Hobie HOBIE MAUI User manual

HOBIE
MAUI
HOBIE
PURSUIT
OWNERS MANUAL
HOBIE
ODYSSEY
Part #76000 - Revised 11/14/2001

PERFORMANCE
Fine bow entry, reduced wetted surface, lightweight and
sleek shape make the Hobie Kayak faster
DRY
Closed deck and raised combing help
keep water out of cockpit
STORAGE
Access to storage area (optional on some models)
VERSATILE
Multiple foot positions fit all paddlers comfortably
SELF-DRAINING COCKPIT
Scupper(s) drain water from cockpit.
SELF-DRAINING SEAT(S)
Seat area is drained forward, eliminating the need for
seat area scuppers that would otherwise let
more water into the cockpit
EASY-CARRY HANDLE(S)
Molded-in slot offers excellent hand hold
MOLDED-IN DRINK HOLDER(S)
Keeps beverage available for easy access
SAFER
Raised combing prevents the paddlers hands from
hitting seat back pad eyes while paddling; also
prevents damage from pad eye
contact with roof rack
COMFORTABLE
Seat is ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue and
pressure points on the paddlers legs. Positioned
higher than footwells, the seat is dry and comfortable
COMFORT WITH STYLE
Optional seat backs make paddling more comfortable
and are color coordinated to match hulls
INTERNAL PADDLE STORAGE
Internal hatch for storage of two-piece paddles within hull
(Pursuit Only)
LARGE STORAGE AREA
(Pursuit Only) Storage area keeps items dry
and out of bilge.
STABLE
Computer designed for maximum stability
1
Unique Features Of
Your Hobie Kayak
Sit-on-top Design
The Hobie kayak open top
cockpit allows the paddler to
enter and exit the kayak easily
from the shore, dock or water.
Scupper hole(s) make the kayak
self-bailing. The design also
eliminates the need to perform
an Eskimo roll (advanced Kayak
technique). The contoured seat
may be fitted with an adjustable
backrest for added comfort. The
multiple footwells allow you to
adjust your seating position.
Hull Design
The long center keel area
encourages boats to track
straight when paddling and
coasting. The wider shoulder
area of the hulls ride high at the
surface of the water without
compromising speed under
moderate paddling conditions.
If the kayak is fully loaded with
gear or is being paddled and
braced in rough conditions, the
shoulder areas provide
secondary buoyancy and
stability. Maneuverability without
the aid of a rudder is
accomplished by incorporating
enough rocker to make turning
easy while still tracking well.
Scupper Hole(s)
Drain holes (scuppers) in the
cockpit allow any water that
enters the cockpit to flow back
out immediately.
Graphics
Graphics are molded into the
kayaks, assuring you that they
will not peel or flake off for the
life of the boat.
FEATURES
HANDLE
KAYAK
HANDLE
DRAIN PLUG
HOBIE

2
Welcome to the Hobie way of life.
Thank you for choosing a Hobie kayak. As part of the Hobie way of life, you are now on the
road to pure adventure in paddling. This owners manual is designed
to help you get maximum enjoyment from your new Hobie kayak.
More important, it is designed to help you use it safely.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
Unique Hobie Kayak Features.......................................................1
Welcome..........................................................................................2
Basic Kayak Features......................... ...........................................3
Safety/Righting Techniques .........................................................3
How to Paddle.................................................................................4
How to Store/Transport your Hobie Kayak ..................................4
Recommended Equipment ............................................................5
About Polyethylene ........................................................................5
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.............................................5
Warranty .........................................................................................5
Hobie Cat Company Contact Information....................................5

BASIC KAYAK FEATURES
The front of the boat is the bow and the rear is the stern.
When looking forward to the bow, the left side of the boat is
Port and the right side is Starboard. The hull ID number can
be found on the bottom side of the boat, at the stern.
