Spray Shields on the IQ2 Gunwale System

The Sprayshield is designed for multiple purposes.  One is to increase the heavy weather capability of your canoe by providing what amounts to an oversized deck to your boat.  The ‘Shield is equipped with bow-stays to provide an arched shape to shed water and waves. The ‘Shield will also keep rain and sun off your legs and lap when paddling and is “collapsible,” allowing it to be pushed out of the way when not desired yet remain firmly attached to the canoe. 

The Sprayshield was originally intended to fit the bow of your canoe.  In many cases, it can also be used on the stern of the boat as the stern seat can be moved forward to accommodate it if necessary. 

Zippered design provides quick and easy installation and removal. Sprayshield includes 4 mounting hooks and screws. 1/8”, 3/16” drill bits, drill, Phillips head screwdriver, & 3/8” or adjustable wrench will be required to complete installation. 

Look for additional sizes of Sprayshields to become available, which may increase your options, depending on model of canoe paddled. 

1. The Sprayshield comes in two parts. There is the cover with boltrope sewn to one side and a second length of bolt rope to which zipper has been sewn. The boltrope is sized so that the round bead fits into the slot on the outside of the IQ Gunwale. 
2. There is a widened slot in each exterior gunwale just behind the deck to allow the boltrope to be inserted. 
3. From bow of canoe, slide boltrope with zipper into outside channel on starboard (right) side of hull. First insert end with zipper starter and slide boltrope completely into channel. 
4. Insert bolt rope attached to cover into outside channel on port (left) side of canoe, making sure to start with end of cover with zipper starter. Insert full length of boltrope into channel. 
5. Mate the zipper starters and zip parts together. It is easier to make zipper slide if you do so with cover untensioned. Start with cover positioned towards bow of canoe and zip completely. 
6. Once cover is fully zipped, slide back onto canoe to desired position. Align the front of sprayshield over deck of canoe. Mark location of the center  of each of the two “holes” on sides of cover on sides of deck. 
7. Hold molded hook against lower flange on side of deck at mark with hook facing down. Butt opposite end of fitting against raised panel on side of deck. Mark location of mounting hole. 
8. At sternmost location on each side, drill a 1/8” hole. At forward locations, drill 3/16” holes. 
9. At sternmost location on each side mount hook with 8-32 x 1” self tapping screw. At forward locations, use 8-32 x 1” machine screw, secured on inside of deck with locknut. Make sure hook faces down. 
10. Clip cut-outs on lower edge of sprayshield over hook end of fitting. This will keep sprayshield firmly down on top of deck. 
11. The cover can be pushed forward or pulled back or somewhat compressed while installed if you require less coverage depending upon weather, water, or wave conditions. 
12. To access contents, unzip zipper enough to allow access to desired gear and flip cover out of the way. Once you have obtained what you needed, rezip the cover closed. 
13. To remove cover, gently pull cover towards the end of canoe.  Unclip edge of sprayshield from molded hooks. With stays on cover relaxed, unzip zipper. If zipper binds at stay intersection, rezip it a couple of inches and pull quickly past stay. Remove both components from channel and stow securely. 

NOTE: IT IS REQUIRED THAT ALL IQ MODULES SUCH AS THE BOW SPRAYSHIELD BE REMOVED BEFORE CARTOPPING YOUR CANOE.  Do not sit or stand on the Sprayshield and avoid placing heavy items on top of it as well. 

NOTE: While Sprayshield does not have to be removed while portaging your canoe, be aware that it may limit your vision if left installed while portaging. 

NOTE: As with the addition of any outfitting component to a canoe, the possibility exists of increased risk of entrapment.  THE SPRAYSHIELD IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED IN SIGNIFICANT WHITEWATER. Sprayshields are not intended to replace flotation bags. The presence of a sprayshield can actually increase possibility of a canoe being caught on an obstruction and can also make rescue and retrieval more difficult. Be aware of this possibility and practicing to minimize it is strongly recommended or better yet, eliminate the potential all together.