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READY FOR MISSION

Guides and checklists to help you prepare
when getting out on the water

Australian Safety Equipment Checklist

This is a guide please check your local state maritime authority for specific "Open Water" additions or requirements.

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Disclaimer: Boating is an inherently dangerous activity. By inflating and operating this vessel, the owner acknowledges they have read the safety protocols and assume all responsibility for the safe operation of the craft.

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  • Lifejackets (PFDs): Level 50 or 100+ for every person on board. They must be the correct size for the wearer and in good condition. It is advised to wear your life vest at all times

  • Anchor Setup: Your Blue Cooper or Bruce anchor with at least 3m of chain and 30m+ of rope.

  • Signaling Device: A waterproof torch or V-sheet (for daytime distress).

  • Bailer/Bucket: Even though the XPLORE CAT is self-draining, a sturdy bailer is a legal requirement.

  • Oars/Paddles: Your two-piece oars should be clicked together and secured in the stowed straps at the base of the pontoons. The are your last mode of propulsion if your engine has issues

  • Fire Extinguisher: Only mandatory if you have an internal fuel tank or a fixed engine, but highly recommended for all boats with outboards.

  • Sound Signal: A whistle or air horn attached to your lifejacket or the boat.

  • VHF marine handheld radio: ensure it is fully charged prior to departing and if in open water don't forget to log on with marine rescue.

  • Waterproof Torch: With working batteries, for use at night or in restricted visibility.

  • EPIRB: when traveling in open waters please check your states guidelines for marine safety requirements

  • Skippers ticket/boat license: Depending on your engine size and your states requirements you may need to hold a license to skipper your boat

Snorkel & Dive Mission Checklist

Don't leave the ramp without these specific adventure items:

 

  • Dive Flag (Alpha): Rigid, Blue/White, and mounted high for 360-degree visibility.

  • VHF Marine Radio: Handheld, fully charged, always check in with marine rescue where possible

  • Extra anchor rope and chain

  • First Aid Kit: Including vinegar (for stings) and sunblock.

  • Weight Belt & Fins: Placed in the center of the boat to maintain weight distribution.

The "Xplore" Pre-Launch Technical Checklist

Run through this at the boat ramp before hitting the water:

 

  • Pressure Check: Tubes at 3.5 PSI; Air Deck Floor at 11 PSI. (Or "Morning Target" of 3.0/10.5).

  • Valve Caps: All 5 caps firmly tightened and sealed.

  • Engine Mounts: Outboard clamps tightened and safety cable/bolt secured.

  • Fuel Check: Tank full, lines connected and secured, vent open, and line primed (bulb firm).

  • Kill-Cord: Attached to the engine and clipped to the driver.

  • Outboard: With 4 strokes check the oil level prior to departure, If hydrofoil is fitted check that the plate is secure and clear of any weeds.

  • Drinking water: Often overlooked but it's easy to become dehydrated during a long day on the water

The Marine Rescue "Log On" Procedure

Follow this script for your radio check-in:

 

  1. Switch to Channel 16 (or your local working channel).

  2. "Marine Rescue [Location], this is XPLORE CATS [ State Rego number] for a Log On. Over."

  3. Provide Details: "We are a 3.8m inflatable catamaran, [X] persons on board, departing [Ramp/Marina Name] for [Destination]. We have [X] hours of fuel and our ETR is [Time]. Over."

  4. Listen for Confirmation: Wait for them to acknowledge (It is handy to give them your mobile number so they can call you if you forget to check in)

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XPLORE CATS: Pro Tips & Performance Guide

Owning an XPLORE CAT is about more than just owning a boat—it’s about mastering a high-performance catamaran. Use these professional tips to squeeze every knot of speed and every ounce of stability out of your craft.

