Introduction
This handbook is designed to help you maintain
your boat properly and thereby ensure you get a great deal of pleasure
from it. By following the advice in this handbook we are sure you
will enjoy your boat for many years to come.
Before you use your boat we suggest you read this
handbook carefully and in so doing take advantage of our 30 years
of experience in both the building and maintenance of fine, performance
rowing and sculling craft.
If this is your first Filippi rowing boat please
make sure you have read and understood the handbook prior to taking
to the water; please feel free to call ourselves or our local agents
to explain any part of this manual, we will be only to pleased
to answer any enquiries you might have and give you all the information
you need to maintain your boat properly.
General
Information
FILIPPI LIDO SRL carries information on
all the Filippi Boats made in the pass 20 years this includes
- Type of Boat: Whether the boat is
of an Italia S or Italia 2 construction.
- Mould: The shape of the boat (this
is usually prefixed by 'F')
- Serial No.: Each boat has an original
serial no.
- Category: The rigging type and configuration
of the boat
- Year of Manufacture: The year in
which the hull was laid
NB Much of this information can be found on the
boat's data plate attached within the cockpit of the boat, for
further information please contact your local dealer.
Boat Work
 Warnings:
In order to help you and draw your attention to the most critical
aspects of the handbook we use the following
symbol:
This symbol advises you which parts of the text
are particularly important and help ensure you avoid risk to yourself,
the boat and other people. We would ask you pay special attention
to any areas with this symbol beside it.
Sectioning the Boat
If requested at the time of order, all Filippi
boats can be made with sectional joints, when the boat is sectioned make
sure the contact surfaces are lightly greased with either Vaseline
or lithium marine grease.
Before joining the boat please make sure the contact
surfaces are free of grit and dirt, check the two sections are
aligned correctly and, once together, make sure the bolts are tight
(please DON'T over tighten them - see the next paragraph entitled 'Assembling
the boat').
Clearly the two sections cannot be used independently
of each other.
Assembling the Boat
In order to assemble the two halves of the boat
correctly first slide the sections together ensuring the bolts
on one section align with the holes on the other. This is best
done by resting the two parts of the boat the right way up on trestles
with a crew member holding each end and a third person guiding
the alignment; once aligned gently press the sections together;
screw the upper bolts first but do not tighten them. Next screw
and tighten the lower bolts, finally tighten the upper bolts, if
any grease has been pressed out of the joint onto the hull please
gently wipe it off.
Permissible Crew Weights
Each boat is designed and built for a particular
crew weight; this weight is shown on the Data Plate (see the section
entitled 'General Information'). Excessive deviations from this
weight will have significant effects on the stability and performance
of the craft since it will prevent the correct amount of water
from being displaced and consequently lead to reduced performance;
a simple check of the waterline by a qualified coach with the crew
in the boat should show if the crew is 'under' or 'over' boated.
Loading the Boat for Transportation
Most
breakages occur to a boat while it is being transported and great
care must be taken in loading and unloading.
The boat should be de rigged for travel and supported at regular
points (at least every 2.5 metres); it must be loaded as such to
ensure there is no free movement between itself and the supports.
Please ensure contact between the boat and the supports is at the
boat's strong points, e.g. at the shoulders or, with the necessary
cradle, on the canvas.
The boat must be secured on the supports by web
ties rather than rope, in addition it is recommended that a wider
flat belt is placed between the ties and the hull of the boat to
ensure the pressure exerted by the tie is spread over a larger
area of the hull.
Please note different countries and different insurance
companies have different rules as to the methods and manner in
which a boat may be transported - please check carefully with the
necessary authorities prior to travelling (bear in mind you may
travel through different countries with different regulations).
Boat Identification
The boat's data plate is attached to the bow bulkhead;
in addition the boat's unique number has been stamped on the keel
within the stern canvas of the boat, to view this simply remove
the stern hatch cover. In those boats with sectional joints the
number is stamped in both the bow and stern canvases, once again
these can be viewed by removing the hatch covers.
Disposal of the Boat
Hopefully after many year's pleasurable use you
will eventually decide to replace your boat. FILIPPI
is available to help you to do this, please contact us and we will
be more than happy to help; should you wish to exchange or sell
your boat through us our policy is generally to work on a case
by case basis dependent on the boat in question, the customer is
usually obliged to pay any carriage costs incurred.
Suggestions
for the Correct Maintenance
Cleaning
At the end of a training session the boat should
be washed in order to remove every trace of dirt, grease and oil
from the hull; we have found that this is best undertaken with
a soft cloth soaked in a mixture of water and a neutral soap. The
use of abrasive paste is strongly discouraged; if the use of such
a product is necessary please check first with the local Filippi
Agent (W W Marine in the UK) to establish what damage maybe done
to the boat's
hull.
Regular cleaning of your boat after each training
session avoids the need for more radical treatment to the hull's
gel coat at a later date.
After cleaning please ensure the boat's external
and internal hull is thoroughly rinsed, it is also recommended
that the hatches to the stern and bow canvases are left open to
allow any water to evaporate - clearly remember to close them again
before use!
Minor Repairs
Where the boat has suffered a small scratch or
graze you can make the small repair yourself; what you use to do
this depends on the type of construction used for your boat.
The following products should be used:
For Competition Boats: use bi-component epoxy fillers
For Training Boats: use polyester resin
In both cases let the filler or resin dry for at
least 24 hours. To prepare the surface for painting rub it gently
with a thin abrasive emery paper soaked in water (1000 - 1400 is
recommended).
