How to assemble your Seahopper
Introduction
The manual below contains important safety information which should be read and understood before you use your Seahopper.
We have compiled it to help you use your Seahopper with safety and pleasure. It contains details of the boats, the equipment supplied or fitted and assembly and rigging. Please read it carefully, and familiarise yourself with the craft before using it.
Our folding boats are novel in concept and design, and once assembled operate in much the same way as other dinghies or tenders of similar size. If you are new to using small boats, whether rowing, motoring or sailing, please ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skill before use. Sailing schools close to you will provide assistance if necessary.
Craft Identification Number & CE Plate
The CE Builders Plate is fixed on the starboard side of the transom. This contains information on the Design Category, the Builder, the Maximum number of crew, the Maximum load and the 
symbol.
If your boat is a Kondor this will have a CIN engraved just aft of the centreboard case.
Declaration of Conformity
Declaration of Conformity of Recreational Craft with the Design, Construction requirements of Directive 2013/53/EU.
Name of Craft Manufacturer: Seahopper Ltd
Address: Unit 4 Dainton Self Storage,
Ipplepen, Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 5TZ
Country: England
Brand Name of Craft: SEAHOPPER
Type of Craft: SAILBOAT
Type of Hull: MONOHULL
Deck: DECKED
Type of Propulsion: SAIL / ROW / MOTOR
Construction Material: PLY WOOD
Maximum Design Category: D
This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. I declare on behalf of the craft manufacturer that the craft mentioned above comply with all applicable essential requirements in the way specified.
Name and function: STEVEN J BURCH (Managing Director)
Signature:
Date and place of issue: ___ / ___ / ___ Exeter, Devon, UK
Design Category
All Seahoppers are certified and its stability assessed by the manufacturer under DESIGN CATEGORY D.
CATEGORY D – SHELTERED WATERS: Designed for voyages on sheltered coastal waters, small bays, small lakes, rivers and canals when conditions up to, and including, wind force 4 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 0.3m may be experienced, with occasional waves of 0.5m maximum height, for example from passing vessels.
The Seahopper sailboat complies with this design category, subject to:
- the crew having suitable skill and experience.
- satisfactory maintenance of the boat and equipment.
Users of the boat are advised that:
- all crew should receive suitable training.
- the boat shall not carry more than the maximum load.
- any water in the hull should be kept to a minimum.
- stability is reduced by any weight added high up.
Important Safety Information
BEFORE YOU GO SAILING.
DANGER!
Check for overhead cables when rigging, launching and recovering. The mast is not particularly tall, but shock or death could result if it, or the rigging comes in contact with overhead wires. So look up when moving the boat around or even stepping the mast and give any wires a wide berth.
- Check you are wearing suitable clothing and safety equipment for the conditions and time of year.
- Always wear an approved buoyancy aid or lifejacket.
- A sailor’s safety knife should be carried on board.
- Make sure a third party knows where you are sailing and how many there are of you. If possible when sailing at a club, ensure there is at least one other boat on the water in the vicinity.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Check the time of high and low tides, if applicable.
- Seek advice of local conditions if sailing in a new area.
- Always check the condition of your craft before setting off. Ensure that the hull is free of water. Always carry a bailing scoop.
- The Seahopper is made of wood and has some inherent buoyancy. This can be augmented by fitting buoyancy bags. These are supplied as standard with the sail version. Additional dual purpose fenders can also be fitted which gives the boat the appearance and some of the characteristics of a RIB.
- Roof Racking. Seahoppers are versatile and can be easily carried on a two bar roof rack. Place the folded boat on the roof rack, front forwards, with equal overhang over the front and rear bars.
- Always secure the boat with adequate ropes or straps around the bars. Ensure that both the front and the back (bow and stern) are tied down tightly to the car’s bumpers. The spars can be neatly carried alongside the boat, lashing them to the bars securely.
- It is also a good idea to tie the boat down when it is left in the dinghy park to prevent any damage to your boat in the event of strong winds.
During construction, the main safety feature relates to the fitting of the centre seat (thwart). This is pushed down onto the daggerboard case. It is fixed in position by turning the two wooden turnbuckles on the underside of the seat to locate these into the daggerboard case. This action requires the user to maintain firm downward pressure on the seat with one hand whilst the other is
used to turn the buckles.
Seahopper Models & Options
There are three models, from which you can choose:
The Scamp is our smallest boat in the fleet. Just over 2 metres long, the Scamp is ideal as a tender for smaller yachts and can be stored folded against a guard rail, or on the coachroof, folded or possibly un-folded if there is sufficient storage. It is also a great first boat, very keenly priced. The Scamp will safely carry 3 people with luggage whilst being rowed or motored. Scamp will provide a great sailing experience for 2 people.
The Lighter is the mid-range boat. Again great as a tender, this model is also great for exploring estuaries, and serves as a great boat for lake or river fishing. At 2.4 metres the Lighter has a greater carrying capacity for extra luggage – hence the name! Great for a family picnic at a secluded spot on the estuary, or island in the middle of your favourite lake. The Lighter will safely carry 4 people very comfortably with luggage when rowed or motored. The Lighter provides safe and enjoyable sailing for a crew of 2.
The Kondor is the flagship of the fleet. At 3 metres she has more space and comfort for the crew of 4 whilst rowing or motoring, and will excite the crew of 2 under sail. If you are looking for a comparison, the Kondor would be in the same sailing performance league as the world famous Mirror dinghy. The Kondor will perform safely and impressively in river, lakes and estuaries.
Each boat type is supplied in Row, Motor and Sail Options. A list of optional extras is available on the Seahopper Website www.seahopperfoldingboats.com
Assembling your boat
You will soon become expert at assembling your boat in 10 simple steps!
Rigging the Boat
In this section find out how to step the mast, fit the rudder and tiller, fit the daggerboard, and reef the main sail.
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Safety note! Before sailing always check the strength of the wind. It may be calm onshore but quite gusty and fresh in the middle of the river or estuary. If in any doubt reef the sail – it is much easier and safer to do this on shore. If you get caught out in a freshening wind while sailing, either lower the main and continue with jib alone, lower sails and row, or tie up to a mooring buoy or anchor boat before reefing.
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