1. Outboard Optimization & The "OzPropeller" Advantage
Your XPLORE CAT is specifically engineered for a Short Shaft Outboard. To truly unlock the hull's potential, we highly recommend the following:
 
  • Fit an Oz-Hydrofoil: We strongly advise fitting a high-performance aluminium hydrofoil from OzPropellers. Fitting one of these to your outboard is a game-changer for catamaran performance. They can be found here ozpropellers.com.au
  • Hydrofoil Benefits: It eliminates bow-rise (especially solo), enables instant planing at lower speeds, and kills cavitation by ensuring the prop maintains a constant "grip" on the water.
2. The Art of Weight Distribution
Catamarans are sensitive to load. To keep your boat on a perfect plane:
 
  • Fuel Tank Placement: The hull is designed so that a standard fuel tank nestles perfectly behind the rear seat.
  • Weight Adjustments: If weight distribution is an issue (e.g., the bow is riding too high solo), reposition the fuel tank and other gear further forward toward the bow.
  • Tiller Extensions: Using a tiller extension allows the pilot to sit further forward, keeping the nose down and helping you plane faster in shallow or choppy water.
3. Maintenance, Cleaning & Storage
Maintaining the integrity of your PVC hull is essential for long-term "Xploration Readiness."
 
  • The Fresh Water Rule: Always wash your boat thoroughly with fresh water after every trip. Salt crystals act like sandpaper on the fabric and can seize up your valves over time.
  • Professional Cleaning: Use only specialized cleaners designed for PVC boats. Avoid harsh household detergents or "truck wash," as these can strip the UV inhibitors and degrade the adhesives.
  • The "Clean Zone" Tip: We highly recommend carrying a 3.0m x 3.6m tarp. Lay this down under the boat if you have to pack up on a sandy beach or in boat ramp car parks, which are notoriously dirty with oil and fuel spills.
  • Bone Dry Storage: Never pack your boat away wet. Ensure every fold and crevice is bone dry to prevent mold and mildew.
4. Davit Storage & UV Protection
For those storing their XPLORE CAT on a yacht or dock:
 
  • The Davit Rule: If storing your craft on a davit system, it is highly recommended that a good-quality boat cover is used at all times. * Protecting Your Warranty: Continuous, unprotected exposure to the Australian sun and environmental fallout can take a toll on any marine fabric. To ensure your craft remains covered under our comprehensive Manufacturer’s Warranty, please ensure it is shielded from the elements when not in use. Proper covering is the best way to preserve the life of your seams and the finish of your hull.
5. The "Australian Sun" Factor
  • The Midday "Burp": If your boat is sitting on the sand during a hot lunch break, the air inside will expand. Give the valves a quick "burp" to release a tiny bit of pressure.
  • Morning Inflation Rule: If inflating in the cool of the morning, target 3.0 PSI (Tubes) and 10.5 PSI (Floor) to allow for heat expansion as the day warms up.
6. Solo Launching Secrets
  • Quick-Release Wheels: We highly recommend transom-mounted dinghy wheels. They allow a single person to roll the boat to the water effortlessly.
  • Load Last: Roll the empty boat into the water first, then load your engine and gear. This protects your back and keeps the launch seamless.
  • âš  CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Never attempt to adjust, flip, or lock the transom wheels into their "Up" position while the outboard motor is running. Doing so requires reaching blindly near the transom, placing your hands and arms dangerously close to the spinning propeller. Always ensure the engine is fully turned off and the propeller has stopped moving before reaching for the wheel pins.
  • The "Deep Water" Flip: Once you have pushed out, the hull is floating and the engine is OFF, flip the wheels up into their stowed position. Only after the wheels are locked away and your hands are clear should you start the motor.
7. Trailering & Transport
Transporting your XPLORE CAT properly ensures the hull stays in showroom condition for years and your warranty remains protected.
 