Once smooth the surface is ready for painting,
we recommend you use a spray paint rather than one applied by brush.
Before painting carefully read the instructions on the label which
should tell you the recommended distance between the painting surface
and the can; do make sure you have pointed the nozzle in the right
direction before spraying.
For repairs, however small, make sure you are wearing
the proper clothes; if your skin comes into contact with some resin
or spray paint wash the effected area with a neutral soap and
water, if necessary seek medical advice.
Always follow the safety instructions on the label.
Larger Repairs Or Servicing
If you do sustain damage to your boat which is
beyond a small scratch or you want a professional re spray or you
wish to replace any fittings please speak to your local Filippi
agent or directly to Filippi.
Laying Up Your Boat
If you need to 'lay up' your boat please make sure
it is lying upside down on suitably shaped supports, with no more
than 2.5 metre between supports (remember the section on 'Transportation').
Never leave the boat near heat sources or solvents
which could damage it, in additional make sure it is not stored
under heavy / full shelves which could fall and damage the hull.
Never cover the boat with any kind of plastic sheet
and / or dirty rags especially if they are soaked in oil or grease,
instead use clean and dry industrial sheets or clean and dry cloth
(this will not apply in very hot conditions where nothing should
be left directly touching the hull, please see 'Suggestions for
Use' later).
If possible leave the hatches open.
The Hull Coating of your Boat
If you need to re spray your boat please speak
to your local Filippi agent who will recommend an appropriate professional.
The coatings vary on the type of construction of your boat:
Alternative speak to Filippi directly.
Maintenance of the Riggers and Gates
It is necessary to periodically maintain your boat's
riggers and gates. For boats which are used in fresh water maintenance
should be carried out every 3 months, for those used in salt water
maintenance should be monthly.
First of all take the riggers off the boat, clean
them thoroughly with paper or cloth paying particular attention
to the rigger pin, rigger holes and the bolts on the boat. If necessary
scrap off deep seated dirty, salt and limescale.
Lubricate the parts with Vaseline or lithium marine
grease.
Replace the riggers (making sure you have the right
one on the right position - remember the boat's unique number
and position number is stamped on the rigger and this should correspond
to the label at each seat). If the seat is missing a number mark
the riggers before they are taken off.
Maintenance of the Seats
Remember the seat must always operate smoothly
and be attached to the slide, this helps avoid injury to the Athlete.
When necessary take the seats off the slides, clean
and lubricate the slides and the wheels and check their condition - over
time both can wear unevenly.
To ensure they run smoothly it is possible to use
a small quantity of mineral oil - if any is spilt on the hull wipe
it away immediately.
Should you wish to change either the seat cover,
wheels or slides please speak to your local Filippi agent or directly
to Filippi.
Finally put the seat back on to the slides making
sure it moves freely and smoothly within the slide beds.
Spare Parts
The Filippi undertakes to supply, for
at least five years, all the spare parts for the boat which might
suffer from normal wear and tear. For prices and other details
please speak to your local Filippi agent or directly to
Filippi.
Suggestions
For Every Day Use
A
We suggest the best method for manually carrying
the boat is at the shoulder position, clearly ensure every one
carrying the boat is suitably trained. Damage to people or the
boat can occur even if the boat falls a few centimetres.
B
For safely transporting the boat ensure it is tightly
anchored with suitable ties and brackets (see the section on 'Loading
the Boat for Transportation'). Any overhanging parts must be correctly
highlighted to other road users as per the rule of the road.
C
During transportation it is always better to remove
the riggers.
D
Never go out on the water if the weather conditions
are poor and are likely to jeopardise the safety of the crew or
others. In particular do not use the boat in very windy and wavy
conditions where the stresses on the hull by the waves could lead
to damage. Obviously the best conditions for training and racing
are calm conditions.
E
Check to ensure you understand the navigation rules
in operation for the area in which you are rowing. In certain cases
it is not as straight forward as the maritime port to port rule.
F
It is best not to use your boat in the dark, try
to ensure you go out during day light hours when there is good
visibility. If you do go out at night ensure you have the necessary
lights, and stay in the right place as per the rule of the river.
G
Any athlete who uses a rowing boat should be able
to swim.
H
If training away from your club ensure you have
a first aid kit.
I
When rowing avoid passing through narrow passages
or getting to close to other boat traffic.
J
We recommend that while rowing a coach is available
to develop the crew, in the long run this will help avoid crabs
and other upsets which could potentially injury athletes and damage
the boat.
K
During rowing be very aware of other traffic passing
by - do not cut across their path. This is particularly relevant
to coxless boats.
L
Do not let the boat get close to any strong streams,
weirs, jetties or whirlpools, this will avoid stressing the boat
and potential injury to the athletes.
M
When training in hot conditions athletes are advised
to dress correctly to avoid sunburn and sun stroke and drink plenty
of liquid to avoid dehydration. In such conditions seek advice
from your coach or a doctor.
N
When 'laying up' your boat in hot and sunny places
ensure the boat is supported by at least three trestles shaped
to the contours of the hull; ensure the boat is out of direct sun
light, do not place any cover directly on to the hull.
Remember that :
Your boat is great way to help you get fit and
enjoy rowing and racing, always train safely by following the suggestions
above.
If this is the first time you have used a rowing
boat or you have just changed to a new boat please test your ability
to safely embark, use and disembark from the boat, we strongly
advise you to do this under the watchful eye of a coach or colleague.
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