Hydrobikes by Fun Watercraft introduces the HydroBike

• Read this manual completely before assembling and operating your EXPLORER

• Consult a competent medical authority prior to undertaking any exercise or fitness program that involves the use of the EXPLORER.

• ALWAYS wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) when riding on the EXPLORER.

• The maximum load capacity of the EXPLORER I is 400 pounds; 600 pounds for the EXPLORER II.

• Do not carry passengers on your EXPLORER.

• Do not allow anyone to sit on the handlebars.

• Do not pedal the EXPLORER from a standing position

• Avoid swimmers, swimming areas, and boat traffic.

• Know and follow the boating laws and regulations of the area in which you are using the EXPLORER.

• Do not operate your EXPLORER after sunset or before dawn, unless your EXPLORER is equipped with lights.  Please follow the laws regarding boating in the dark in the area in which you are using the EXPLORER.

• Watch for underwater obstacles when operating the EXPLORER in shallow water.

• Ask about local conditions before using your EXPLORER in unfamiliar waters.

• Never use your EXPLORER in stormy weather or when there is lightning.  Seek shelter on shore if a storm is coming.

• Although the pedals are suitable for bare feet, wearing hard-bottomed footwear (sneakers or other water footwear) is recommended.

• Never wear loose clothing that could become entangled in any moving part of the EXPLORER.

• Never use the EXPLORER while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The EXPLORER brings bicycling to the water.  Water cycling is fun, safe and easy.  And like biking, it’s a wonderful way to have fun and get exercise.

Can be used for a wide variety of water activities:

• Sightseeing, adventure and exploration - - just like land biking
• Fishing - - Quietly pedal to the perfect spot
• Camping - - Takes you to where you want to go.
• Photography - - The EXPLORER is stable and well balanced.
• Swimming/snorkeling - - you can climb off and back onto the floats.
• Exercise - - Great for endurance, muscle tone and cardiovascular workout.

Comes in single (one rider) or double (two riders) models.

Moves in forward or reverse for safety and maneuverability.

Bike on lakes, rivers or even the ocean.

Faster than a paddleboat or a canoe:

• Cruising speed…………………….5mph
• Top Speed…………………………8-10 mph

Upright riding position provides comfort and full vision.

• And won’t get wet!

Stable:

• Well-balanced due to its catamaran design.

Quick and easy disassembly for storage.

Easy to Transport.

No harm to the environment:

• No noise, air or water pollution.

Low Maintenance.

Computer-designed drive system delivers over 90% theoretical efficiency.

Step 1:

The frame (including the drive train, propeller, pedals, chain and chain guard) comes pre-assembled.  Some basic assemble, however, is required.  The procedure for this assembly is easy and takes only minutes.

 Put the seat/seat post assembly into the bike frame and tighten the quick release lever.                                     

Do not replace the provided seat post with an aluminum alloy seat post.  This will damage the frame.

Be sure the seat is parallel to the top of the frame.

Step 2:  Put the rudder assembly into the bike frame.

• Depress the two buttons at the top of the rudder assembly tube and slide the tube into the bike frame, as shown, until the buttons appear and snap open again.

Be careful not to pinch your fingers with the buttons.

The purpose of the buttons is to lock the rudder assembly in its UP position.  See “Adjusting the Rudder” later in this manual for a description of the two rudder positions.

• Fit the rudder collar over the top of the rudder assembly, as shown; snug to hold  in place, but do not tighten.

• Assemble the handlebar into the handlebar stem.  Rotate the handlebar to your preference and tighten the nut with the provided 6mm Allen Wrench (gold-colored).

• Place the stem into the rudder tube.  Be sure the handlebars are perpendicular to the rudder.

• Again using the 6mm Allen Wrench (gold-colored), tighten the handlebar stem.

• Attach the handgrips.

• Lastly, tighten the rudder collar.

Step 3:  Put the cross tubes onto the floats.

• Attach the ends of the two cross tubes to one of the floats with two black clamping knobs, as shown,keeping the knobs loose.
  • Align both floats the same and attach the other of the cross tubes with two black clamping knobs.

   

  Step 4:  Put the bike frame onto the cross tubes.

   

  • Locate the front ends of the floats.

   

  The front ends of the floats are inscribed with the raised warning about wearing personal floatation devices.

   

  IMPORTANT!  Be sure the floats are position correctly.  The EXPLORER will not provide optimum balance and stability when the floats are not oriented properly.

   

  • Set the bike frame on the cross tubes so the rudder is toward the front of the floats.  Line up the holes on the bike frame with the holes on the cross tubes, as shown.

   

  • For each of the four frame holes, insert a bolt through the bottom and attach the black clamping knob.  Hand-tighten only.  Do not use a wrench to tighten the black clamping knobs.  Hand tightening is all that is necessary.  Using a wrench or other tools may damage the knobs.

   

  Do not use a hammer or other tool to line up the holes of the bike frame and the cross tubes.  If the holes do not line up, make sure you have followed the steps properly.

  • If assembling with “SIDE-DECKS”, remove both knobs from one float, set “SIDE-DECK” on cross tubes, and re-attach knobs.
    