  • The "Dye Transfer" Warning: When strapping your boat down to a trailer or roof rack, be extremely cautious with cheap, brightly coloured (red, blue, or yellow) ratchet straps. When these straps get wet from rain or salt spray, the dye can "bleed" and permanently stain the PVC hull.
  • The Solution: We recommend that if you must use coloured straps, place a soft microfibre towel or a piece of foam between the strap and the boat hull to act as a barrier.
  • Don't Over-Tighten: Remember that air inside the tubes expands in the heat. If you strap the boat down "rock-hard" in the morning and then drive through a hot afternoon, the increased internal pressure combined with overtightened straps can put unnecessary stress on the seams. Straps should be firm enough to prevent movement, but not so tight that they "indent" the tubes deeply.
  • Engine Support: If trailering with the outboard attached, always use a "transom saver" or a motor support bracket to take the leverage weight off the transom while driving over bumps.
  • âš  TOWING WARNING: The quick-lock transom wheels are designed for manual hand-pulling only (on boat ramps, sand, or grass). Under no circumstances should the boat be towed by a car or vehicle while resting on the transom wheels alone. These wheels are not rated for road speeds or the heat generated by mechanical towing; doing so will result in catastrophic failure of the wheel bearings and potential damage to your transom.

XPLORE CATS Anchoring Guide

1. Top Anchor Recommendations

For the XPLORE CAT, we recommend two specific anchor styles that balance holding power with hull safety. The anchor should always be secured to the pontoons at the bow through one of the large D-Rings. Under no circumstances should the anchor be secured to the transom or a pontoon at the stern of the boat.

Option A: The Blue Cooper Anchor (1kg Nylon)

This is our top pick for portability and safety. * The "No Scratch" Benefit: Made from high-strength nylon, it is incredibly kind to your inflatable. You can drop it on the floor or stow it without worrying about punctures or scratches.

 

  • The Design: Its patented "winged" design and weighted head allow it to dive deep and set instantly in sand and mud.

  • Weight: At only 1kg, it is easy for anyone to handle but offers the holding power of much heavier traditional anchors.

Option B: The Bruce (Claw) Anchor (1kg Stainless steel)

The "old reliable" for mixed seabeds.

 

  • Holding Power: Excellent in sand, mud, and even light rock. Its three-pronged claw design resets itself easily if the tide or wind shifts.

  • Safety Tip: If using a steel Bruce, we recommend stowing it in a small padded bag or a plastic crate to prevent the sharp edges from rubbing against the tubes during transport.

2. Chain & Rope: The "Xplore" Setup

Even the best anchor is useless without the right "rode" (the combination of chain and rope).

  • The Chain (Crucial): * Use 3m to 3.5m of 6mm short-link chain.

 

  • Material Choice: You can use Galvanised chain (cost-effective and durable) or

  • Stainless Steel (superior corrosion resistance and stays looking "clean" in the boat).

  • Why? The chain acts as a heavy spring. It keeps the pull on the anchor horizontal, allowing it to dig into the seabed. Without chain, the boat will simply "hop" the anchor across the bottom.

  • The Rope : * Use 30m to 50m of 8mm or 10mm double-braid nylon.

  • The Scope Rule: Always aim for a 5:1 ratio. If the water is 4m deep, let out 20m of rope. This angle is what keeps you secure.

3. Secure Anchoring for Divers

When you are underwater, your boat is your only way home. You must ensure it stays exactly where you left it.

  • Double-Check the Set: After dropping your Blue Cooper or Bruce anchor, don't just jump in. Wait 2 minutes, watch a landmark on shore, and ensure you aren't drifting.

  • Anchor "Scope": Use a minimum of 5:1 ratio but the longer the better (e.g., if the water is 5m deep, use 25m of rope). This ensures that even if a breeze picks up, the anchor remains dug in.

  • Extra chain: Increasing the chain length to 4.5m can also assist in helping the boat remain secured to the

  • The "Safety Line": It is a great idea to trail a 10-15m floating "stern line" behind the boat with a small buoy on the end. If the current picks up while you are snorkeling, you can grab this line to pull yourself back to the boat easily.

Emergency Anchor Tip

Always keep your anchor pre-rigged and ready to go in a "quick-access" bag. If your engine stalls near a lee shore or a reef, dropping the anchor immediately can save your boat and your day.

