Quickstart Guide - Cubera 125 Lite
All Cubera Lite iSUPs come standard with certain parts and components including but not limited to:
- Vibe Switchback Seat
- Vibe 3 ft Seat Straps (x4)
- Vibe High Volume Floor Pump
- Vibe Roamer 4 Piece Hybrid Paddle
- Vibe Ankle Tether
- Vibe Roller Bag
- Patch/repair kit
- Removable Touring Fin
For your safety, and to ensure your highest level of enjoyment out of your Cubera Lite, it is important that you read and follow all instructions laid out in this guide.
STORING AND TRANSPORTING THE CUBERA LITE:
The Cubera Lite is unprecedented in the Vibe lineup in that transportation is as easy as tossing a backpack in the back of your compact car. Despite this, there are a few guidelines that you should follow.
Always ensure that your Vibe wheeled bag is zipped up if transporting the watercraft outside of your vehicle. An unzipped bag can beat itself into failure, and it is possible that the deflated board will turn into an airplane on the highway. Be creative though! This bag fits in many ATVs, compact cars, small aircrafts, etc. We would love to see the unique places you take this thing!
If transporting the watercraft inflated, take extra caution to not overtighten your cam buckle straps (it is NOT recommended to use ratchet straps of any kind), and ensure that there are no sharp burrs or objects that may puncture your boat. Transportation of an inflated board should follow normal guidelines such as having 2 securing straps, and a bow and stern line for safety. This boat is much lighter than a hard-sided kayak.
Transportation of inflated watercraft should ONLY be done for relatively short distances and lower speeds. The boat should be flat on a roof rack, truck bed with extender, or ladder rack. It should NOT be transported on J-Cradles or standing vertically.
Storing the watercraft is best done in the bag, in a cool and dry place. Do not store the Cubera Lite in direct sunlight. If storing inflated or out of the bag, ensure that there is nothing sharp or abrasive that will wear into your watercraft over time.
If transporting the watercraft via airplane, the bag should be TSA approved for most airlines, we suggest checking with your provider before planning your trip/heading to the airport. All pieces should be stored INSIDE the bag to ensure everything will arrive safely.
CUBERA LITE BAG FEATURES:
- Cubera Lite should be inserted into the bag vertically and secured with the inside straps.
- Vibe Switchback Seat also fits in the bag at a horizontal position, almost cradling the rolled up inflatable.
- Paddles can be stored inside the bag for extra security and longer transportation, but they can also be stored on the side of the bag quickly.
- The pump should be strapped in on the side of the bag by inserting from the bottom and then clipping the strap tightly at the top.
- There is a front pocket for storing the fin, leash, seat straps, and other smaller accessories, including the patch kit.
- The bag does have wheels to roll, but be sure to clip all the straps away from the wheels to avoid getting tangled up.
- There are straps at the chest and waist to help support bag weight while carrying.
SET UP THE CUBERA LITE:
Setting up and inflating your Cubera Lite watercraft is simple: just add air. But how you do that differs a bit depending on which valve you have.
Only use air pumps and compressors designed for use with iSUP watercraft! Your car tire pump will not work, and you risk damaging your watercraft if you use any other means to inflate.
If the button on your valve is smooth and flat:
Inflation is simple—this valve is a 2-way high volume valve and operates with the push of the center button.
To inflate, ensure that the button is in the UP position. This position allows air in but not out.
- Attach the pump with a ¼ turn.
- Pump watercraft to a max of 15 PSI.
- Replace valve cover.
- To fully deflate, you may pump the air out using the deflate side of your floor pump.
- Starting at the bow of the watercraft, fold and push air out as you continue to fold your way to the stern.
- Once fully deflated, you can close the valve by pressing the button again. This will ensure it’s ready to inflate next time.
If the button on your valve is shaped like a star:
Inflation is simple—this valve is a 2-way high volume valve and operates with the push and twist of the center star button.
To inflate, ensure that the button is in the UP position. This position allows air in but not out.- Attach the pump with a ¼ turn.
- Pump watercraft to a max of 15 PSI.
- Replace valve cover.
