper angle. If the angle is
not correct, simply reverse the crossframe. Sticker #3 and #5 must face the cockpit, and sticker #4 faces
the stern (back).
Tip: You may find it easier to attach the crossframe to the sideframe from the opposite side of the boat.