XPLORE CATS Safe Fishing Tips

The XPLORE CAT is an ultra-stable platform, but "Inflatable Fishing" has its own set of rules:

 

  • Landing Your Catch: Use a rubber-mesh landing net for everything. It’s better for the fish and protects your boat from stray hooks and gaff points.

  • Deck Hygiene: Keep a small "deck bucket" handy. A quick splash of sea water over the floor during the day keeps fish slime and blood from drying—keeping the deck non-slip and making the final wash-down much easier.

  • Stay Seated in the Chop: While the high-pressure floor is rigid enough to stand on, catamarans have a "snappy" motion in waves. Stay seated when fishing in a swell or when other boats are passing to maintain your center of gravity. If fishing with 2 people, have one on each seat and try to position the boat sideways to the drift.

  • Mounting Gear: We recommend using the mounts provided for your rod holders and bait stations. When trawling use the fixed transom mounts and never the mounts glued to the pontoons

  • Knife Safety & Sheathing: Never leave an unsheathed knife on the seat or the floor. One sharp movement in a swell can cause a blade to slice into the tube. Always use a hard-plastic locking sheath.

  • Hook Awareness: When unhooking a fish, keep the fish inside a high-sided bucket or net. This ensures that if the fish thrashes and throws the hook, the hook hits the bucket wall rather than your inflatable pontoons

XPLORE CATS: Snorkeling & Dive Safety Guide

With its ultra-stable twin hulls and open-front design, the XPLORE CAT is the perfect base for underwater adventures. Follow these tips for effortless entry and maximum safety.

1. The Bow: Your Private Swim Platform

Most boats require a difficult climb over the side tubes. The XPLORE CAT is designed for Front-On Access.

 

  • The "Giant Stride" Entry: Sit on the front air deck between the two hulls. With your fins on, simply push off into the water. The low profile of the bow means you are only inches from the surface, making for a gentle entry.

  • The "Seal Slide" Exit: To get back in, swim to the open bow. Place your hands on the air deck floor, wait for a small surge (or use a strong kick), and slide yourself up onto the flat floor. Unlike a high-sided boat, there is no ladder required—you simply "seal slide" back into the cockpit.

  • Gear Tip: Always hand your weight belt or heavy spear-gun up to someone in the boat before you climb in to make the exit effortless.

2. Visual Safety: The Dive Flag

In Australian waters, displaying a dive flag is not just a good idea—it is a legal requirement.

 

  • The International "Alpha" Flag: You must display a rigid Blue and White Alpha Flag.

  • Visibility: The flag must be at least 750mm x 600mm and flown at a height where it is visible from 360 degrees.

  • The 5-Knot Rule: The flag warns other boaties to stay at least 50 meters away (or 100m depending on your state) and to reduce their speed to 4 knots when passing.

  • Placement: We recommend a removable flag pole that fits into one of your Railblaza mounts on the transom.

3. Marine Radio & Safety Check-Ins

Never head out for a snorkel without a "Safety Lifeline."

 

  • Log On/Log Off: Before leaving the boat ramp, use your VHF radio to Log On with your local Marine Rescue (usually Channel 16, then moving to a working channel like 73). Tell them:
    1. Your vessel name.
    2. Number of people on board.
    3. Your destination (e.g., "The northern side of Mud Island").
    4. Your Estimated Time of Return (ETR).

  • The "Snorkel Check": If you are moving to a specific reef for a dive, it’s a pro-tip to give a quick update: "Marine Rescue, this is XPLORE 1, just arriving at the reef, two divers in the water for one hour. Over."

  • Don't Forget to Log Off: Always radio back once you are safely back at the ramp. If you don't, a search party may be triggered!

4. Marine Environment Safety

  • Anchor in Sand: Never drop your anchor directly onto live coral. Not only does it damage the reef, but your anchor is much more likely to get permanently stuck.

  • Never Leave the Boat Unattended: Where possible, one person should always remain on the boat as a "Lookout." They can monitor for changing weather, dragging anchors, or other vessels approaching too closely.

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