Hydrobikes by Fun Watercraft introduces the HydroBike

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)”.

Þ        Chain:

Many resorts utilize two chains.  One is soaked in Diesel fuel and then replaces the chain on the bike.  They change chains every week.

Þ        Seat:

Before assembly of the bike, take the spring off of the seat and spray with two coats of rust oleum primer, and then spray it with one coat of black rust oleum paint.  This will add many months to the life of the springs.

Þ        Seat Post:

The seat post should be removed from the frame at least once a month and sprayed with protective oil.

Þ        Handlebar Stem:

This should be removed once a month and packed with grease and then replaced.

Handlebar Stem Installation & Removal

Installation

1. Tighten Rudder Collar as shown below. (2″down, 50mm)

2. Grease the “Wedge” to eliminate the potential for corrosion. 

3. Insert the stem so that the expanding mechanism (style #1 or #2) is near the rudder collar.  Failure to do so may expand the Rudder Tube when tightening.

4. Tighten Rudder Collar.  (20-25 ft-lb)

5. Tighten Stem Bolt. (50-70 ft-lb)

Removal

1. Loosen Stem Bolt 5-6 revolutions.

2. If Stem Bolt raises up to Height “A” as shown below, then it must be tapped down with a hammer to release the Wedge.

Step 1:            Locate the two drain plugs (Lube Drain and Lube Vent) at the top of the propeller drive train assembly, with the propeller drive train assembly in the DOWN position.

Step 2:            Use a container to catch the old lubricant.

Step 3:            Place the container under the lower hole to catch the lubricant.

Step 4:            Remove the drain plugs and the rudder o-rings, and rotate the propeller drive train as shown.

Step 5:            When the lubricant is fully drained, rotate the propeller drive train to its DOWN position.

Step 6:            Add new lubricant.

Step 7:            Wet the o-ring seals with lubricant and install.  Install and tighten stainless steel drain plug screws.

                        Be careful not to over-tighten the drain plugs.  When the plug feels snug, turn one-quarter turn more.