Hobie kayak User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Part #84000 - Revised 2/28/06

HOBIE MIRAGE DRIVE
This unique propulsion system was patented
by Hobie. Designer Greg Ketterman has
designed several innovative water products
including the award-winning Hobie TriFoiler.
The Hobie Mirage Drive efficiently converts a
simple fore-and-aft pedal motion into forward
speed. Adjustable pedal positions make
pedaling the Mirage comfortable
DRY
Closed deck and raised combing help
keep water out of cockpit
SELF-DRAINING COCKPIT
Scupper drains water from cockpit
4 MOLDED-IN ROD
HOLDERS
W/ CAPS
Four vertical and two horizontal rod holder
locations for storage and trolling
SMALL ITEM “TRAYS”
Small tools, hooks, lures, flies and other
small items will be easily accessible in
the recessed trays that surround
the cockpit
DRINK HOLDERS
One on each side of cockpit
KICK-UP-RUDDER
Flip lever to raise rudder for
beaching or shallow water
COMFORTABLE
Seat is ergonomically designed to reduce
fatigue and pressure points while
pedaling Positioned higher than footwells,
the seat is dry and comfortable
INTERNAL STORAGE ACCESS
Internal hatch for storage within hull
LARGE EXTERNAL STORAGE AREA
Storage area is versatile for all kinds of gear
including molded-in dive tank location
and cooler / tackle box location
GRAPHICS
Graphics are molded in, assuring that they will
not peel or flake off during the life of your kayak
DRAIN PLUG
RUDDER
Custom balanced elliptical shape
for effortless turning
PERFORMANCE
Fine bow entry, reduced wetted surface,
light weight and sleek shape make
the Hobie Mirage Outback fast
STORAGE
Large forward “flip-hatch” for internal access
OPTIONAL SAIL RIG
Scupper hole functions as a sail rig mount
VERSATILE
Pedal or paddle. Multiple foot positions fit
virtually all paddlers comfortably
HOBIE MIRAGE DRIVE
Adjustable pedal positions to fit nearly
any pedaler, big or small
MESH COVERED STOWAGE POCK
Works great for anchor line storage
DRINK HOLDERS
One on each side of cockpit
DUAL PADDLE STORAGE
Paddle is conveniently stored on either
side of cockpit, held in place
with bungee strap
HAND STEERING
Simply point toward direction you want to go
SMALL ITEM “TRAYS”
Small tools, hooks, lures, flies and other
small items will be easily accessible in the
recessed trays that surround the cockpit
SIT-ON-TOP DESIGN
The Hobie kayak’s open-top cockpit allows
the user to enter and exit the kayak easily
from the shore, dock or water. Scupper holes
make the kayak self-bailing. The design also
eliminates the need to perform an Eskimo roll
(advanced kayak technique). The contoured
seat is fitted with an adjustable backrest for
added comfort. The multiple footwells allow
you to adjust your leg position when paddling
and not using the pedal system
HULL DESIGN
The long center “keel” area encourages the kayak
to track straight when paddling and coasting. Under
moderate paddling conditions, the wider “shoulder”
area of the hull rides high at the surface of the water
without compromising speed. 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
FEAT
1
MIRAGE
OUTBACK
URES
Handle &
Anchor
Line Guide
HANDLE

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 and pedaling. 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 Mirage Outback Features......................................1
Welcome..........................................................................................2
Rudder Installation and Adjustments...........................................3
Mirage Drive Installation and Maintenance..................................4
Mirage Drive Diagram ....................................................................4
Basic Kayak Features......................... ...........................................5
Safety/Righting Techniques .........................................................5
How to Pedal and Paddle ..............................................................6
How to Store/Transport your Hobie Kayak..................................7
Recommended Equipment............................................................7
About Polyethylene........................................................................7
Frequently Asked Questions “FAQ”.............................................7
Warranty .........................................................................................8
Hobie Cat Company Contact Information....................................8