In the middle of the boat, there is a cockpit area, with the seat
(toward the stern) and footwells (toward the bow). Inside the
cockpit are scupper hole(s) that go all the way through the
boat. These scuppers allow the boat to drain. Your particular
model may have hatches that allow access to the inside of
the boat for gear storage.
All boats have a bow line (paddle leash). This line is to be
fastened to your paddle when paddling. Alongside the cockpit
are a series of small U straps, called pad eyes. These are
used to attach accessories such as backrests.
All Hobie kayaks are made of linear polyethylene, making
them repairable and recyclable.
SAFETY
Paddlesports / pedaling can be dangerous and physically
demanding. The user of this product should understand that
participating in paddlesports may involve serious injury or
death. Observe the following safety standards when using
this product. These are basic safety rules that all boaters
should follow. Always use common sense and follow all
safety rules at all times.
 Consult your physician prior to beginning paddlesport /
training.
 Carry a spare paddle.
 Obtain paddlesport instructions from your dealer specific to
this type of craft.
 Obtain certified first aid training and carry first aid and
rescue/safety equipment.
 Always wear a nationally approved personal flotation
device.
 Wear a helmet where appropriate.
 Dress appropriately for weather conditions; cold water
and/or weather can result in hypothermia.
 Check your equipment prior to each use for signs of wear
or failure.
 Never paddle alone.
 Always use a paddle leash.
 Do not paddle in flood conditions.
 Be aware of appropriate river water levels, tidal changes,
dangerous currents, obstacles in and above the water and
weather changes.
 Scout unfamiliar waters; portage where appropriate.
 Do not exceed your paddling ability; be aware of your
limitations.
 DO NOT use alcohol or mind-altering drugs prior to or
while using this product.
 Follow the manufacturers recommendations for use of this
product.
 If additional outfitting is added to this craft, use
manufacturer-approved materials only; do not impair entry
or exit access.
 Read owners information package prior to using this
product.
The user of this product acknowledges both an
understanding and assumption of the risk involved in
paddlesports/paddling.
Beware of offshore winds that may make it difficult to return
to shore.
When paddling in a new area, check with the locals regarding
currents, shoreline conditions and weather patterns. Plan an
escape route -- an alternative place to get off the water
should environmental conditions dictate.
Hobie Kayaks were not designed for fast moving water
HOW TO PERFORM A SELF RESCUE
If you fall out of your boat, dont panic. Stay with the boat. You
should be wearing a life jacket which will keep you afloat.
There are many ways to get back up on the boat.
If the boat is upside down, it will need to be turned over. To
do this, reach across the bottom of the boat and grab the
scupper hole and pull the boat upright.
Position yourself so your head is near the cockpit area of the
boat and you are facing the boat. You will also want to be
between the seat and the footwell areas of the boat.
Reach across the boat to the far edge with one hand. Place
the other hand on the near side rail, then kick with your feet,
pulling yourself up and onto the boat, so your bellybutton is
across the center line of the boat. (Your belly should end up
between the footwells and the seat.)
Next, roll over onto your backside toward the seat, which
should place your backside in the seat. Sit up, swing your feet
into the footwells and youre ready to go.
The key to this, and any method, is to keep your center of
gravity low and near the centerline of the boat. Your body and
head should stay close to the boat.
3

PADDLING
These guidelines will help you to get started.
To start, sit in your kayak. Your backside should be all the
way back in the seat and your knees comfortably bent. To find
the proper footwell, straighten your legs all the way out and
then bring them back one well. If your legs are too
outstretched, you may experience strain on your lower back.
If your knees are bent too much, you may end up knocking
your kneecaps while paddling.
For proper hand placement on your paddle, start with your
hands about a shoulders width apart and centered. If you
place the center of the paddle on top of your head, your
elbows should form slightly less than a 90 degree angle.
There should be an equal amount of paddle shaft beyond
each of your hands.
