Congratulations on the purchase of your new Minicat Guppy! You’re about to embark on an unbelievable sailing adventure, and we’re here to make the setup process a breeze.
While assembly can seem daunting at first, with a little practice, it’ll soon be as easy as tying your shoes.
Our step-by-step guide, paired with a handy video walkthrough, will have you ready to hit the water in no time.
Step 1: Preparation
One of the best things about owning an inflatable catamaran is how convenient it is to set up.
For a Minicat Guppy, the set up takes less than 10 minutes. For your first try, though, set aside at least 30 minutes so you can take your time to get everything right.
First things first, find a large, clear, and flat space, like a clean garage floor or a grassy area. Start by removing all the equipment from its box. We recommend using a flat-blade screwdriver to open the box to avoid damaging the contents inside.
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Remove the items from the bag and lay them out neatly.
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Take note of the packing list and accessories to make sure everything is there.
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Set aside the brochures, manuals, USB drive (which contains the assembly guides), and patch kit.
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Remove the carbon mast from its bag.
Tip: We recommend assembling and disassembling your Guppy for the first time at home. It’s a stress-free way to learn the ropes before heading to the water, making your sailing day smooth and enjoyable.
Now that you’re organized, let’s get the boat ready to take shape.
Step 2: Unroll the Boat
Grab the boat and unroll it flat on the ground. Set aside the hand pump rolled up within it.
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Pull the orange riding lines out and lay them across the top of the boat.
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Identify where the keels will be installed underneath the hulls.
With the boat laid out, you’re ready to add some key components.
Step 3: Install the Keels (Fins)
Next, grab the keel pieces and fix them into the slots on either side of the Minicat Guppy:
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Slide the long front tab of the keel all the way forward into its slot.
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Once the front tab of the keel is correctly positioned, you can slide the rear tab into its corresponding slot.
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Wiggle the keel into place. The front tab should reposition itself slightly, and the fabric of the hull should sit flat against the keel.
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Repeat the process for the second hull.
Tip: Improper keel placement can cause them to fall off while sailing, so take a minute to ensure that each one is correctly positioned. It helps to flatten the hull fabric before you start installing the keels.
With the keels in place, your Guppy is starting to look like a boat, so let's proceed with the assembly.
Step 4: Attach the Center Bar
The center bar is the straight black piece with a corner/right-angle piece installed on one end. Once you have it, remove all the thumb rings and pins from each end.
Tip: Place the rings and pins in your pocket so you don't lose them.
Although the center bar can be installed after inflation, attaching it while your Minicat Guppy is deflated is considerably easier.
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Position yourself at the front of the boat, insert the center bar under the trampoline, and line it up with the holes. The right-angled end must be closest to you.
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Use the included pins and thumb rings to secure both the front and rear ends of the center bar to the cross bars.
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You may have to adjust the cross bars slightly to ensure the pin holes line up.
With the centre bar locked in, you’re ready to give your Guppy some air.
Step 5: Inflate the Hulls
Undo the end caps of each side of the hull and grab a pump, either the included hand pump or an electric one if you’ve got it.
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Inflate each hull to around 0.20 bar or 3 PSI.
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Replace the valve caps once inflation is complete.
Now that the hulls are inflated, let’s add the steering gear.
Step 6: Attach the Rudder and Tiller
Begin by removing any protective Saran wrap from the rudder and tiller components, and unwrap the plastic from the mainsheet.
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Tie a stopper knot at the end of the mainsheet.
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Take the rudder and place it between your knees.
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Remove the thumb ring and pin.
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Line up the rudder with the back-center of the boat, and line up the pin holes.
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Insert the pin from the bottom up and secure it into place with thumb rings.
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Fix the tiller in place. If it's not going into its designated slot, flip it and try the other end.
Check the uphaul/downhaul lines and tiller cleats, which let you lock them in place for smooth sailing.
With the rudder ready, it’s time to raise the sail.
Step 7: Assemble and Install the Sail
Remove the sail from its bag and lay it on the ground. Find the pocket in which the mast will slide in.
Then, gather your three mast sections. Note that the top of the mast has an end cap on it.
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Slide the top section of the mast into the sail pocket. You can unfurl the sail gradually as you insert each section.
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Fix the middle section of the mast to the top and slide it into the sail pocket. Repeat for the bottom section.
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Insert the angled batten into the pocket at the top of the sail and secure it in place by adjusting the tension.
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Insert the mast into the step on the centre bar of the Minicat Guppy.
Tip: Always point the sail’s leading edge into the wind to keep it steady.
Your sail is up, so let’s tie everything together for the final touch.
Step 8: Connect the Cunningham and Mainsheet
Take the Cunningham line and find the carabiner on the center bar. Note the D-ring that is also on the base of the sail.
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Clip the Cunningham line to the carabiner and then fix the clip of the Cunningham onto the D-ring.
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Adjust tension while monitoring the sail for wrinkles, which indicate improper tensioning.
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Clip the mainsheet carabiner to the D-ring located at the sail's end.
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Ensure all battens are tensioned properly with a slight curve.
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Check that the rudder lines, sail, and fittings are secure.
And that's it, your new Minicat Guppy is now ready to sail!
If you’re new to catamarans, we have a full guide on how to sail a catamaran, so check it out for some helpful tips that'll make your first sailing experience a blast.
Final Thoughts
The Guppy is one of our favorite catamarans for recreational, hassle-free sailing, especially if you plan to sail with children. The whole setup is so easy that even kids can join the fun of putting it together!
We're certain you'll get many years of enjoyment from your MiniCat Guppy. Its remarkable compactness and swift assembly make it perfect for spontaneous sailing adventures. Simply keep it in your car, and whenever the water calls, you’ll be ready to sail.