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLING THE RUDDER
After the packaging is carefully removed, follow these
simple steps...
1) Remove one of the two keeper rings (A) from the plastic
pin (B) that is installed in the stern (rear) of the kayak.
2) Slide the pin partially out of the hull.
3) Detach the stainless steel rudder
mount “T” (C) from its shipping
position (which is taped on the side
of the kayak underneath the shelf of
the boat) and align the top of the “T”
with the holes from where the plastic
pin was removed. The shaft (D)
points downward. Be sure to run the
rudder downhaul line (E) over the top
of the “T” fitting as shown. Reinsert
the plastic pin through the hull and
the stainless steel rudder mount “T”.
Replace the keeper ring.
4) Locate the rudder (G). Align the
rudder over “T” shaft (D) as shown at
right.
5) See FIGURE 2 Place the rudder kick-up control handle in
the rudder-up or handle-forward position. While the rudder
“T” shaft (D) is in a mostly up position (Note: Figure 2
shows the rudder in the down position), insert the stainless
steel rudder pin (H) (taped to the deck near the stern)
through the rudder (G) and “T” shaft (D) and turn the
stainless steel rudder pin clockwise until snug. Be sure
that it is fully threaded into the rudder. DO NOT over
tighten.
6) SEE FIGURE 3With the rudder locked in the down
position, feed each steering line up through the outermost
holes in the rudder (I & J), under washer and around screw
(K) in a clockwise direction. With the rudder and the
steering handle straight, pull all the slack from line and
tighten the the screw. Do the same for both sides. The
extra line can be cut or tucked under itself.
CONTROL LINE TENSION
RUDDER STEERING LINES
It is desirable to have some friction in the steering system so
the rudder does not move from side to side excessively when
you remove your hand from the handle. The amount of
friction can be a personal preference and can be adjusted by
changing the tension in the steering lines. More tension
equals more friction and vice versa. Re-tension the steering
control lines to increase rudder friction.
Note: It is normal for one of the steering lines to go slack in
a hard turn and for both steering lines to go slack when the
rudder is up.
STORING THE RUDDER
The rudder can be removed for storing or transporting. To
remove (See FIGURE 2 and 3), unfasten the steering control
lines from the top of rudder. Tie a stop knot in the line so it
doesn’t accidentally get pulled into the boat. Turn the rudder
pin counter-clockwise while the rudder is half-way up. Pull the
pin out to separate the rudder from the “T” shaft. Place the
rudder pin into the “T” shaft.
FIGURE 3
I
J
K
3
DOWNHAUL LINE
OVER TOP OF “T”
RUDDER UPHAIUL
CONTROL LINE
“T”
SHAFT
OPENING FOR RIGHT
STEERING LINE
TOP
VIEW
RUDDER UPHAUL
CONTROL LINE
KEEPER RING
PLASTIC PIN
FIGURE 1
A
B
C
F
STAINLESS STEEL
RUDDER MOUNT “T”
OPENING FOR LEFT
STEERING LINE
RUDDER DOWNHAUL
CONTROL LINE
STAINLESS STEEL
RUDDER MOUNT “T”
C
“T” SHAFT D
E
E
G
RUDDER
“T”
SHAFT D
FIGURE 2
STAINLESS STEEL
RUDDER PIN
RUDDER DOWNHAUL
CONTROL LINE
E
H
F
D
GRUDDER
RIGHT STEERING LINE
LEFT STEERING LINE

MIRAGE DRIVE
INSTALLATION
1) Insert Hobie Mirage Drive into the opening of the hull near
the footwells so that it is facing forward. The front of the
Mirage Drive can be determined by the location of the sail
masts (See FIGURE 5). The forward side is to the left in
the diagram.
2) Turn locking knobs on both sides of the Mirage Drive until
snug.
ADJUST PEDALS
The pedals of the Hobie Mirage Drive are adjustable to
accommodate different leg lengths of kayakers. To adjust
the pedals:
1. Squeeze the adjuster handles located on the pedal
cranks.
2. Keeping the adjuster handle squeezed, move the pedal
crank to the most comfortable position. Like a bicycle, it is
best to adjust the pedals so that your legs do not fully extend
and knees lock. Make sure that the metal pin on the crank
fully engages the adjustment hole.
WASHING
After using in salt water or dirty water, wash the Mirage Drive
with fresh water.Allow to dry, then spray metal parts with WD-
40™ or equivalent. Special attention should be paid to
threaded cable ends, lock nuts, chain, shafts, pedals, and
adjustment pins.
CABLE ADJUSTMENTS
Determining if adjustment is needed...
Occasionally the cables may need to be re-tightened. The
cables should be kept taut; however, the front chain should
be a little tighter than the rear chain. Push with thumbs at the
points marked (L) with moderate pressure (See FIGURE 6).
The side of the chain should not go beyond the inside edge
of the drum casting.
DRUM CASTING
When turning cable adjusting nuts, use a vise grip on the
solid portion of the stud to prevent the cable from twisting.
Turn the nut with a 7/16 inch open-end wrench, only giving it
one half a turn at a time, then do the same to the remaining
three nuts. Recheck the tension and adjust accordingly.
Note: Keep the pedal shafts and masts parallel. When the
shafts are together, both masts must be straight down. The
idler pulley cable (M) will be tightened automatically when the
front chain assembly is tightened.
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
Periodically check for loose screws, cotter pins or frayed
cables. If a cable has a broken strand, replace it with new
cable.
CAUTION
Care should be taken to avoid hitting objects with the Mirage
Drives. If you bend a mast, it usually can be straightened. To
straighten a mast, remove the Mirage Drive from the boat and
insert the drive into something solid, such as a vise. Remove
the sail, then carefully bend the mast until straight. To test for
true, roll mast on a flat surface and straighten as needed until
the masts roll evenly. If the masts cannot be straightened or
becomes cracked or fatigued, replace the mast.
4
FRONT VIEW
FORWARD
FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6
UNLOCKED LOCKED
SIDE VIEW
LL
M