    Step 5:  Check all eight black clamping knobs to make sure they are securely hand tightened.
     
    Step 6:  Installation of Drive Train Lever.

     

    Fit clamps (three) loosely around the Drive Train (DT) with tightening screws positioned on the right side of the DT.  Note:  clamps tighten most effectively is screw is positioned on forward curve and on the right side of the DT assembly as shown.  The screw should FACE TO THE REAR of the bikes for easy access when tightening.

     

    • (1) Position the “Lever” mount against the back of the DT (facing) the rear of the bikes with the DT assembly in the down position.  The 2 inch key should be at the bottom of the mount

     

    • (2) Position the top of mount just below the 2^nd screw from the TOP on the backside of the Drive Train (just above the drive train strut bumper).  When installation of the drive train lever is complete, the DT lever Clamps will straddle the strut bumper.  Failure to do this will impair lifting of the drive train.  Very Important!

     

    • (3) Place the lever onto the mount allowing the mounting key to fit into the lever slot.  The bottom of the lever should be flush with the bottom of the mount.

     

    • (4) Slide the first clamp up to the TOP of the mount and lightly tighten

     

    • (5) Position the second clamp just above the BOTTOM of the mount and tighten securely, making sure the key fits into the lever slot.  Tighten the top clamp securely.  The third clamp should be positioned between 1^st and 2^nd clamps.  Installation is now complete.  The lever should fit between the frame and the side-deck when the Drive Train is in the up position.

     

    • (6) Recheck and re-tighten clamps after first use and then periodically thereafter.

     

    • (7) If the Drive Train becomes hard to rotate DO NOT use the DTL to force the Drive Train up.  (This may cause the DTL and mount to fail).  If the Drive Train is hard to rotate, place 1 or 2 drops of oil at the top of the friction lock and rotate the Drive Train 3 or 4 times to allow the oil to seep in between the friction lock and frame.  DO NOT OVER OIL!!

        

       

       

The EXPLORER can easily be transported.

NOTE:  The propeller drive train should be fastened in the UP position for transporting.

In general, there are three ways to transport your EXPLORER.

1. Trailer or Truck.

Set one fully assembled EXPLORER on a trailer or in a truck and fasten securely.

2. On Top of a Car.

Set one fully assembled EXPLORER onto a car-roof rack, and fasten securely. Make sure that the car-roof rack is rated for the proper weight of the EXPLORER and other miscellaneous gear.

1. Disassembled.

Disassemble the EXPLORER and transport the individual sections.

Two EXPLORERS can be transported in the same space required for one:

This section explains various things you should know about your EXPLORER before attempting to ride.

Precautions

• Please read the “Safety Information” section at the beginning of this manual before proceeding any further.

• The rider should be at least five feet tall to ride the EXPLORER.  When seated on the EXPLORER, the rider’s feet should comfortably reach the pedals.

• Do not stand or sit on the front or back tips of the floats while the EXPLORER is in the water.

• When the EXPLORER is on land, be sure the propeller drive train is in the UP position.

• The EXPLORER requires a depth of at least 18″ of water.  If the propeller drive train is in the DOWN position before you step onto the EXPLORER, make sure the water is deep enough so that the drive train does not touch the bottom.  This may damage the propeller.

• If possible, choose a sandy shore when bringing the EXPLORER into land.  Do not ride up to onto a concrete boat launch.  This may damage the floats.

Adjusting the Rudder

Your EXPLORER has two rudder positions:

UP Position               Use the UP position when the EXPLORER is in shallow water or out of the water.  In this position, the bottom of the rudder is above the bottom of the floats.

DOWN Position        Use the DOWN position for the best steering results.  In this position, the bottom of the rudder is lower than the bottom of the floats.

To put the rudder in the DOWN position, depress the two buttons on the rudder assembly tube and slide the handlebars down.

Once you have arrived at the water and have unloaded your EXPLORER:

Step 1            Make sure the propeller drive train is in the UP position.

Step 2            Make sure the rudder is in the UP position.

Step 3            Adjust the seat to the proper height.

Step 4            Push the EXPLORER onto the water.

Step 5            Board the EXPLORER. Step between the cross tubes of the float.

Step 6            Rotate the propeller drive train to its DOWN position once the water is deep enough to prevent the drive train from striking the bottom.  Make sure the propeller drive train is securely in its frame saddle.

Step 7            Move the rudder to the DOWN position, for the best steering results.

Step 8            Begin pedaling.  You can also pedal your EXPLORER in reverse.

Coming Back to Shore

CAUTION If possible, choose a soft or sandy shore.  If you come to a shore where there are rocks or concrete, you may damage the EXPLORER.

When you are ready to go back to the shore and take your EXPLORER out of the water:

Step 1            Make sure the rudder is in the UP position.

Step 2            Pedal towards the shore, then stop pedaling and coast in.  When the propeller drive train touches bottom, it will simply nudge back and up on its own.

CAUTION Do not pedal backwards in shallow water.  This may damage the propeller drive train.