Some paddles may have the blades offset, or feathered, at
some degree from parallel. A feathered paddle presents less
surface area for the wind to catch as that blade moves
forward through the air. Some paddles have a flattened spot
along the paddle shaft that will help keep your control hand
in a fixed position. However, a special technique must be
used to get each blade in the water. If the paddle is right-hand
controlled (when the right blade is held vertical, the left blade
scoop is pointed mostly up), the right hand will stay tight and
the left hand loose. To learn the process, hold the paddle tight
in your right hand and loose in your left. Using the right hand,
rotate the paddle blade back and forth; it should spin in your
left hand. Now take a stroke on your right, then cock your
right wrist back (left hand staying loose and somewhat open)
and take a stroke on your left. If using a left-hand control
paddle, reverse the process, the left hand stays tight and the
right hand stays loose.
The basic paddle stroke will give you forward power. Place a
paddle blade in the water near your toes. Pull the paddle
blade back alongside the boat to approximately your hip area
while your opposite hand and paddle blade move forward.
Then lift the first paddle blade out of the water while lowering
the second blade into the water and take a stroke with the
other side.
If you pull the paddle out and away from the hull in an arc, it
will force the bow of the boat to swing away from the paddle
blade. This is called a sweep stroke and is used to turn the
boat.
MORE PADDLING TIPS
Hobie kayaks are very easy to use and very forgiving. By
beginning in calm water, you can quickly get the feel of the
boat and paddle techniques. Practice getting in and out of the
boat by yourself.
Relax your hands when paddling; a tight grip is not
necessary!
Sit with good posture while keeping your torso vertical.
Choose a footrest position that will allow your knees to be
slightly bent.
For greater efficiency use not only your arms, but your torso
and shoulders as well. Start out easy until you get the feel of
the paddle and the steering strokes. Most experienced
paddlers use an offset (feathered) paddle, but beginners may
prefer to keep the paddle blades square.
STORING YOUR HOBIE KAYAK
Hobie has chosen a blend of plastic that has an added
measure of ultraviolet inhibitors to provide superior protection
from ultraviolet light. However, to ensure extra years of
flexibility and bright colors, avoid storing the boat in weather
or direct sunlight.
Kayaks should be stored on edge, upside down on the
cockpit rails, standing on end. When hanging your kayak,
hang it upside down, run straps around the boat, near the
cockpit. A word of caution: hanging by the scupper hole(s)
may cause distortion; and hanging from the handles may
place undue strain on them. Storing the boat bottom side
down may also cause distortion. Kayak storage systems are
available from your dealer. Pad eyes are NOT intended for
hanging or for use as tie downs.
To secure your kayak, simply run a cable through a scupper
hole and lock it to something secure.
TRANSPORTING YOUR HOBIE KAYAK
One of the easiest ways to transport your Hobie kayak is to
purchase a roof rack from your dealer. This normally involves
a set of crossbars that attach to the car via the rain gutters or
adapter clips mounted to the door frame. They come with a
wide variety of attachments from kayak saddles to stackers.
The racks can be used without the attachments but the racks
should be padded. To help prevent distortion, place the
kayak, cockpit side down, on top of the rack. It is best if the
crossbars contact the cockpit sides and not the deck areas.
Straps can then be laid across the boat and tied to the bars.
Saddles cradle the boat and often come with their own
straps. Stackers allow multiple boats to be placed on their
sides without falling over.
An alternative to traditional rack systems are soft racks. They
tend to be less expensive and will work with most cars. These
are pads mounted on straps that sit between the kayak and
the roof of your car. Some styles have a strap that wraps
around the kayak and others strap the pad to the roof. To tie
the boat to the car, straps are run through the car doors and
the boat is tied to the roof as well as the bumpers, front and
rear. Over-tightening the straps may cause dents in the roof
of the car.
A line run from the bow and stern of the boat to each bumper
is required. If your bumpers do not have a gap to pass a rope
around, look underneath. There should be a loop of metal,
which is used by car transports such as tow trucks.