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 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.
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.
• To avoid damage to the Mirage Drive, push either pedal
completely forward before beaching or in shallow water.
Use small, partial, pedal strokes with one pedal nearly all
the way forward until there is adequate water depth for the
Mirage Drive to have complete clearance in the water.
• Consult your physician prior to beginning
paddlesport / pedaling training.
• Carry a spare paddle.
• Obtain paddlesport/pedaling 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 pedal or paddle alone.
• Always use a leash tied to your paddle.
• Do not pedal or 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/pedaling ability; be aware of
your limitations.
• DO NOTuse 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/pedaling.
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 or Mirage Drive 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.
CAUTION: While righting the Hobie Mirage or climbing back
aboard, stay clear of the pedals, pedal shafts and sails. Be
careful not to get hit by them or get them hooked into your life
jacket. Also be aware of the seat adjustment straps.
5

PEDALING
First adjust the pedals as shown on page 4.Adjustments can
be made for a variety of leg lengths. Adjust the pedal
positions equally. Sit with
one pedal all the way
forward so your knee stays
slightly bent when your leg
is fully extended. Then you
simply pedal back and
forth to propel the boat
forward. For pedaling in
shallow water, partial
strokes with one pedal
forward and one aft allow
for shallow water sails
retraction. When there is
adequate water for
clearance of the fins, full
strokes can be used. For additional speed you can paddle as
well as pedal.
Before beaching or launching, push one pedal completely
forward to retract the Mirage Drive fins up against the hull and
kick up the rudder by flipping lever on right side of boat to the
forward (rudder up) position. To take off from the beach, push
out to deeper water or paddle out before putting the rudder
down and pedaling the Mirage Drive.
To avoid damage to the Mirage Drive, if launching from a
rocky or wavy shore, you may prefer to paddle away from the
beach and into deeper water before installing the Mirage
Drive. (Be sure to tether the drive to your kayak whenever its
not installed). You may also prefer to remove the drive before
beaching.
PADDLING
You can choose to paddle,
pedal or combine the two.
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.
6

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. Be sure to first
consult your owner’s manual for the car and roof rack system to
ensure that you comply with all of their recommendations,
precautions and specifications.
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 or hanging on its edges. When hanging
your kayak 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.
7
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.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR SPECIFIC
TYPES OF PEDALING AND 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 its 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.
Mirage Scupper Plug
You Hobie Mirage kayak is shipped with a Mirage Cassette
Plug. The plug is provided as standard equipment in the Mirage
Kayak package and is used to fill the space where the Mirage
fits into the hull. It is inserted when the Mirage Drive is removed
to provide added safety and to “fair” the bottom of the hull when
paddling.
To install the cassette plug, simply place the plug in the hole for
the Mirage Drive mechanism and lock it down using the cam
lock knobs.

8
HOBIE CAT
4925 Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
www.hobiekayak.com
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 the period listed below. For
retail customers in the United States, U.S. possessions and
Canada. Hobie will repair or, at its discretion, replace
defective parts.
The warranty period for the hull is two years and the Mirage
Drive, rudder, seat and paddle is one year.
This warranty does not cover:
• Normal wear and discoloration.
• Damage caused by abuse or failure to perform normal
maintenance.
• Damage caused by hitting submerged objects or
beaching without retracting or removing the Mirage Drive
and rudder (see page 6).
• Mirage Drive Sails are are not covered for impact and
wear damage.
• 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.