- To fully deflate, you may pump the air out using the deflate side of your floor pump.
- Starting at the bow of the watercraft, fold and push air out as you continue to fold your way to the stern.
- Once fully deflated, you can close the valve by pressing the button in the opposite direction. This will ensure it’s ready to inflate next time.
VIBE SWITCHBACK SEAT:
The Vibe Switchback Seat will be familiar to anyone who has a Vibe Kayak already. Utilizing the same all-day comfort fabric and frames from our other seats, we added some flip down legs to elevate things, but still keep things compact enough to fit in your Vibe Roller Bag. The Legs flip down and lock into place, giving you extra height and access to easily stow gear under the seat. You also have the ability to mount the Vibe Summit Perch (see below) to the back, elevating things to a whole new level of usability and performance (although, admittedly, the perch makes the seat pretty big for compact travel).
Installing the Switchback Seat Hinge:
- Rotate the hinge clamp into place on the bottom bar.
- Slide the clasp down the frame until it locks into place in the hole on the seat frame.
- Close the latch around the frame.
- Click the latch together (it should make an audible click).
- Repeat on the other side.
Attaching the Switchback Seat to the Cubera Lite:
- Position the Switchback Legs in the position of your choosing.
- Loop the included 3 ft Vibe tie downs over the horizontal bar on the seat.
- Loop the strap through the D-Rings labeled “Seat Mount.”
- Tighten evenly ensuring that your seat stays centered between the 4 points.
Installing the Vibe Touring Fin:
To help the Cubera Lite track straight as an arrow, it comes with a long touring style fin that can be attached in addition to the 2 shark bite fins on the bottom. This fin will GREATLY increase the straightness that the watercraft tracks and it may make it difficult to turn, so use it for big water or touring, but leave it off (the boat still tracks well) if you are doing a lot of maneuvering or turning tightly.
- Slide the fin into the fin box track.
- Lock it in place with the clip lock.
VIBE GEAR TRACKS:
The Cubera Lite comes equipped with 2 Vibe Gear Track bases. These are a soft plastic gear track base and are intended for use with light duty gear track accessories such as fish finder mounts, rod holders, paddle grips, cup holders, camera mounts, etc. They are not meant for use with wheels, foot braces, or other heavy duty gear track accessories.
REPAIRING THE CUBERA LITE:
The Cubera Lite iSUP is one rugged air-filled watercraft which means normal use will not result in problems. People express concern about fishing hooks on inflatables, but this drop-stitched PVC material is a lot more robust than they realize. However, things happen and if they do, you should be prepared, so we include a repair kit in your package. This includes glue and a patch. Repairing small holes is simple and will give you years more of worry-free adventure out of your boat.
- Partially inflate your Cubera Lite (5-7 PSI is plenty).
- Apply soapy water to suspected leaking area and look for bubbles.
- Mark the leak with a marker or pencil.
- Clean the area thoroughly.
- Test place the included patch over the leak and cut to size (round patches adhere best).
- Deflate the board fully.
- Apply the included PVC contact glue underline (DO NOT USE SUPERGLUE) to the area around the leak AND on the patch itself. You can layer the glue by letting it dry and applying additional thin layers—this will give you a better bond and is less messy than trying to goop more glue on all at once, but it is not always necessary to layer.
- Let glue dry so that it is just barely tacky.
- Place the cut patch shiny side out over the hole. The patch will stick IMMEDIATELY so ensure you have it lined up.
- Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer.
- Apply pressure to the patched area, letting it dry and bond fully.
- For the best results, let it set for 24 hours with pressure applied.
NOW, GET OUT THERE & “CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!”
Don’t forget to check out our social platforms, and the world’s largest and best kayak-owners-social-group on Facebook to meet and learn from other Vibe owners and pros who are always available and willing to help you out.
You made a fantastic purchase with the Cubera Lite. We hope you have endless fun and adventures no matter where you choose to go, or what you choose to do!
If you love your boat, please be sure to leave a product review, and share your fun and insights with other Vibe owners, as well as your family and friends.
Good vibes and fun times lay ahead.