Step 3            Rotate the propeller drive train to its UP position.

Steering

Turn the handlebars to steer, just as you would on a bicycle.  Turn gradually.  Over-steering can cause the EXPLORER to slow down.

Different rider weights and rudder depths affect steering.  The handlebars may be adjusted right or left to compensate for these differences.

For best steering results, put the rudder In the DOWN position.

Stopping

There are three ways to stop your EXPLORER:

• 1. Stop pedaling.

• 2. Pedal backwards.

• 3. Turn the handlebars sharply to either the right or left, so that the rudder is perpendicular to the floats.

To stop quickly, pedal backwards and turn the handlebars sharply.

Reversing

To travel backwards, simply pedal in reverse.  The propeller drive train may come out of its frame saddle during abrupt reversing.  If this happens, pedal forward slowly until the propeller drive train settles back into the frame saddle.

CAUTION Do not pedal backwards into shallow water.  This may damage the propeller drive train.

The EXPLORER requires very little maintenance.  There are only a few things you need to do:

Once A Day - Saltwater

After using the EXPLORER in saltwater, be sure to wash the floats and frame with soap and water, or at least hose the EXPLORER down with water.  Also, re-lubricate the chain with non-toxic USDA approved lubricant to preserve the environment.  This is the same lubricant used inside the drive train and to lubricate the friction-lock (do not use petroleum based lubricants; they can deteriorate the friction lock and cause need to replace).  This lubricant can be purchased from your local FunWatercraft Products distributor.  See replacement parts list on the back of this manual for part number.

Once a Week During Use

Lubricate the corrosion-resistant chain with the same lubricant as above.  This makes the chain quieter and more efficient.

If the drive train seems to stiff when moving up and down, lubricate the friction lock with 2-4 drops of this approved lubricant, as needed.  Excess lubrication of the friction-lock will reduce the friction-lock’s ability to provide reverse thrust capability.

With repeated use or in rental situations, lubricate the seat post with 1-2 drops of this lubricant.

Once a Year - Winterize

Change the drive train lubricant, as described in Appendix A.  FunWatercraft Products drive train lubricant is the same USDA approved lubricant as above lubricant.  Your drive train lubricant kit comes with replacement drain plug seals and an easy to use funnel-top bottle.  Failure to use this type ecologically safe, high pressure, non-toxic, commercial grade lubricant or an equivalent will void the one (1) year drive train warranty.

You may clean the floats and bike frame with soap and water.

CAUTION Do not wax the floats.  This will make the tops of the floats slippery and could cause injury from falling.

CAUTION Do not oil, lubricate, or grease the steering bushings.  This will attract sand/dirt or debris that will cause abrasion and reduce the life of the bushing.  This nylon bushing is blended with PTFE and requires no lubrication.

The propeller drive train is assembled at the factory, and no adjustments can be made internally.  Any tampering with the drive unit (attempting to disassemble) will void your one (1) year warranty or extended warranty if purchased later.

Miscellaneous

1. For best working conditions, place the HYDROBIKE (frame & floats) on a workbench so that the DT can be rotated easily during assembly.

2. The left side of the bike is the left side when riding the bike.

3. Tools required:  Phillips Screwdriver, pliers and crescent wrench.

To Remove the Drive Train (DT)

1. Remove the chain by rotating to the up position

2. Remove the chain-guard screws on the left side of the bike using pliers to hold the spacers from turning.

3. Remove four Philips head screws next to the 16-tooth sprocket.

4. By pushing with the heal of your hand, push in on the sprocket to loosen the FL, or rubber-like bushing, assembly.

5. Pull the FL over the 16-tooth sprocket.  The FL is not centered over the sprocket, so pull on the appropriate side of the FL.  (Do NOT attempt to remove the 16-tooth sprocket.)

6. Remove the drive train from the left side of the bike frame.

7. All the old DT parts must be returned to FunWatercraft Products to complete the warranty.

1. Mark the orientation of the FL to DT before completing step 2 so that the four screws go back in the same holes in the DT for proper alignment.

2. Remove the four screws next to the 16-tooth bike sprocket and remove the FL.

3. Place a thin film of your HYDROBIKE chain lubricant in the inside of the FL to aid in the installation.

4. Place the DT through the frame from the left side of the bike.

5. Place the FL over the 16-tooth sprocket and push in from the right side.

6. Push on the FL with a “flat” tool (or handle of crescent wrench) and rotate the DT at the same time to fully seat the FL.

7. If it is too difficult to press the FL in, remove two inches of tape at a time (if too loose, add two inches) and repeat steps 4-7.

8. Use a small nail or bent paper clip to assure proper alignment of the holes before installing the screw.  The DT should hold itself in any position needing only minimal force to rotate.

9. Install/tighten four screws until they slightly deform the FL.

To Replace the Friction-Lock (FL)

1. Follow instructions 1-6 of “To Remove the Drive Train (DT)”.

2. If the tape on the DT is damaged, remove it, clean the DT with alcohol, and add the same amount of new tape.

3. Follow instructions 1-9 of “To Install the Replacement Drive Train (DT)”.