Many people like to use the scupper holes to tie the boat to
the car. This helps prevent the boat from sliding back and
forth or the tie down rope from slipping off the kayak. This is
a perfectly acceptable method for tying the boat down.
4

5
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR SPECIFIC
TYPES OF PADDLING
Basic Boating: Life Jacket, Paddle, Paddle Leash, Backrest,
Safety Whistle, Filled Water Bottle, Appropriate Safety
Equipment.
Longer Distance Touring: Dry Bags, Chart, Compass.
Additional Equipment for Diving: Dive Flag, Anchor.
Fishing: Fishing Rod Holder, Drip Guards, Gear Bags, Knee
Braces.
ABOUT POLYETHYLENE
Continuing Hobies tradition of offering the latest in
technology at an affordable price, your new kayak is made of
rotomolded super linear polyethylene. Polyethylene offers a
major advantage because it is virtually indestructible under
normal use. Being somewhat flexible, it gives on impact and
derives its stiffness from compound curves. Polyethylene is
very abrasion-resistant.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How watertight is my boat?
It is normal for any type of kayak to experience a small
amount of seepage due to the installation of rivets, hatches,
etc. Kayaks may take on a few cups of water while out
paddling. If a kayak is taking on more than a small amount of
water, check to make sure the drain plug is in, then check the
rest of the boat for leaks. Silicone can be used to seal the
rivets. If you have any questions, please call your dealer.
How should I store my kayak?
It is best to store your kayak on edge, upside down, standing
on end or hanging on edges.
Is my boat repairable?
Hobie kayaks are very durable, however, on occasion they
may need some minor repairs. Linear polyethylene is
repairable. Check with your dealer concerning repairs for
your kayak.
Is my boat recyclable?
Hobie will recycle your boat when you are done with it. To
recycle a Hobie Kayak, it must be cut up so it fits in a box with
the following dimensions: may not exceed 130 for the length
plus girth, and 108 for the height. Ship the boat to: Hobie
Cat 4925 Oceanside Blvd. Oceanside, CA 92056.
It is our hope that no Hobie Kayak will ever end up in
a landfill!
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Hobie provides a two year limited hull warranty.
Your warranty registration card is packaged with this owners
manual and should be completed and returned to Hobie
within 30 days of the date of purchase. If you have problems
with your boat, contact your dealer first. If you need further
assistance, contact Hobie. To help process any warranty
problems, please complete your warranty card and give it to
your dealer or mail it directly to Hobie.
Hobie warrants each kayak to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for retail customers in the United
States, U.S. possessions and Canada. Hobie will repair or, at
its discretion, replace defective parts.
All hulls are covered for a period of two years.
This warranty does not cover:
 Normal wear and discoloration.
 Damage caused by abuse or failure to perform normal
maintenance.
 Damage caused by mooring or storing boat in water.
 Damage caused by alterations or modifications.
 Transportation of boat or parts to Hobie or its dealers.
 Any boat used as a rental or placed in commercial service.
 Any other consequential damage, incidental damages or
incidental expenses, including damage to property. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not
apply to you.
To Obtain Warranty Service: Within 30 days of discovering
a defect, take your boat, along with the proof of purchase
(sales receipt) to the authorized Hobie dealer from whom you
purchased your boat, unless you have moved or are
traveling. In that case, take it to the nearest authorized Hobie
dealer.
Implied Warranties: Any implied warranties, including
implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, shall be no longer than the duration of this express
warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply
to you. Hobie makes no express warranties in addition to this
limited warranty. Hobie Dealers have no authority to make
warranties on behalf of The Hobie Cat Company in addition
to, or inconsistent with, those stated herein.
To the extent any provision of this warranty is prohibited by
Federal, State or Municipal law and cannot be preempted, it
shall not be applicable. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights.
HOBIE CAT
4925 Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
www.hobiekayak.com