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QUICKSTART GUIDE - UPTOWN 100 (Costco)

Congratulations on your Uptown 100 Lite—an inflatable, packable watercraft built to travel and perform. This guide covers what’s included, how to transport/store it, and the basic setup steps to get you on the water fast.

What’s in the Box

  • Vibe Uptown 100 Lite
  • Vibe Switchback seat
  • Vibe Impulse or X-Drive pedal system
  • Vibe Impulse or X-Drive iSUP pod
  • Vibe iSUP rudder and gudgeon/bracket
  • Vibe track-mounted steering handle with stainless steel cables
  • 3-ft Seat straps (x4)
  • 3 Buckle straps (for rudder mount)
  • High volume floor pump
  • Vibe Roamer 4-piece hybrid paddle w/ T-handle
  • Vibe ankle tether
  • Vibe roller bag
  • Patch/repair kit
  • Hardware for drive and rudder system
  • Removable touring fin (US Standard)
  • Vibe Versa Bungee Clips

Transport & Storage (Do This, Avoid That)

Deflated (recommended)

  • Keep the roller bag zipped if transporting outside the vehicle.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, out of direct sun.

 Inflated (limited use)

  •  Use cam buckle straps only (no ratchet straps).
  • Don’t overtighten; protect from sharp objects/burrs.
  • Secure with 2 straps + bow & stern lines.
  • Transport flat on a roof rack / truck bed extender / ladder rack.
  • Do not transport on J-cradles or vertically.
  • Do not transport with the drive installed.
  • Keep trips short distance / lower speed.

Airline travel

  • Bag is typically checked-bag compatible—confirm with your airline.
  • Pack all parts inside the bag.

Roller Bag Setup Tips

  • Insert the inflatable vertically and secure with inner straps.
  • Seat fits horizontally, cradling the rolled inflatable.
  • Paddle can store inside (best for travel) or on the bag side.
  • Strap pump to bag side (insert from bottom, clip tight at top) or store inside.
  • Use front pocket for fin, leash, straps, patch kit.
  • Clip straps away from wheels to avoid tangles.

Assembly (First Time Setup)

Uptown Components

Do a dry-run at home first. Initial setup may require tools for the drive and rudder. After first assembly, setup becomes tool-free. 

1) Inflate the Uptown 100 Lite

Important: You MUST install the pedal pod before full inflation.

Inflation steps

  1. Ensure valve button is UP (air in, not out).
  2. Attach pump (¼ turn). If tight, wet the pump gasket slightly.
  3. Inflate to 2–3 PSI, then install the pod:
    • Pod is labeled FRONT—align accordingly.
    • Step down firmly to seat it fully.
  4. Inflate to max 15 PSI (recommended each use).
  5. Replace valve cover.

Deflating

  1. Press valve button DOWN and twist to lock—air will release fast (keep face clear).
  2.  Remove pod once air pressure releases it.
  3. Use pump deflate side if needed.
  4. Fold from bow to stern to push air out.
  5. Press/twist valve button back to “closed” for next use.

2) Pedal Drive Setup - Impulse Drive — Initial Assembly

·       Install pedal arms:
• Remove bolt with Allen key.
• Match L / R labels (left arm is reverse-threaded).
• Install crank arm on spindle and tighten bolt.

·       Install Impulse pod hardware:
• Insert retention bar into keyed hole at front of mount.
• Slide mounting receptacle into pod gear tracks.
• Add track nuts, insert cam lock bolts, and tighten (rubber washer between cam and receptacle).
• Close cams snugly—do not overtighten.

Install drive into pod 

  1. Slide mounting plate under rear pod lip.
  2. Press pod front down to seat against retention bar.
  3. Pull retention bar up over mounting plate to lock.
  4. Adjust fore/aft using cam locks, then pedal.

3) Switchback Seat Setup

Install seat hinges (first time only)

  1. Rotate hinge clamp onto bottom bar.
  2. Slide clasp down until it locks into seat frame hole.
  3. Close latch until it clicks.
  4. Repeat on other side.

Strap seat to the inflatable

  1. Set legs to desired position.
  2. Loop included 3-ft straps over seat horizontal bar.
  3. Route straps through D-rings labeled “Seat Mount.”
  4. Tighten evenly to keep seat centered.

4) Rudder + Steering Setup

Tools: Phillips screwdriver + 8mm (or adjustable) wrench.

 Rudder + steering steps

  1. Attach steering cables to rudder arms:
    • Insert bolt through rudder arm with cable + washer on top.
    • Tighten lock nut until it stops—do not overtighten (cable needs free movement).
  2. Route cables (centerline is common; choose what fits your loadout).
  3. Mount steering handle to seat gear track; tighten.
  4. Install rudder gudgeon on stern (wraps/hugs stern).
  5. Secure gudgeon with 3 buckle straps using 2 top D-rings + 1 bottom D-ring.
  6. Insert rudder pin into gudgeon.

Tip

For transport, leave lines attached and remove handle + rudder. Next setup is quick.

5) Optional Touring Fin (Better Tracking)

Best for touring/big water; may reduce turning.

 Fin install

  • Slide fin into fin box.
  • Lock with twist lock.

Gear Tracks

  1. Four gear track bases are light-duty for mounts like rod holders, cup holders, cameras, etc.
  2. Not for heavy-duty accessories (wheels, foot braces, etc.).

Quick Patch Repair (If Needed)

  1. Partially inflate to 5–7 PSI.
  2. Apply soapy water; find bubbles.
  3. Mark leak; clean thoroughly.
  4. Cut patch to size (rounded corners adhere best).
  5. Deflate fully.
  6. Apply included PVC contact glue to both surfaces (NO superglue).
  7. Let glue get tacky, apply patch (sticks immediately—align carefully).
  8. Add gentle heat (hair dryer) and pressure.
  9. Best results: keep pressure applied and let cure 24 hours.

NOW YOU'RE READY TO ADVENTURE ANYWHERE WITH THE UPTOWN 100 LITE.

 

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